AD/CESSNA 650/3 - Elevator Torque Tube Inboard Attach Fittings

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument, F2006B08446, focuses on specific airworthiness directives for the Cessna 650 (Citation III) Series Aeroplanes, addressing the identified issue of elevator torque tube inboard attach fitting cracking. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this directive to ensure the safety of aircraft operations by preventing potential loss of elevator control due to structural failure. This directive applies to models 650 with serial numbers ranging from -0001 to -0219 and 7001 to -7013. Compliance with the directive requires inspections to be performed within 25 hours of time in service after 25 January 1993, in accordance with the specified procedures and referenced documentation. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by addressing and mitigating potential structural risks in aircraft components.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for certain aircraft, including the Cessna 650 (Citation III) Series Aeroplanes, through the AD/CESSNA 650/3 directive. This legislation applies to all aircraft within the specified serial number range, namely from Model 650 S/n -0001 to -0219 and 7001 to -7013 inclusive. The directive mandates that the inboard elevator torque tube fittings be inspected visually for any signs of cracking, in adherence with the guidelines outlined in Cessna Alert Service Letter SLA650-27-30, and referencing the FAA AD 92-27-08. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after 25 January 1993, underscoring the urgency and importance of this safety measure aimed at preventing potential loss of elevator control. The directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the overarching goal of ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39 - 105, concern the Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the Cessna 650 (Citation III) series aeroplanes. Section AD/CESSNA 650/3 details the requirement to inspect the inboard elevator torque tube fittings for any signs of cracking (section 1). This inspection must be carried out visually and in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Cessna Alert Service Letter SLA650-27-30 (section 2). The directive references FAA AD 92-27-08 for additional context and guidance (section 3). The directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 0001 to 0219 and 7001 to 7013 (section 4). Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 25 January 1993 (section 5). The obligations imposed by this Act are quite specific to the maintenance and inspection of the Cessna 650 series aeroplanes. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the inboard elevator torque tube fittings are inspected for cracks. This inspection must be conducted visually and in line with the directives from Cessna Alert Service Letter SLA650-27-30 and FAA AD 92-27-08. The directive explicitly states that this compliance must occur within 25 hours of time in service after the date of issuance, which was 25 January 1993 (section 6). Any findings of cracking must be addressed immediately to avoid any potential loss of elevator control, which is a critical safety concern. The consequences for non-compliance with this directive can be severe. While the specific penalties are not outlined within the text of the directive, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally result in substantial penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The potential penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. Non-compliance could also lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed, potentially causing significant operational disruptions and safety risks. The overarching goal of these strict requirements is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.