AD/CESSNA 150/22 Amdt 2 - Alternator Field Circuit Breaker

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address gaps in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This legislative instrument, specifically Part 39 - 105, targets safety issues through the implementation of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). One such AD, AD/CESSNA 150/22, pertains to the replacement of the alternator field automatic reset type circuit breaker on specified Cessna models with a manual reset type circuit breaker or fuse. This directive was introduced to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the automatic reset mechanism, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet stringent safety standards before they can be certified as airworthy. The policy objective behind such regulations is to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia, thereby protecting both passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the implementation of airworthiness directives concerning the safety of civil aviation operations in Australia. This particular legislative instrument, AD/CESSNA 150/22 Amendment 2, applies to all models of Cessna 150 and Reims/Cessna F150 series aeroplanes, including the 150J, 150K, A150K, 150L, A150L, 150M, A150M, 152, A152, F150J, F150K, FA150K, F150L, FA150L, FRA150L, F152, and FA152. The requirement outlined in this directive is the replacement of the alternator field automatic reset type circuit breaker with a manual reset type circuit breaker or fuse of a similar rating. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all affected aircraft before their certificate of airworthiness is issued, as well as for any aircraft within 100 hours of time in service following 31 December 1978. Aircraft that previously complied with a similar directive are considered to meet this current requirement. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in civil aviation and extends its application through the detailed specifications provided in the airworthiness directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 Series Aeroplanes, mandates specific actions concerning the alternator field circuit breaker (section AD/CESSNA 150/22 Amendment 2). This directive applies to all models of Cessna 150J, 150K, A150K, 150L, A150L, 150M, A150M, 152, and A152, as well as Reims/Cessna F150J, F150K, FA150K, F150L, FA150L, FRA150L, F152, and FA152. The requirement outlined is to replace the existing alternator field automatic reset type circuit breaker with a manual reset type circuit breaker or a fuse that matches the rating of the removed component. The regulation imposes clear obligations on the parties involved, primarily focusing on the owners and operators of the specified aircraft models. The primary obligation is to ensure compliance with the directive by replacing the specified circuit breaker within the specified timelines. For aircraft already issued a Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A), the replacement must occur before the issuance of the C of A. For aircraft that have already been issued a C of A, the replacement must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1978. Aircraft that have already complied with a previous issue of this directive are considered to meet the current requirements. Failing to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to serious consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, the general implication is that non-compliance could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from being operated. This could have significant legal and safety implications for the aircraft owner or operator, potentially leading to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and any additional regulatory requirements that may apply.