AD/CESSNA 560/2 - Thrust Reverser Throttle Load Limiter

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically under Part 39 - 105, addresses the maintenance and airworthiness standards of aircraft within Australian airspace. One such regulation pertains to the Cessna 560 (Citation V) series aeroplanes, identified as AD/CESSNA 560/2, focusing on the thrust reverser throttle load limiter. This regulation was introduced in response to an incident where the activation of a spring-loaded limiter device during thrust reverser transition led to a significant reduction in power control authority, posing a safety risk. The objective of this Airworthiness Directive is to mandate modifications to the affected aircraft within a specified timeframe to mitigate this risk. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, enacted this directive to ensure the safety and reliability of the specified aircraft models within the national airspace. The policy objective is to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety by addressing specific mechanical issues that could compromise flight operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Cessna 560 (Citation V) Series Aeroplanes with unit numbers -071A, -092A, -109A, and -0001 to -0118. The regulation mandates that these aircraft be modified in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin 560-78-02 to address issues related to the thrust reverser throttle load limiter. The requirement is for compliance within 150 hours of time in service following 24 June 1993. The regulation is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and extends to all aircraft registered in Australia, ensuring that the safety measures outlined are uniformly applied across the nation. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but relies on the referenced FAA AD 93-05-15 for additional context and technical guidance. The scope and application of these directives are further governed by subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all necessary modifications are implemented to maintain the airworthiness of the specified aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives (AD) that are crucial for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 560/2, which pertains to the Cessna 560 (Citation V) Series Aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the thrust reverser throttle load limiter (Section 39 - 105). This directive applies to specific unit numbers, namely -071A, -092A, -109A, and -0001 to -0118 (Section 39 - 105). The required action is to modify the aircraft in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin 560-78-02, which references FAA AD 93-05-15 (Section 39 - 105). The AD imposes a compliance requirement that the specified modifications must be completed within 150 hours of time in service after 24 June 1993. This timeframe is critical to ensure that any aircraft within the specified unit numbers adheres to the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The directive is underpinned by a background incident where an attempt to advance the throttle control levers during a thrust reverser transition activated a spring-loaded limiter device. The subsequent displacement of this device led to a significant reduction in power control authority, highlighting the necessity for the mandated modifications to prevent such occurrences. Entities and parties governed by these regulations are required to meticulously follow the outlined modifications to maintain airworthiness. Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 560/2 directive could result in severe safety implications, potentially rendering the aircraft non-airworthy. Operators must ensure that the specified modifications are conducted by authorised personnel and that the aircraft is inspected and certified as compliant before resuming operational flights. In terms of legal consequences, non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to significant penalties. Under Section 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, failure to adhere to the specified Airworthiness Directives may result in substantial fines or other civil penalties. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the required safety standards can lead to prosecution, resulting in both criminal penalties and civil liabilities. The exact penalties are determined based on the severity of the breach, but the potential for significant financial and reputational damage underscores the importance of strict compliance with these regulations.