We have simplified continuing airworthiness requirements for certain ageing general aviation aircraft under 5,700 kg by repealing 18 unique Australian structural fatigue Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
Date
The repealed ADs applied to a range of ageing aircraft types and imposed structural fatigue life limits unique to Australia and were not reflected in manufacturer requirements or State of Design airworthiness directives.
Following a policy review and public consultation, we determined these requirements are no longer necessary because ageing aircraft risks can be effectively managed through existing continuing airworthiness obligations, manufacturer instructions and applicable State of Design ADs.
What operators should do
If you operate one of these aircraft, you should:
- read our new continuing airworthiness guidance
- review applicable manufacturer Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICAs)
- review State of Design ADs for applicability to your aircraft
- review structural inspection requirements and life limits
- update maintenance programs where required
- document assessments and decisions relating to service information.
For some aircraft types, this may include reviewing manufacturer structural inspection programs such as:
- Cessna Supplemental Inspection Documents (SIDs)
- Beechcraft Structural Inspection and Repair Manuals (SIRM).
Note: Where there are Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) specified by the aircraft manufacturer in the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) these are mandatory maintenance requirements under CASA CAO 100.5, section 9.1.
Continuing airworthiness responsibilities remain unchanged
Registered operators must continue to ensure their aircraft are maintained in an airworthy condition. Operators should review the new guidance and applicable manufacturer requirements as part of their next maintenance planning activity.
This includes considering all applicable ICAs, manufacturer service information and structural inspection requirements. Structural fatigue, corrosion and ageing aircraft issues remain significant aviation safety considerations.
New continuing airworthiness management direction
The AD repeal is supported by a new CASA continuing airworthiness management direction. This direction reinforces existing obligations to actively manage continuing airworthiness risks for ageing aircraft used in air transport operations.
It does not create a new safety standard, but clarifies how existing obligations should be applied, particularly for air transport operators not currently operating under Part 42 of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR).
New AD for Cessna 400-series aircraft
As part of the review, we identified one aircraft type that required additional action.
We have issued a new AD for Cessna 400-series aircraft to address wing lower spar cap inspection and modification requirements. The AD takes effect on 18 April 2027. It aligns CASA's requirements with those of the FAA, following the repeal of the uniquely Australian AD. It also recognises previously approved spar-strap modifications and provides exemptions for aircraft that have already complied with the applicable SIDs.
Most affected operators are expected to already meet these requirements, with only limited inspection or verification activities likely to be needed.
More information
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