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 CAR 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 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 205/23 Cigar Lighter Wiring 3/2003
Applicability: Model 205 (210-5) and 205A (210-5A) series aeroplanes with serial numbers 205- 0320 through 205-0577.
Requirement: If not previously accomplished; disconnect the wire, at the ammeter or at the electrical system bus as applicable, that connects the bus to the cigar lighter receptacle. (The wire is connected to either the bus side or equipment side of a circuit breaker or to the ammeter). Following the disconnection of this wire either:
- Reconnect the wire to the electrical bus by using an existing or newly installed circuit protection device that is properly rated to protect the wire gauge used for this circuit, or
b. Disconnect the wire from the lighter receptacle at the opposite end and remove it from the aeroplane, or
c. Protect the wire by insulating its disconnected end, fold this wire end back against the wire bundle in which it is routed and secure it to that bundle.
Note 1: The requirements of this Directive may have been previously accomplished in accordance with FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428.
Note 2: For those installations reconnected in accordance with paragraph a. above, the proper rated circuit protection device to be used may be determined by consulting FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B Chapter 11.
Note 3: FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428 refers.
Compliance: At the next annual inspection, but no later that 100 hours time in service or 12 months after the effective date of this Directive, which ever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 March 2003.
Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 205/23 (Continued)
Background: Incidents of the cigar lighter unprotected electrical wiring shorting have been reported overseas. This Directive requires either the deactivation of the cigar lighter or the installation of a circuit protection device. These measures are designed to prevent an in-flight electrical system failure, smoke in the cockpit, and/or fire in the wire bundle behind the instrument panel.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 February 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 February 2003.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes, issued in 2003 under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), addresses the issue of unprotected electrical wiring associated with the cigar lighter in certain models of the Cessna 205 aeroplanes. The AD, AD/CESSNA 205/23, applies specifically to Model 205 (210-5) and 205A (210-5A) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 205-0320 to 205-0577. The directive mandates the disconnection of the wire connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle to mitigate the risk of in-flight electrical system failures, cockpit smoke, and potential fires arising from unprotected wiring. The requirement must be fulfilled by either installing a properly rated circuit protection device, disconnecting and removing the wire from the aeroplane, or insulating and securing the wire end. Compliance with this directive must occur at the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months from the directive's effective date, whichever comes first.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 205/23 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to the Model 205 (210-5) and 205A (210-5A) series aeroplanes, with serial numbers ranging from 205-0320 through 205-0577. This legislative instrument is aimed at addressing safety concerns regarding the wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle in these aircraft models. The directive requires the disconnection of the wire connecting the bus to the cigar lighter receptacle and mandates that one of three specified actions be taken to prevent electrical shorting, which could lead to in-flight failures, smoke, or fire. This AD applies to all aircraft within the specified serial number range, ensuring that such aeroplanes comply with stringent safety standards set by CASA. The directive is effective from 20 March 2003 and must be complied with by the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of time in service, whichever comes first, following the directive's effective date.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) (section 1) applies to Model 205 (210-5) and 205A (210-5A) series aeroplanes with serial numbers 205-0320 through 205-0577 (section 2). This AD requires that the wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle be disconnected and one of three actions be taken to ensure safety: the wire can be reconnected to the electrical bus using a properly rated circuit protection device (section 3(a)); the wire can be disconnected at the lighter receptacle and removed from the aeroplane (section 3(b)); or the wire can be insulated and secured to the wire bundle (section 3(c)). These actions are necessary to prevent electrical shorts that could lead to in-flight electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, or fires (section 4).
Compliance with this AD is mandatory. Owners or operators of affected aircraft must ensure that the specified actions are taken either at the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of time in service, whichever comes first, following the effective date of the AD, which is 20 March 2003 (section 5). Owners or operators who fail to comply with the AD may face regulatory action from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to adhere to the AD could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from being operated until the required actions are completed.
Any breaches of this AD may result in serious safety consequences, including potential in-flight failures, hazards, or even accidents. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD itself, CASA may impose fines or other enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 or related regulations. The severity of these penalties could vary depending on the circumstances of the breach and the potential risk posed to public safety.