AD/CESSNA 206/34 - Wing Tip Navigation Strobe Lights

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. One such regulation is Part 39 - 105, which deals with the issuance of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models, including the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes. The specific legislative instrument F2006B05239, AD/CESSNA 206/34, addresses a safety issue concerning the wing tip navigation strobe lights on models 206 through TU206G equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks. The directive aims to mitigate risks associated with potential fuel spillage or tank leakage in high voltage or high temperature areas, by mandating inspections and modifications to prevent ignition sources from coming into contact with fuel. The policy objective is to ensure that such modifications are carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1981, as per Flint Aero Service Bulletin No. FA1, thereby enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety of aircraft operations by setting out requirements for airworthiness directives, including those for the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes. The regulation AD/CESSNA 206/34 pertains to models 206 through TU206G that are equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks, as per STC SA2479 WE. The regulation mandates compliance with Flint Aero Service Bulletin No. FA1, which includes necessary inspections and modifications to the navigation strobe light system to prevent potential ignition sources from igniting any leaked fuel, thereby ensuring the aircraft's safety. The requirement must be fulfilled within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1981. This regulation applies nationally and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure compliance across the industry. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular directive, meaning that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the outlined safety measures.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the AD/CESSNA 206/34 require that specific actions be taken for certain Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks. Section (1) specifies the models affected by this directive, which are 206 through TU206G with the mentioned auxiliary wing tip tanks installed as per STC SA2479 WE. The directive mandates compliance with Flint Aero Service Bulletin No. FA1, which outlines the necessary actions to be taken to address potential issues related to fuel spillage or tank leakage in high voltage or high temperature areas (Section 2). Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 July 1981 (Section 3). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are stringent and include adherence to the detailed requirements set forth in Flint Aero Service Bulletin No. FA1. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the specified inspections and modifications are performed by qualified personnel in accordance with the bulletin's guidelines. This includes a thorough examination of the navigation-strobe light system, including cables, connectors, high voltage power supply, strobe light, and navigation lights, to prevent ignition sources from coming into contact with potential fuel leakage. These measures are essential to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft (Section 4). Breach of the requirements stipulated in AD/CESSNA 206/34 can lead to serious consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally falls under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, which can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment or substantial fines depending on the severity of the breach. It is imperative that operators comply with these directives to avoid such repercussions and ensure the safety of all persons onboard and on the ground (Section 5).