Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 185/47 issued in 2003 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, addresses the identified safety concern related to the unprotected electrical wiring of the cigar lighter in Cessna 185 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft within the specified serial number range and aims to prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to in-flight electrical system failures, cockpit smoke, or fires. The directive mandates that the wiring connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle must be disconnected and either replaced with a properly rated circuit protection device, removed entirely, or otherwise insulated and secured. This action must be taken by the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of service or 12 months from the directive's effective date, whichever comes first. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety of the aircraft by mitigating the risks associated with the reported incidents of electrical shorting.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains specifically to the Cessna 185 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18500968 to 18503458. The directive mandates the disconnection of the wire connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle if certain conditions are met. This can be done either by reconnecting the wire with a properly rated circuit protection device, disconnecting and removing the wire from the aeroplane, or insulating and securing the wire's disconnected end. The directive requires compliance either at the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of time in service, whichever occurs first, from the effective date of 20 March 2003. The directive aims to mitigate risks of electrical system failures, cockpit smoke, and potential fires by addressing issues with unprotected wiring in the cigar lighter system. The directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), with potential extensions or restrictions through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

This Airworthiness Directive (AD), issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, applies to Cessna 185 series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, namely those ranging from 18500968 through 18503458. The primary directive, outlined in the requirement section, mandates the disconnection of the wire that connects the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle. This can be achieved by either reconnecting the wire with a properly rated circuit protection device, disconnecting the wire from the lighter receptacle and removing it from the aeroplane, or insulating the disconnected end of the wire and securing it to the wire bundle. It is essential to note that the action must be taken if it has not been previously accomplished, as indicated in Note 1, which refers to FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428. Additionally, Note 2 advises consulting FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B Chapter 11 for determining the proper rated circuit protection device. The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities it governs. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the required action is taken in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section and at the time mentioned in the compliance section. This means that the action must be carried out during the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months after the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first. The directive also highlights the importance of adhering to the specified instructions to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and prevent potential hazards such as electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and fires in the wire bundle behind the instrument panel. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive may result in civil and/or criminal consequences. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 include fines and imprisonment. However, the specific penalties for breaching this AD are not stated in the text. It is crucial for the parties and entities governed by this AD to take the required action to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft and to avoid any potential legal ramifications.