AD/CESSNA 210/18 - Alternator Earth Lead - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, form a comprehensive legal framework aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One aspect of these regulations, specifically addressed in Part 39, concerns the issuing of airworthiness directives to maintain the highest safety standards for aircraft. For instance, AD/CESSNA 210/18 pertains to the Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes, requiring inspection of the alternator earth lead to ensure it is correctly fitted, in good condition, and securely attached. This directive was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with the alternator earth lead, mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972 for models 210D and 210E. The policy objective behind such specific directives is to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and operational safety of aircraft, thereby protecting both crew and passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes. The regulation in focus, AD/CESSNA 210/18, pertains to the inspection of the alternator earth lead for models 210D and 210E. This directive mandates that operators of these aircraft models must ensure the alternator earth lead is installed, in good condition, and securely attached. The requirement necessitates compliance within the next 100 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972, underscoring the importance of regular inspections to maintain the aircraft's safety and operational integrity. This regulation applies to all operators and owners of the specified Cessna 210 models within the Commonwealth of Australia, and its enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in the directive, thus applying uniformly to all relevant aircraft within the stipulated conditions.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/CESSNA 210/18, focus on the maintenance and safety requirements for the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes. Section 39-105 requires that for models 210D and 210E, the alternator earth lead must be inspected to ensure it is fitted, in good condition, and securely attached (section 39-105(2)). This inspection must be conducted within the next 100 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972 (section 39-105(3)). The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are straightforward but crucial for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. Operators and owners of Cessna 210D and 210E aeroplanes must ensure that the inspection of the alternator earth lead is carried out by a certified technician, in accordance with the stipulated timeframe. This inspection is necessary to prevent any potential electrical faults that could compromise the aircraft's safety. Furthermore, any necessary repairs or replacements of the alternator earth lead must be performed to meet the regulatory standards set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in significant consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives typically leads to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include fines, suspension of the aircraft's operating certificate, and potential grounding of the aircraft until the directive is complied with. These measures are designed to ensure that all aircraft maintain the highest safety standards, thereby protecting the public and aviation personnel from potential hazards. In summary, AD/CESSNA 210/18 mandates a thorough inspection of the alternator earth lead for Cessna 210D and 210E aeroplanes within 100 hours of service after 29 February 1972. Operators and owners must adhere to these requirements to maintain compliance with safety regulations and avoid the serious consequences of non-compliance. These provisions are integral to upholding the safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.