AD/CESSNA 207/25 - Wing Tip Navigation/Strobe Lights

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under this act, F2006B05284, focuses on issuing Airworthiness Directives for particular aircraft types to mitigate safety risks. This particular directive, AD/CESSNA 207/25, targets the Cessna 207 series aeroplanes, specifically addressing models 207, T207, 207A, and T207A equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks. The directive was introduced to address the risk of fuel spillage or tank leakage in high-voltage or high-temperature areas of the navigation-strobe light system, which could lead to ignition sources coming into contact with potential fuel leaks. The policy objective is to mandate inspections and modifications as outlined in Flint Aero service bulletin No FA1 to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1981, thereby enhancing the overall airworthiness and safety of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Cessna 207 series aeroplanes, including models 207, T207, 207A, and T207A, that are equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks as per STC SA2676 WE. This legislation mandates that compliance with the specified action, which is in accordance with Flint Aero service bulletin No FA1, must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 31 July 1981. This requirement is designed to address potential safety issues arising from possible fuel spillage or tank leakage in high-voltage or high-temperature areas of the navigation-strobe light system, including cables, connectors, high voltage power supply, strobe light, and navigation lights, ensuring the separation of ignition sources from potential fuel leakage. The application of this regulation is jurisdictional within the Commonwealth of Australia, and its enforcement ensures compliance across all relevant entities operating within the Australian civil aviation framework.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly AD/CESSNA 207/25, mandate specific actions regarding the wing tip navigation and strobe lights on Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks. According to section (1), the directive applies to specific models (207, T207, 207A, T207A) with the mentioned auxiliary wing tip tanks installed as per STC SA2676 WE. Section (2) requires compliance with Flint Aero service bulletin No FA1, which outlines the necessary actions to address potential issues such as fuel spillage or tank leakage that could lead to ignition sources in high voltage or high temperature areas. The directive specifies that these actions must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1981 (section 3). The obligations imposed by the Act on the relevant parties include ensuring that all mandatory inspections and modifications are carried out as per the Flint Aero service bulletin No FA1. Owners and operators of the specified Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the navigation and strobe light systems, including cables, connectors, high voltage power supply, and lights, are inspected and modified to prevent potential fuel leakage from coming into contact with ignition sources. This requirement ensures that the aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards. Furthermore, the regulations mandate that the compliance with these directives is documented and maintained as part of the aircraft's maintenance records. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the AD/CESSNA 207/25 may result in civil or criminal penalties. Under section 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The maximum penalty for non-compliance with these regulations can include substantial fines and potential prosecution for individuals or entities responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. Additionally, the failure to adhere to these directives can result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed, thereby impacting the operational readiness and safety of the aircraft.