AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. Cessna 120 and 140 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 120/7 Met-Co-Aire Tricycle Landing Gear 5/2003 Applicability: Model 120, 140, and 140A aircraft, on which a Met-Co-Aire Tricycle Landing Gear (STC SA4-916) has been installed. Requirement: 1. Tighten and torque the four AN 4 bolts (two on each side) which extend through the Cessna main gear wedges and the part number RD-1001C-11 Met-Co-Aire support plate to 50-70 inch pounds. Care should be taken to insure that the AN 365 stop nuts have not bottomed on the bolt threads before adequately tightening the wedge in place as specified above; use metal washers under the nut or bolt heads as necessary. 2. Conduct a detail visual inspection for cracks in the corners of the slots in the support plate, part number RD-1001C-11, and the attach plate. If cracks are evident, before further flight, replace cracked part with Met-Co-Aire part number RD-1001C-6 or FAA approved equivalent part. When a new part is installed, the repetitive inspection requirement for this paragraph may be discontinued. 3. Inspect the attachment of the top flanges of the bulkheads in the landing gear attachment box and check that all rivets which secure the box to the floor structure are properly installed. Rectify any rivet which is improperly installed. Refer to Met-Co-Aire installation instructions, dated 29 August 1959, revised 1 January 1961. If installed, remove the adaptor plates, Cessna part number 0441147, which may have been used to extend the main gears forward. Note: FAA AD 61-25-01 Amdt 376 and Met-Co-Aire Service Directive SD-1003 refer. Compliance: For Requirements 1 and 2: Within 20 hours time in service after 15 May 2003, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service; except for Requirement 2, when a new part is installed. For Requirement 3: Unless already accomplished, within 20 hours time in service after 15 May 2003. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 May 2003. Cessna 120 and 140 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 120/7 (continued) Background: The FAA requires certain actions to correct an unsafe condition in the main landing gear. David Alan Villiers Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 4 April 2003 The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 23 April 2003.