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 CAR 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 170, 172, F172, FR172 & 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/71 Fuel Line/Map Light Switch 1/2002
Applicability: All Cessna 172 model aeroplanes with the following serial numbers: Model Serial Number
172N 17267585 through 17270049; 17270051 through 17274009;
17261445, 17261578, and 17270050
172P 17274010 through 17276654
172RG 172RG0001 through 172RG1191; and 691
F172N F17201515 through F17202039
F172P F17202040 through F17202254
FR172J FR17200531 through 17200590
FR172K FR17200591 through 17200675
R172K R1722000 through R1723454; and 680
Requirement: 1. Inspect the doorpost map light switch insulator assembly (part number 0511080- 1) to verify it is installed and (if installed) not damaged, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SEB00-1 dated 17 January 2000.
2. If the switch cover insulator is not installed, or is damaged in any way, install a new insulator part number 0511080-1.
3. If the fuel line is damaged in any way, install a new fuel line.
Note: FAA AD 2001-23-03 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within the next 100 hours time in service from the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight following requirement 1 inspection. Fro Requirement 3 - Before further flight following requirement 1 inspection.
Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 & 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/71 (continued)
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 January 2002
Background: There have been several reports of incidents of electrical shorts and chaffing of the fuel line on Cessna Model 172N aeroplanes. This Directive is to detect and correct any chaffing that may occur between the map light and the fuel line.
This Airworthiness Directive supersedes AD/CESSNA 170/36. The FAA found that inspections conducted under that AD did not cover all affected aircraft and that aircraft deteriorated after that inspection.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 November 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 January 2001.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2002 addresses safety concerns regarding electrical shorts and chaffing of the fuel line in specific Cessna 172 model aeroplanes. The directive, known as AD/CESSNA 170/71, was enacted to rectify unsafe conditions identified in these aircraft and is effective from 24 January 2002. The primary objective of this directive is to ensure that the doorpost map light switch insulator assembly is properly installed and undamaged, and that any damaged fuel lines are replaced. This action aims to prevent potential electrical shorts and fuel line damage, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. The directive supersedes a previous one (AD/CESSNA 170/36) due to insufficient coverage of affected aircraft and subsequent deterioration post inspection. The CASA delegate, Eugene Paul Holzapfel, issued the directive on 27 November 2001, and it was subsequently notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 January 2002.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is specifically targeted at addressing safety concerns related to certain Cessna aeroplanes. The directive applies to specific models within the Cessna 172 series, including the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175, and it is mandatory for aeroplanes with certain serial numbers. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to prevent electrical shorts and fuel line chafing, which have been reported in these models. It requires the inspection of the map light switch insulator assembly and the replacement of any damaged components or fuel lines, with specific timelines outlined for these inspections and repairs. This directive extends to the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to any aircraft registered within its jurisdiction, ensuring that the safety measures are uniformly implemented across the country.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains to specific models of Cessna aeroplanes, namely the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. The AD, numbered AD/CESSNA 170/71, mandates specific actions to address safety concerns related to the fuel line and map light switch of these aircraft. The applicability section of the AD (paragraph 2) specifies that it applies to all Cessna 172 model aeroplanes with certain serial numbers.
The requirement section (paragraph 3) outlines specific actions that must be undertaken. Firstly, the doorpost map light switch insulator assembly (part number 0511080-1) must be inspected to verify its installation and condition, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SEB00-1 dated 17 January 2000. If the switch cover insulator is not installed or is damaged, it must be replaced with a new one, part number 0511080-1. Secondly, if the fuel line is damaged in any way, it must be replaced. The compliance section (paragraph 4) specifies that the inspection (Requirement 1) must be completed within the next 100 hours of flight time from the effective date of the AD, and the necessary repairs (Requirements 2 and 3) must be completed before further flight.
The AD imposes specific obligations on aircraft owners and operators. They must ensure that the required inspections and repairs are carried out within the stipulated timeframes. Failure to comply with the AD can result in serious safety risks, including the possibility of electrical shorts and fuel line damage, which can lead to catastrophic in-flight failures. The AD references FAA AD 2001-23-03, indicating a collaborative effort to address these safety issues across jurisdictions.
Breaches of the AD may result in both civil and criminal consequences. Under CAR 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered a breach of civil aviation regulations, potentially leading to fines and other penalties. In severe cases, where non-compliance results in an accident or incident, criminal charges may be pursued. The maximum penalties for breaches of civil aviation regulations can include substantial fines and, in the case of criminal charges, imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any resulting harm or damage.