AD/CESSNA 188/32 Amdt 1 - Alternator Ground Strap

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address specific maintenance and safety requirements for various aircraft models, including the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 188/32 Amendment 1, pertains to the installation of an alternator ground strap. This directive was enacted to ensure safety by mitigating risks associated with improper grounding of the aircraft's electrical system. The regulation applies to all model 188 Cessna aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18800050 to 18803240. It mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 March 1982 and requires adherence each time an engine is reinstalled after initial compliance, responding to industry reports indicating that ground straps were often omitted during engine reinstallation. The directive aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 79-25-07 and aims to maintain the integrity of the aircraft's electrical system and overall safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 188/32 Amendment 1, pertains to all Cessna 188 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18800050 to 18803240. This directive mandates compliance with Cessna Service Information Letter SE79-59, which was referenced in FAA AD 79-25-07, and requires adherence to the specified action concerning the alternator ground strap. The application of this directive is nationwide, impacting all aircraft within the specified serial number range across Australia, falling under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Compliance with the directive necessitates action within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1982 and each time an engine is installed in an aircraft following the initial compliance, reflecting amendments made due to industry reports of ground straps being omitted during engine reinstallation. This amendment ensures safety standards are maintained for the specified Cessna 188 series aeroplanes.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically AD/CESSNA 188/32 Amendment 1, detail the requirements for the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18800050 to 18803240. Section 1 outlines the applicability of the directive, indicating that it applies to all model 188 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range. Section 2 specifies the requirement, which is to perform actions in accordance with Cessna SIL SE79-59. This directive references FAA AD 79-25-07 for further guidance. The compliance section, Section 3, mandates that the required actions be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1982 and each time an engine is installed following the initial compliance. The Act imposes several obligations on the operators and maintenance personnel of the specified aircraft. They must ensure that the ground strap on the alternator is properly installed and compliant with the standards set out in Cessna SIL SE79-59. The requirement applies both initially and whenever an engine is reinstalled on the aircraft. This mandate is designed to address industry reports indicating that ground straps are frequently omitted during engine reinstallation, which could potentially lead to safety issues. Operators and maintenance personnel are required to verify that the ground strap is correctly fitted to avoid any compliance issues. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this directive could result in serious safety concerns and potential regulatory action. Although specific penalties are not outlined in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences under broader aviation safety regulations. This could include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and potential criminal charges if negligence is proven. The gravity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft.