AD/CESSNA 210/51 - Wing Tip Navigation/Strobe Lights Installed in Flint Aero Wing Tip Tanks - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. One specific regulation, AD/CESSNA 210/51, addresses issues concerning the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the installation of wing tip navigation and strobe lights within Flint Aero wing tip tanks. This legislation was introduced to mitigate the risk of fuel spillage or tank leakage in high voltage or high temperature areas, which could lead to ignition sources coming into contact with potential fuel leaks. The objective is to mandate inspections and necessary modifications to ensure safety and compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 31 July 1981. This regulation is critical in maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft models, ensuring they meet safety standards and operate reliably within the Australian civil aviation system.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the regulation of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/CESSNA 210/51, applies to Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, including models 210, D, E, F, T210F equipped with Flint Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks, and models 210G through T210N with Flint Aero Model FA2100 auxiliary wing tanks. This directive mandates inspections and modifications of the wing tip navigation and strobe lights installed in these tanks, with the aim of preventing potential ignition sources from coming into contact with any fuel spillage or leakage that might occur in high-voltage or high-temperature areas of the navigation and strobe light systems, including the cables, connectors, power supply, strobe light, and navigation lights. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1981, as stipulated in Flint Aero Service Bulletin No. FA1. The scope of the directive encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform standards for aircraft safety across the nation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes (section 105). This directive, identified as AD/CESSNA 210/51, mandates inspections and modifications of wing tip navigation and strobe lights installed in Flint Aero wing tip tanks (section 2). The directive applies to Cessna 210 models, including D, E, F, and T210F equipped with Flight Aero Model FA200 auxiliary wing tip tanks, as well as models 210G through T210N with Flint Aero Model FA2100 auxiliary wing tanks (section 3). These specifications are based on the Flint Aero Service Bulletin No. FA1 and require compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1981 (section 4). Under this directive, the primary obligation for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers is to conduct thorough inspections and necessary modifications to the wing tip navigation and strobe lights to prevent potential fuel leakage or spillage in high voltage or high temperature areas (section 5). This involves checking the navigation and strobe light system, including cables, connectors, high voltage power supply, and the lights themselves for any signs of wear, damage, or contamination that could compromise their functionality or safety (section 6). If any issues are identified during the inspection, appropriate modifications must be made to ensure the separation of ignition sources from potential fuel leakage (section 7). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CESSNA 210/51 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against non-compliant aircraft, which may include grounding the aircraft until the required inspections and modifications are completed (section 8). Additionally, any operators or maintenance providers found to be in breach of these regulations may face penalties, including fines and other legal actions. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure compliance and maintain the highest standards of aviation safety (section 9). It is crucial for all parties involved to adhere to these regulations to avoid any adverse outcomes.