Cessna SIDs extension has strict conditions

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Corrosion on a Cessna 100 series outer undercarriage bracket.

CASA is extending the compliance date for Cessna supplemental inspection documents (SIDs) compliance to 30 June 2018. The exemption applies to Cessna 100 series aircraft (including the Cessna 150, 152, 172, and 182) that are privately owned.

To receive the extension (or, strictly speaking, two-year exemption) Cessna operators must do three things:

  1. Determine the structural integrity of the aircraft, from its most recent maintenance records (annual or 100 hourly), or through a detailed visual inspection done by a LAME.
  1. Commence the SIDs program of inspections no later than 100 flight hours or 12 months after the extension is granted.
  1. Complete the SIDs program of inspections by 30 June 2018.

The Cessna SIDs program began in 2014 as a response to airworthiness issues identified in CASA’s Ageing Aircraft Management Plan. It required owners of several Cessna types to have their aircraft inspected in the ways described in the SIDs published by Cessna.

Although SIDs inspections could be significantly expensive for some aircraft, the program has had support from aircraft operators, particularly after inspections found potentially dangerous defects in some aircraft. CASA’s best estimate is that about 500 Cessna 100 series aircraft would be eligible for the SIDs extension.

CASA is committed to the SIDs program as a necessary step in maintaining the safety of general aviation. For this reason, exemptions have been written for those Cessna SIDs that the maker says ‘improve service life’ of components.

CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore, said the extension will make it easier for aircraft owners and maintainers to plan and complete the important structural inspections.

‘We have listened to feedback from both owners and maintainers about the need for extra time to complete SIDs on Cessna 100 series aircraft in private operations.’ Mr Skidmore said.

‘Both owners and maintainers said the original deadline of 30 June 2016 was causing problems such as a backlog of work and ordering replacement components.

‘The extra two years for SIDs completion will allow Cessna 100 series aircraft owners and maintainers to plan to spread out the work and the costs over a longer period with no unacceptable risks to safety.

‘This initiative by CASA is an example of our commitment to work with the aviation community to get outcomes that balance safety and operational requirements.’

Because they are not strongly related to the structural integrity of the aircraft these SIDs are not compulsory. This includes SIDs relating to landing gear—although landing gear failure could cause a runway accident, analysis of these accidents shows they rarely lead to injuries or deaths. Spar failure is a different case.

4 COMMENTS

  1. Another “MONUMENTAL SNAFU / BUBAR” Just who is running this Asylum of deep pockets an no accountability????

  2. No mention of any paperwork involved to receive the extension (exemption). Am I to assume therefore that the process is self-regulatory?

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