Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 188/45 on 7 February 2003, which applies to the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. This directive was introduced in response to incidents where the wiring of the cigar lighter receptacle had shorted, potentially leading to in-flight electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and fires in the wire bundle behind the instrument panel. The objective of this directive is to mandate corrective actions to mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety of the aircraft during operation. CASA requires the disconnection of the wire connecting the bus to the cigar lighter receptacle and specifies three options to ensure the wire is either properly protected or removed, depending on the circumstances. This Airworthiness Directive was enacted under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and became effective on 20 March 2003. Compliance is required at the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months after the directive's effective date, whichever comes first. The directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 February 2003, and it applies to specific model 188 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 188-0001 through 188-0572 and 188-00573 through 188-03046.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies specifically to the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 188-0001 through 188-0572 and 18800573 through 18803046. This directive mandates corrective action concerning the wiring of the cigar lighter in these aircraft to mitigate the risk of unsafe conditions such as electrical system failures, cockpit smoke, and potential fires. The directive requires the disconnection of the wire connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle, with subsequent actions including the installation of a properly rated circuit protection device or the removal of the wire from the aircraft. The AD applies to aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia and is effective from 20 March 2003, with compliance required at the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months from the effective date, whichever occurs first. The AD incorporates references to previous FAA directives and advisory circulars, providing guidance on the appropriate measures to be taken.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains specifically to the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes with serial numbers 188-0001 through 188-0572 and 18800573 through 18803046. The AD is aimed at addressing an unsafe condition related to the wiring of the cigar lighter receptacle (section 2). The directive mandates that the wire connecting the bus to the cigar lighter receptacle must be disconnected, and one of three specified actions must be taken to ensure the safety of the aircraft's electrical system. These actions include: (a) reconnecting the wire with a properly rated circuit protection device, (b) disconnecting and removing the wire from the lighter receptacle, or (c) insulating and securing the disconnected end of the wire (section 3). The AD imposes several obligations on the parties involved, primarily the aircraft owners and operators. They are required to comply with the directive within a specified timeframe, which is the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months after the effective date of the directive, whichever occurs first (section 4). This requirement ensures that the necessary safety measures are implemented promptly to mitigate the risks associated with the unsafe condition. The directive also provides guidance on determining the proper rated circuit protection device by referencing FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B Chapter 11 (section 3, Note 2). Failure to comply with the AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text of the directive, non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. Such outcomes underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Additionally, non-compliance could potentially lead to in-flight electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and/or fires, which could have severe implications for the safety of the flight crew and passengers (section 5).