AD/CESSNA 210/43 Amdt 1 - Alternator Ground Strap - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B08092, specifically addresses issues related to the airworthiness of Cessna 210 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to ensure the safety and reliability of these aircraft models by setting forth mandatory airworthiness directives. The policy objective of this regulation is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation by enforcing compliance with specific maintenance and installation requirements. The regulatory focus here is on the proper installation of alternator ground straps, an issue identified through industry reports highlighting instances where these critical components were omitted during engine reinstallation processes. The intent is to prevent potential safety hazards that could arise from such omissions. The enforcement of these directives is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which mandates compliance within specified time frames and conditions. This legislative measure was introduced to address a noticeable gap in maintenance practices that could potentially compromise the integrity and safety of the aircraft in operation. By setting clear timelines and conditions for compliance, the regulation aims to standardise safety practices across the industry, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety criteria.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to specific serial numbers of the 210/P210/T210 models, explicitly excluding certain serial numbers. The directive mandates the installation of an alternator ground strap and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1982, or each time an engine is reinstalled in an aircraft following the initial compliance. The directive is supported by either a Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) or a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD. This regulatory action underscores the importance of ensuring safety and operational integrity in the specified aircraft models by addressing concerns raised by the industry about the omission of ground straps during engine refits.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for certain Cessna 210 series aeroplanes. The relevant airworthiness directive AD/CESSNA 210/43 Amendment 1 pertains to the installation of an alternator ground strap on specified models of the Cessna 210 aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model 210/P210/T210 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 21058783 to 21062666, with some exceptions including 21062650 and 21062662, and P21000001 to P21000026, T210-0001 to T210-0454. The compliance documentation required can be found in either the Cessna SIL SE79-59 or the FAA AD 79-25-07. The primary requirement of this directive is that compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1982. Additionally, compliance is mandated each time an engine is installed in an aircraft following the initial compliance period. This is to ensure that the alternator ground strap, a critical safety component, is correctly installed and maintained. The directive was amended, as noted in item 2, due to industry reports indicating that ground straps were frequently omitted during engine refitments. The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward yet critical. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 210 aeroplanes must ensure that the specified alternator ground strap is installed correctly and verified within the stipulated timeframes. This includes checking the installation each time an engine is refitted to the aircraft. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations, potentially leading to serious safety issues. Violations of these airworthiness directives can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This may include the imposition of fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring airworthiness in aviation safety regulations.