Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia, providing a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern all aspects of civil aviation safety. The 1998 regulations, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), address the growing complexities and demands of the aviation industry, aiming to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations. One of the significant concerns addressed by these regulations is the maintenance and inspection of aircraft components to prevent in-service failures that could compromise safety. The Airworthiness Directive issued under CASR 1998, specifically AD/CRESCO/5, targets the inspection of aileron control cables in Pacific Aerospace Corporation Cresco Series Aeroplanes to address the issue of significant fraying detected in service, particularly at the wing inboard rib fairlead. This directive was issued to ensure timely and effective action is taken to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby upholding the stringent safety standards set forth by CASA.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, as detailed in Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, apply to all persons involved in the maintenance, repair, and operation of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertains to the Pacific Aerospace Corporation Cresco Series Aeroplanes, particularly Model Cresco 08-600 aircraft, requiring the inspection of aileron control cables to ensure airworthiness. The AD mandates that these inspections be conducted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the requirement section, which references Pacific Aerospace Service Bulletin PACSB/CR/033. The directive was issued due to the detection of significant fraying in aileron control cables at the location of the wing inboard rib fairlead, an area that is not easily accessible during routine inspections. The AD specifies that the initial inspection must occur at the next scheduled 100-hour inspection following the directive's effective date of 13 May 2004, unless it has already been completed. Subsequent inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours in service or 12 months, whichever comes first. This AD is applicable nationally and extends its requirements to all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD/CRESCO/5) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under section 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) applies specifically to all Model Cresco 08-600 aircraft manufactured by Pacific Aerospace Corporation. This directive mandates an inspection of the aileron control cable in accordance with Pacific Aerospace Service Bulletin PACSB/CR/033. This inspection is necessitated by the detection of significant fraying of cables at the location of the wing inboard rib fairlead, an area not easily accessible during routine inspections. The directive is referenced in New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority AD DCA/CRESCO/6. The compliance timeline requires an initial inspection at the next scheduled 100-hour inspection after 13 May 2004, with subsequent inspections to occur at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours in service or 12 months, whichever comes first. The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. These include conducting the required inspections as stipulated, ensuring that the inspections are performed in accordance with the instructions provided in the Pacific Aerospace Service Bulletin PACSB/CR/033. Operators must maintain records of these inspections and ensure that any detected fraying is addressed appropriately to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Additionally, operators must ensure that the inspections are performed by qualified personnel who are familiar with the specific requirements outlined in the directive. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 outline that non-compliance with ADs can be considered an offence. The potential penalties for such offences include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties are not specified in the directive itself but would be determined under the broader framework of the CASR and other relevant Australian laws. The seriousness of the potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.