AD/SM-205/36 - Control Cables

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to maintain and enhance airworthiness standards in Australia. This regulation was introduced to address the specific safety concern of cracking in the cable eyes of SIAI Marchetti S205 and S208 series aeroplanes, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The regulation was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia through the Civil Aviation Authority, with the policy objective of maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation, particularly in relation to the maintenance and inspection of control cables in specified aircraft models. This regulation applies to models S205, S208, and S208A, and requires compliance with SIAI Marchetti Service Bulletin 205B58. The directive mandates that installed cables be inspected at the next maintenance release issue following 14 September 1995 or before 31 December 1995, whichever comes first. Additionally, any uninstalled parts supplied as spares prior to 31 December 1992 must be inspected before installation. The regulation references RAI AD 95-119 and aims to prevent the operational risks associated with cracked cable eyes, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the issuance of airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models to ensure their safe operation. This particular legislative instrument pertains to SIAI Marchetti S205 and S208 series aeroplanes, requiring compliance with Service Bulletin 205B58, which addresses issues related to control cable integrity. This directive applies to all installed cables at the next inspection for a Maintenance Release issue after 14 September 1995 or prior to 31 December 1995, whichever occurs first, and to uninstalled parts supplied as spare parts before 31 December 1992, which must be inspected before installation. The regulation is underpinned by the need to prevent the cracking of the cable eyes, as reported by the manufacturer. The directive is geographically applicable throughout Australia, reflecting the Commonwealth's jurisdiction over civil aviation safety. The scope of the Act is limited to the specified models and components, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the provided text, and it does not explicitly mention the extension or restriction of its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives (ADs) which mandate certain safety measures for specific aircraft types. In this case, the focus is on SIAI Marchetti S205 and S208 series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/SM-205/36. Section 10/95 pertains to control cables, which are crucial components for the safe operation of the aircraft. The directive applies to models S205, S208, and S208A. The requirement outlined in this directive is that the action must be taken in accordance with the SIAI Marchetti Service Bulletin 205B58, which provides detailed instructions on the necessary maintenance and repair of the control cables. This legislation imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, primarily aircraft owners and operators. According to the regulation, for installed cables, the action must be taken at the next inspection for a Maintenance Release issue after 14 September 1995, or prior to 31 December 1995, whichever occurs first. This ensures that all affected aircraft undergo the necessary maintenance within a defined timeframe. Additionally, for uninstalled parts supplied as spare parts prior to 31 December 1992, inspection must be conducted before installation to ensure they meet the required standards. This requirement underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent potential issues arising from faulty or compromised spare parts. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to severe consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) would take enforcement action under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. These could include fines, enforcement notices, and potentially more serious repercussions such as grounding of the aircraft or revocation of certificates of airworthiness, which would significantly impact the operational status and legality of the aircraft in question. Ensuring compliance is not only a matter of safety but also of legal necessity to avoid these adverse outcomes.