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 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes

AD/CESSNA 180/82 Cigar Lighter Wiring 3/2003

Applicability: Model 180 and 182 series aeroplanes with serial numbers listed in the following table, unless AD/CESSNA 180/32 has been accomplished:

Models Serial Numbers

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:

1. 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.

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.

Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes

AD/CESSNA 180/82 (Continued)

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.

This Directive supersedes AD/CESSNA 180/32 Amdt 1 which only addressed some Model 182 series aeroplanes.

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.