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 and 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/72 Cigar Lighter Wiring 3/2003
Applicability: Model 170, 172, R172, P172 and 175 series aeroplanes with serial numbers listed in the following table:
Models
170
172
R172 P172 175
Serial Numbers
18000 through 20999 and 25000 through 27169
28000 through 29999, 46001 through 47746, 17247747 through
17250572, and 17259224 through 17267584
R1722000 through R1722724 P17257120 through P17257189
55001 through 56777 and 17556778 through 17557119
Requirement: If not previously accomplished; disconnect the wire, at the ammeter or at the electrical system bus as applicable, that connects the bus to the cigar lighter receptacle. (The wire is connected to either the bus side or equipment side of a circuit breaker or to the ammeter). Following the disconnection of this wire either:
- Reconnect the wire to the electrical bus by using an existing or newly installed circuit protection device that is properly rated to protect the wire gauge used for this circuit, or
b. Disconnect the wire from the lighter receptacle at the opposite end and remove it from the aeroplane, or
c. Protect the wire by insulating its disconnected end, fold this wire end back against the wire bundle in which it is routed and secure it to that bundle.
Note 1: The requirements of this Directive may have been previously accomplished in accordance with FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428.
Note 2: For those installations reconnected in accordance with paragraph a. above, the proper rated circuit protection device to be used may be determined by consulting FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B Chapter 11.
Note 3: FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428 refers.
Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/72 (Continued)
Compliance: At the next annual inspection, but no later that 100 hours time in service or 12 months after the effective date of this Directive, which ever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 March 2003.
Background: Incidents of the cigar lighter unprotected electrical wiring shorting have been reported overseas. This Directive requires either the deactivation of the cigar lighter or the installation of a circuit protection device. These measures are designed to prevent an in-flight electrical system failure, smoke in the cockpit, and/or fire in the wire bundle behind the instrument panel.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 February 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 February 2003.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/CESSNA 170/72, addresses safety concerns related to the wiring of cigar lighters in certain Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 Series aeroplanes. Enacted to prevent potential electrical failures and hazards such as cockpit smoke or fire, this AD applies to a specified range of serial numbers for these aircraft models. The directive requires either the disconnection of the electrical wire from the cigar lighter or the installation of a properly rated circuit protection device to ensure compliance with safety standards. This action is mandated to be completed by the next annual inspection, or within 100 hours of time in service, or 12 months from the directive's effective date, whichever comes first.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 targets specific models of Cessna aeroplanes, namely the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series, with particular serial numbers. This directive applies to aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel who must ensure the specified modifications are implemented to maintain airworthiness standards. The directive is effective across the entire Commonwealth of Australia, mandating compliance from all relevant entities within its jurisdiction. The directive excludes aircraft that have already taken the corrective actions mentioned in the requirement section, as per FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428, or any aeroplanes that do not fall within the specified serial number ranges. The compliance timeframe necessitates the actions be completed by the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service, whichever comes first, following the directive's effective date of 20 March 2003. The directive's application may also extend through subordinate instruments that further detail implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, as outlined in the applicability section (section 1). The directive mandates that the wiring connected to the cigar lighter be disconnected from the electrical system bus, either at the ammeter or the electrical system bus, if this has not been done previously (section 2). Following the disconnection, the directive provides three options for ensuring the safety of the wiring: the wiring can be reconnected to the electrical bus using a properly rated circuit protection device, it can be disconnected at the lighter receptacle and removed from the aeroplane, or it can be protected by insulating its disconnected end and securing it within the wire bundle (section 2). The compliance section specifies that this action must be taken at the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service, whichever comes first, but no later than 12 months after the AD's effective date (section 3).
The AD imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the wiring connected to the cigar lighter is disconnected as per the requirements outlined in the AD. Furthermore, they must choose one of the three prescribed methods to safeguard the disconnected wiring, ensuring that any circuit protection device used is properly rated for the circuit's wire gauge (section 2). These measures are intended to prevent potential electrical failures, cockpit smoke, and fires caused by shorting of the cigar lighter wiring (section 4). Operators must also ensure compliance with the directive within the stipulated timeframes, either at the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service (section 3).
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The AD does not explicitly state penalties or consequences for non-compliance, but non-compliance with ADs is generally considered a breach of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998). Such breaches can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, or other regulatory actions. The severity of the penalties would depend on the specific circumstances of non-compliance and any resulting safety risks. It is imperative for operators to adhere to the AD to avoid potential safety hazards and regulatory repercussions.