AD/CESSNA 207/6 - Alternator Earth Lead

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05301, address a critical safety concern for Cessna 207 series aeroplanes through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This regulation was enacted to ensure the safety of aviation operations by mandating specific maintenance actions on these aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), under the authority of the Australian Parliament, established this directive to rectify a potential safety issue related to the alternator earth lead on Cessna 207 series aeroplanes, excluding those fitted with turbocharged engines. The objective of this directive is to ensure that the alternator earth lead is correctly installed and maintained, thereby preventing potential electrical faults that could compromise the aircraft's safety during flight. Compliance with this directive is required within the next 100 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972 to mitigate any associated risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all operators and owners of Cessna 207 series aeroplanes, excluding those models that are fitted with turbocharged engines. This regulation mandates that the alternator earth lead must be confirmed to be installed, in good condition, and securely attached to the aircraft. The requirement for compliance must be met within the next 100 hours of time in service following 29 February 1972. The regulation's jurisdictional reach is national, as it is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which operates under the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular directive, and compliance is mandatory for all applicable aircraft within the specified timeframe. The application of this directive may be further elaborated or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under PART 39 - 105, contain specific directives for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Cessna 207 series aeroplanes. The regulation in focus, AD/CESSNA 207/6, pertains to the alternator earth lead, which must be fitted and in good condition for all models except those equipped with turbocharged engines (Section 105). The primary requirement of this directive is to ensure that the alternator earth lead is indeed installed and that it is in good condition and securely attached to the aircraft (Section 2/72). Compliance with this directive must be achieved within the next 100 hours of time in service following 29 February 1972. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and straightforward. Aircraft operators must inspect the alternator earth lead of their Cessna 207 series aeroplanes to confirm its presence and condition. If the lead is not installed or is found to be defective, it must be rectified promptly. The lead must be securely attached to prevent any potential failures that could compromise the aircraft's electrical systems (Section 2/72). Operators need to ensure that these checks are completed within the stipulated timeframe to remain compliant with the Civil Aviation Regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/CESSNA 207/6 could result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Those found guilty of not adhering to these regulations may face substantial penalties. The exact penalties are not specified in the regulation itself but typically include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to these safety directives to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft.