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 206 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 206/57 Cigar Lighter Wiring 3/2003
Applicability: Model 206, U206, TU206, P206 and TP206 series aeroplanes with serial numbers listed in the following table:
Models
206
U206/TU206 P206/TP206
Serial Numbers
206-0001 through 206-0275
U206-0276 through U206-1444, U20601445 through U20604074
P206-001 through P206-0603, and P20600604 through P20600647
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 206 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 206/57 (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) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) addresses a safety concern identified in certain Cessna 206 series aeroplanes. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 206/57, enacted in 2003, aims to mitigate the risk of electrical failures due to unprotected wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle. This risk has been linked to incidents overseas where such wiring shorted, potentially leading to in-flight electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and fires. The directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Cessna 206 series and mandates actions such as disconnecting the wiring or installing a circuit protection device to prevent these unsafe conditions. The directive was issued to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards, aiming to maintain the safety and reliability of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 206/57 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies specifically to the Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes, including models 206, U206, TU206, P206, and TP206, with serial numbers falling within the specified ranges. The directive mandates actions to address an unsafe condition concerning the wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle. The directive applies to these aircraft regardless of the owner or operator, provided they fall within the specified serial number range and are used within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive is effective from 20 March 2003 and requires compliance within a timeframe of either the next annual inspection or 100 hours of operational time, whichever occurs first. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and is enforceable through CASA’s regulatory oversight. The AD may be further elaborated or amended through subordinate instruments as required by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 206/57 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under section 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes, namely the 206, U206/TU206, P206/TP206. The directive requires that the wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle be addressed to prevent potential electrical hazards. Specifically, the directive mandates the disconnection of the wire that connects the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle. Following disconnection, the directive permits three actions: reconnecting the wire with a properly rated circuit protection device, disconnecting and removing the wire from the aeroplane, or insulating and securing the wire end. This directive is applicable to aircraft not previously addressed by FAA AD 79-08-03 Amdt 39-3428. The compliance deadline is set for the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of flight time or 12 months after the directive's effective date, whichever occurs first.
The directive imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, the owners or operators of the affected Cessna 206 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified wiring modifications are carried out. This involves either installing a circuit protection device, disconnecting and removing the wire, or insulating and securing the wire end. Compliance with these requirements must be documented and verified during the next annual inspection. Secondly, any aircraft maintenance personnel performing these modifications must adhere strictly to the instructions provided in the directive to ensure safety and airworthiness standards are maintained.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 206/57 can result in serious consequences. The primary concern is the risk of electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and potential fires, which can compromise the safety of the flight. While the directive itself does not specify particular penalties, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges for serious breaches that result in accidents or endanger safety. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and impact of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to enforce adherence to safety standards and protect public safety.