AD/CESSNA 180/47 Amdt 1 - ELT Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. One particular aspect of this framework is addressed in Part 39, which outlines the requirements for issuing airworthiness directives. The legislative instrument F2006B05060 pertains to a specific airworthiness directive concerning Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 Series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address the problem of potential electrical hazards posed by the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installations in certain Cessna models. The directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with loose or improperly secured ELT antenna connections, ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and comply with the regulations set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The policy objective of this airworthiness directive is to enhance aviation safety by mandating specific maintenance actions on affected aircraft. The directive applies to all Cessna 182 models, including the 182A through 182Q and R182 series, equipped with particular ELT systems. The directive requires an inspection and secure attachment of the ELT antenna coaxial connector, with additional measures to prevent electrical contact if the connector disengages. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, ensuring that all affected aircraft are maintained to the required safety standards. The directive is an example of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority’s commitment to continuously improving aviation safety through targeted regulatory measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Cessna 182, 182A through 182Q and R182 Series aeroplanes fitted with a Leigh Sharc 7 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) or a Dorne & Margolin DME LT6 ELT installed according to the Cessna Standard installation drawings from the USA. This directive mandates that these aircraft must undergo a thorough inspection of the ELT antenna coaxial connector, ensuring it is firmly attached and spring-loaded into the detent position. Additionally, any excess length of the ELT antenna cable must be coiled and secured to prevent the connector from coming into contact with any exposed electrical terminals, such as the Battery Relay, should it become disengaged from the ELT. Compliance with this directive is required immediately. The scope of this regulation is limited to the specified Cessna models with particular ELT installations and does not extend to other aircraft types or ELT models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, details specific airworthiness directives, including AD/CESSNA 180/47 Amendment 1 concerning the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installation for Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. The directive applies to models 182, 182A through 182Q and R182 series aeroplanes equipped with either a Leigh Sharc 7 ELT or a Dorne & Margolin DME LT6 ELT, installed according to the Cessna Standard installation drawings, specifically those originating from the USA. Compliance with this directive necessitates an immediate inspection of the ELT antenna coaxial connector. It is imperative that the connector is securely attached and spring-loaded into the detent position. Additionally, the excess length of the ELT antenna cable must be coiled and secured in such a way that if the connector were to disengage from the ELT, it would not come into contact with any exposed electrical terminals, such as the battery relay. This precaution is critical to preventing potential electrical hazards and ensuring the reliability of the ELT in an emergency scenario. Entities governed by these regulations are required to adhere strictly to the outlined inspection and securement procedures. Non-compliance could lead to severe repercussions, as the ELT is a crucial component in aviation safety, providing emergency locator signals that are vital for search and rescue operations. In the event of non-compliance with these directives, there may be significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against any entity that fails to adhere to these airworthiness directives. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the provided legislative instrument, but generally, such violations can result in fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary compliance measures are implemented. Such measures underscore the importance of stringent adherence to these safety protocols to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.