Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 addresses safety concerns associated with the wiring of cigar lighters in specific Cessna 190 and 195 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2003, the directive aims to mitigate risks of in-flight electrical system failures, cockpit smoke, and potential fires due to unprotected electrical wiring shorting. The directive applies to aeroplanes with serial numbers within the specified ranges and mandates that the wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle be appropriately disconnected and protected. This action is to be undertaken during the next annual inspection, with a compliance deadline of either 100 hours of time in service or 12 months from the directive's effective date, whichever comes first. The directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 February 2003, highlighting CASA's commitment to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 190/6 applies specifically to Cessna 190 and 195 series aeroplanes with certain serial numbers, namely those ranging from 7001 through 7999 and 16000 through 16183. This directive mandates particular actions to address an identified unsafe condition concerning the wiring of the cigar lighter in these aircraft. The requirement necessitates the disconnection of the wire connecting the bus to the cigar lighter receptacle, with subsequent actions to either reconnect the wire with proper circuit protection, disconnect and remove the wire from the aircraft, or insulate and secure the disconnected end of the wire. This AD is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and becomes effective on 20 March 2003, with compliance expected by the next annual inspection, or within 100 hours of time in service, or 12 months from the effective date, whichever occurs first. The directive is designed to mitigate the risk of in-flight electrical failures, smoke in the cockpit, and potential fires caused by unprotected electrical wiring shorting, as evidenced by incidents reported overseas.

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 190 and 195 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 7001 through 7999 and 16000 through 16183. The directive is outlined in AD/CESSNA 190/6 and addresses the issue of cigar lighter wiring. The directive requires the disconnection of the wire connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle, with specific instructions on how to proceed based on the circumstances of the disconnection (section 3/2003). The three options provided are: reconnecting the wire to the electrical bus using 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, folding it back against the wire bundle, and securing it (section 3/2003). Compliance with this directive must be achieved at 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 comes first (section 3/2003). The directive became effective on 20 March 2003. The AD imposes several obligations on the operators and owners of the specified Cessna aeroplanes. Firstly, they must ensure that the wire connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle is disconnected in accordance with the directive's requirements. Secondly, they must choose one of the three options outlined in the directive to address the disconnected wire: reconnecting it with a properly rated circuit protection device, disconnecting it from the lighter receptacle and removing it, or insulating and securing the disconnected end. Thirdly, they must comply with the specified timeline for addressing the directive, which is either at the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of time in service or 12 months after the effective date of the directive, whichever occurs first (section 3/2003). Additionally, operators and owners must ensure that any actions taken are in accordance with the instructions provided in the directive and any applicable FAA advisory circulars (section 3/2003). Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in various consequences. Firstly, there may be civil or administrative penalties imposed by CASA for non-compliance with aviation safety regulations. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the specific circumstances of the non-compliance and any relevant laws or regulations. Secondly, non-compliance may lead to the grounding of the affected aeroplanes until the required actions are taken, which could result in significant operational disruptions and financial losses for the operators and owners. Thirdly, continued operation of the aeroplanes without addressing the identified unsafe condition could potentially lead to in-flight electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and/or fires in the wire bundle behind the instrument panel, posing a serious risk to the safety of the aeroplane, its occupants, and other aircraft in the vicinity. In summary, non-compliance with this Airworthiness Directive could have severe legal, financial, and safety consequences for the operators and owners of the specified Cessna aeroplanes (section 3/2003).