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 CASR 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 180/83 KAP 140 Autopilot System 2/2004
Applicability: Cessna 182S, 182T and T182T model aeroplanes listed below that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system, part number (P/N) 065-00176- 2602, 065-00176-5402 or 065-00176-7702.
Model Serial Numbers
182S
182T T182T
18280001 through 18280944
18280945 through 18281064, 18281067 through 18281145,
18281147 through 18281163, 18281165 through 18281167 and
18281172
T18208001 through T18208109 and T18208111 through T18208177
Requirement: 1. Unless previously accomplished, install and update the KC 140 autopilot
computer system operating software in accordance with Honeywell Service Bulletin KC 140-M1 dated August 2002, as specified in Cessna Service Bulletin SB02-22-01 dated 25 November 2002.
2. Following Requirement 1 software installation, re-identify the KC-140 unit as follows:
- Change the unit part number by attaching flavour sticker, P/N 057-02203- 0003, on the unit's serial tag;
b. Attach an M decal, P/N 057-02984-0501, in front of the unit’s serial number (this indicates that the unit's P/N has been changed); and
c. Attach a software mod tag, P/N 057-05287-0301, in place of the old tag to indicate the software change to SW MOD 03/01.
3. KC 140 autopilot computer systems P/Ns 065-00176-2602, 065-00176-5402 and 065-00176-7702 may not be installed on any Cessna Model 182S, 182T or T182T aeroplanes as a replacement part unless the computer has been modified as specified in Requirements 1 and 2 of this Directive.
Note: FAA AD 2003-24-13 Amdt 39-13382 refers.
Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 180/83 (continued)
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 100 hours time in service after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after installing the update to the KC 140 autopilot computer system operating software.
For Requirement 3 - As of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 19 February 2004.
Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot system in Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H aeroplanes. These aeroplanes are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system installed in the centre instrument control panel near the throttle.
This Directive requires the installation of an update to the operating software of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, a change to the unit's part number and change of the software modification identification tag. These actions prevent unintentional engagement of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 January 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 28 January 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in February 2004 addresses safety concerns associated with the inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot system in specific Cessna aeroplane models. The AD, titled "AD/CESSNA 180/83 KAP 140 Autopilot System 2/2004", pertains to Cessna 182S, 182T and T182T model aeroplanes equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system. The primary objective of this AD is to mitigate the risk of unintentional autopilot engagement by mandating the installation of updated operating software and modifications to the autopilot unit. This directive was enacted in response to reports received by the United States Federal Aviation Administration, highlighting the need for corrective action to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft. The AD outlines specific requirements for software updates, unit re-identification, and compliance timelines to address the identified unsafe condition.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 180/83 issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to certain Cessna 182S, 182T, and T182T model aeroplanes equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system. The AD mandates specific actions to address an identified unsafe condition with the autopilot system. These actions include installing and updating the KC 140 autopilot computer system operating software, re-identifying the unit by changing the part number and attaching relevant stickers and decals, and prohibiting the installation of certain computer systems as a replacement part unless modified as per the directive. This AD applies to aircraft within the specified serial number ranges and becomes effective from 19 February 2004. Compliance deadlines are set at 100 hours of time in service for software updates and immediate action for other requirements post-update installation. This directive is issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) set out the specific requirements and actions that must be taken regarding the KAP 140 autopilot system on certain Cessna 182S, 182T, and T182T model aeroplanes. The directive mandates that the KC 140 autopilot computer system operating software must be installed and updated in accordance with Honeywell Service Bulletin KC 140-M1 dated August 2002 (section 2). After this software update, the KC-140 unit must be re-identified by changing the unit's part number, attaching a specific flavour sticker, and affixing an M decal and a software mod tag (section 2). Furthermore, KC 140 autopilot computer systems with specific part numbers may not be installed as a replacement unless they have been modified as per the requirements outlined (section 3). The AD applies to the specified serial numbers of the affected Cessna aeroplanes.
The AD imposes several obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the KC 140 autopilot computer system operating software is updated within 100 hours of the AD's effective date (section 4). Operators must also re-identify the KC-140 unit before further flight after the software update (section 4). Additionally, any replacement of the KC 140 autopilot computer systems must adhere to the modification specifications outlined in the AD (section 3). Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy.
Breaching the requirements of this AD may lead to civil or criminal consequences. The AD does not explicitly state specific penalties for non-compliance, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally considered a serious offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). This could result in substantial fines and potential imprisonment for individuals and corporations found guilty of non-compliance. Additionally, the aircraft may be grounded until the necessary actions are taken to meet the AD's requirements, which could significantly impact the operational capabilities of the affected aeroplanes.