{"id":"F2006B08267","name":"AD/CESSNA 340/21 Amdt 2 - Horizontal Stabiliser and Elevators - Inspection and Replacement","slug":"ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":115576,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B08267-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/CESSNA 340/21 Amdt 2 - Horizontal Stabiliser and Elevators - Inspection and Replacement","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nCessna 340 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/CESSNA 340/21\n\nAmdt 2\n\n  \n\nHorizontal Stabiliser and Elevators \\- Inspection and Replacement\n\n  \n5/81\n\nApplicability: All models 340 and 340A.\n\nRequirement: 1. To ensure the integrity of the elevator balance weight support structure and specified components of the horizontal stabiliser accomplish the following:\n\n    (a) Remove the elevator tip cover and visually inspect the elevator balance weights for looseness.\n\n    (b) Additionally:\n\n    (i) For Model 340 and 340A (S/No. 340A0001 to 340A1038) visually inspect P/N 0832250-4, \\-33 and \\-32 or \\-75 ribs and P/N 0832000-61, \\-62 gussets for cracks and/or loose rivets.\n\n    (ii) For Model 340A (S/No. 340A1039 to 340A1252) - visually inspect the P/N 832250-100 and \\-33 ribs, P/N 5334108-2 channel, \\-3 spar extension, and -4 gussets for cracks and/or loose rivets.\n\n    (c) Visually inspect the outboard hinge bracket assembly and bearing, the horizontal stabiliser aft spar, and the tip rib for cracks, loose rivets or signs of chafing.\n\n    (d) Replace any defective parts.\n\n2. Replace the horizontal stabilizers and elevators in accordance with Cessna Service Kit Instructions SK 340-24, dated 16 March 1981 and Cessna Service Kits SK 340-24-1, -2, or -3, and SK 340-19, as appropriate.\n\nNote: Cessna SIL ME 79-44 Rev. 5 and FAA AD 81-07-11 Amendment 39-4078 refer.\n\nCompliance: 1. Sub-Paras. 1a, 1b and 1c \\- At intervals not exceeding 10 hours time in service until modified.\n\n    2. Sub-Para. 1d \\- Before further flight.\n\n    3. Para. 2 \\- Before 1 January 1982.\n\nFor aircraft maintained in accordance with ANO 100.5.1 this Directive shall be entered on the maintenance release as maintenance required. After initial inspect, subsequent inspections may be performed by the pilot in command, in which case certification is not required. In all other cases certification may be made on the maintenance release. This inspection may also be performed and certified by any Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.\n\nCOMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\nBackground: The manufacturer has received reports involving the reduction of the integrity of the elevator balance weights and the outboard elevator hinges and support structure. The manufacturer has developed a replacement horizontal stabilizer and elevator assembly.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This amendment moves beyond recurring inspections by adding a mandatory replacement requirement: Paragraph 2 requires replacement of the horizontal stabiliser and elevators per Cessna Service Kit instructions (SK 340-24, SK 340-19, etc.) and sets a compliance deadline of 1 January 1982 (see Compliance, Para.2). It also clarifies inspection targets by part numbers and serial ranges and specifies who may perform and certify subsequent inspections under ANO 100.5.1."},"complexity_factors":["Technical identification of multiple part numbers and two serial-number ranges for different inspection items","Short recurring inspection interval (every 10 hours time in service) until modification","Mandatory full replacement of stabiliser/elevators by a fixed deadline using specified service kits","Differing certification routes: pilot-performed subsequent inspections under ANO 100.5.1 versus Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer or maintenance release certification","Cross-references to manufacturer service kit instructions and external FAA/Service Information (requires obtaining and following those documents)"],"plain_english_summary":"**This Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of Cessna 340 and 340A aeroplanes to perform frequent visual inspections of elevator balance weights, associated ribs/gussets, hinge assemblies and stabiliser components and to replace any defective parts.** It also mandates replacement of the horizontal stabiliser and elevators using specified Cessna service kits by 1 January 1982. The rule directly affects aircraft owners, pilots (who may perform repeat checks under certain maintenance regimes) and licensed maintenance engineers who must certify repairs."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) — a specific safety instrument with a narrow, technical scope from inception. It addresses a defined mechanical defect in specific aircraft models. There is no evidence of scope creep; the instrument remains focused on its original purpose of ensuring elevator and horizontal stabiliser integrity."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple serial number ranges requiring different inspection procedures (340A0001-340A1038 vs 340A1039-340A1252)","Specific part numbers referenced (P/N 0832250-4, -33, -32, -75, etc.) requiring technical cross-referencing","Layered compliance deadlines (10-hour intervals, before further flight, and fixed calendar date of 1 January 1982)","Conditional logic for who can certify work (pilot-in-command vs Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer depending on inspection type)","Reference to external documents (Cessna Service Kits SK 340-24, SK 340-24-1, -2, -3, SK 340-19, and FAA AD 81-07-11) that are not reproduced in the text"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety directive applies to all Cessna 340 and 340A aircraft and mandates inspections and, where necessary, replacement of the horizontal stabiliser and elevators after reports of failing elevator balance weights and hinge structures. It requires recurring 10‑hour inspections, immediate grounding if defects are found, and a permanent retrofit with manufacturer service kits by 1 January 1982. Work must be certified by licensed maintenance engineers (with limited pilot visual checks allowed after the first inspection)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement","history":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-340-21-amdt-2-horizontal-stabiliser-and-elevators-inspection-and-replacement/documents"}}