AD/CESSNA 206/13 - Alternator Earth Lead

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, addresses the safety of civil aviation in Australia, and includes a schedule of airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 206/13, pertains to Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes and mandates that the alternator earth lead must be fitted, in good condition, and securely attached. This directive applies to all models of Cessna 206 aeroplanes except those equipped with turbocharged engines. The requirement is to ensure compliance within the next 100 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972, reflecting the policy objective to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation operations. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the aim of ensuring that civil aviation in Australia is conducted in a safe and efficient manner. The regulations are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is tasked with ensuring that aircraft meet the required safety standards. The specific airworthiness directive, AD/CESSNA 206/13, is one of the measures implemented by CASA to address potential safety issues identified in certain aircraft models, thereby fulfilling the overarching policy objective of maintaining and enhancing the safety of civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the requirements for airworthiness directives, including the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models of the Cessna 206 series, except those equipped with turbocharged engines. The directive mandates that the alternator earth lead must be fitted, in good condition, and securely attached. Compliance with this directive is required within the next 100 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a broad jurisdictional reach throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting both private and commercial aviation operations. This regulation ensures that the specified aircraft maintain necessary safety standards, thereby contributing to the overall safety of civil aviation within Australia.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 under the specified legislative instrument AD/CESSNA 206/13 pertain to the maintenance and safety of Cessna 206 series aeroplanes, excluding those equipped with turbocharged engines (105.22(1)). Section (2/72) specifically addresses the requirement for the alternator earth lead, mandating that it must be installed, in good condition, and securely attached. The directive requires compliance within the next 100 hours of time in service following 29 February 1972. The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. They are required to ensure that the specified alternator earth lead is installed and in proper working condition. This includes conducting thorough inspections and maintenance checks to verify the lead is securely attached and free from damage or deterioration. Additionally, any modifications or repairs made must adhere to the standards set out in the regulations to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/CESSNA 206/13 can result in significant consequences. If an aircraft is found to be non-compliant, it may be grounded until the necessary repairs and inspections are completed. Furthermore, operators or maintenance personnel who fail to adhere to these safety directives may face legal repercussions. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for endangering the safety of air travel. The specific maximum penalties for such breaches are determined by the severity of the infraction and the discretion of the court.