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 207 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 207/37 Cigar Lighter Wiring 3/2003
Applicability: Model 207 series aeroplanes with serial numbers 20700001 through 20700414 (except those aircraft with factory installed 24-volt electrical system).
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 207 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 207/37 (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 under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 7 February 2003, addresses safety concerns related to the wiring of cigar lighters in Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, the AD aims to mitigate risks associated with unprotected electrical wiring shorting, which has previously led to incidents of smoke in the cockpit and potential fire hazards. The AD applies to model 207 series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, excluding those with a factory-installed 24-volt electrical system. The directive requires the disconnection of the wire that connects the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle and mandates one of three corrective actions to prevent unsafe conditions, including the installation of a properly rated circuit protection device or the removal of the wire from the aeroplane. The objective of this AD is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by ensuring that the wiring does not pose a risk of electrical failure or fire during flight. The directive became effective on 20 March 2003 and must be complied with at the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months after the effective date, whichever occurs first.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 targets the Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, excluding those with factory-installed 24-volt electrical systems. The directive applies to these aircraft to address an unsafe condition identified in the wiring connected to the cigar lighter receptacle. This condition, if left unaddressed, poses a risk of electrical shorting, potentially leading to in-flight electrical system failures, smoke in the cockpit, and fire hazards. The directive mandates that the wiring connected to the cigar lighter be disconnected and either properly reconnected with an appropriately rated circuit protection device, completely removed from the aircraft, or insulated and secured to prevent any electrical hazards. The directive applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and mandates compliance within a specific timeframe, either at the next annual inspection or within 100 hours of time in service, whichever occurs first, from the effective date of the directive, 20 March 2003. The directive extends its reach through subordinate instruments and may reference previous FAA directives and advisories for compliance guidance.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) focus on the safety measures required for certain Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. Section 1 specifies the applicability of the AD to Model 207 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 through 20700414, excluding those with a factory-installed 24-volt electrical system. Section 2 outlines the requirement for the disconnection of the wire connecting the electrical bus to the cigar lighter receptacle. This can be done in one of three ways: by reconnecting the wire using a properly rated circuit protection device, by disconnecting the wire at the lighter receptacle and removing it from the aeroplane, or by insulating the disconnected end of the wire, folding it back against the wire bundle, and securing it to that bundle. Section 3 specifies the compliance timeline, mandating that the required action be taken at the next annual inspection, but no later than 100 hours of time in service or 12 months after the effective date of the Directive, whichever comes first.
The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties it governs are stringent. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified action is taken to prevent electrical system failures and associated hazards such as cockpit smoke and fire. This entails a thorough inspection of the aeroplane's wiring configuration and the implementation of one of the prescribed corrective measures. The AD also requires that the work be completed within the specified compliance timeline to maintain the airworthiness of the aeroplane. Additionally, operators must ensure that any modifications or disconnections are carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in the Directive, including consulting relevant FAA Advisory Circulars for guidance on selecting the appropriate circuit protection devices.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The maximum penalty for non-compliance can include fines and potential grounding of the aeroplane until the required action is taken. Furthermore, in severe cases where non-compliance leads to an accident or incident, individuals responsible for the non-compliance could face criminal charges. Such charges may result in substantial fines and imprisonment, highlighting the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the safety and compliance of the affected aeroplanes.