AD/CESSNA 210/34 - Ammeter Type and Position - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament, serve as the primary legislative instrument governing civil aviation safety in the country. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B08083, was introduced to address safety concerns related to the ammeter type and position in Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes, aiming to ensure that the ammeter is correctly connected to avoid potential hazards during flight operations. The policy objective is to mandate the inspection and, if necessary, the modification of the ammeter wiring in these aircraft to align with the original Cessna wiring diagrams, thus enhancing the safety and reliability of the aircraft's electrical systems. This legislative instrument, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, requires operators to inspect the aircraft to confirm whether the ammeter has been appropriately modified or if a centre zero ammeter is correctly connected in the battery line. Operators must comply with this directive within the next 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978, ensuring that any necessary modifications are made promptly to mitigate safety risks. The requirement to reconnect the centre zero ammeter into the battery line, as per original Cessna wiring diagrams, is a critical step in preventing electrical malfunctions that could potentially compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all entities and persons involved in the operation of Cessna 210 series aeroplanes within the Australian Commonwealth. This includes aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, and other relevant parties engaged in the maintenance and operation of these aircraft. The scope of this specific airworthiness directive (AD/CESSNA 210/34) pertains to the inspection and modification of the ammeter type and position in these aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive is designed to address potential safety hazards associated with incorrect ammeter connections, ensuring that all operations adhere to the original wiring diagrams as specified by Cessna. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring that inspections and necessary modifications be completed within 100 hours time in service following 30 September 1978. This regulation extends across all models of the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes and is applicable nationwide, reflecting the Commonwealth's commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 and specifically within the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, set out the requirements for the inspection and modification of the ammeter in Cessna 210 series aeroplanes. This is detailed in AD/CESSNA 210/34, which applies to all models of the Cessna 210 series (39-105). The main requirement outlined in this directive (Section 1) is that aircraft must be inspected to determine if the ammeter has been modified as per Rex Drawing RA-A-1109 or if a centre zero ammeter (charge/discharge type) is connected in the alternator line. If a centre zero ammeter is connected in the alternator line, it must be reconnected into the battery line as per the original Cessna wiring diagrams. The directive provides a method for quickly checking the current connection of the ammeter by observing its readings when the battery master switch is on and a load such as a landing light switch is applied. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the ammeter of their Cessna 210 series aeroplanes is correctly connected. This involves inspecting the aircraft to ascertain the current configuration of the ammeter and making any necessary modifications to comply with the original Cessna wiring diagrams. This inspection and modification must be completed within the next 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978, as specified in the directive. Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state the exact nature of the offences or penalties for non-compliance, it is clear that any failure to adhere to these airworthiness directives can lead to significant safety risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliance, which may include fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory measures designed to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances, but they are intended to enforce compliance and maintain the high safety standards expected in civil aviation.