AD/CESSNA 210/53 - Oxygen Indicator Lights - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to establish and enforce regulations for civil aviation safety in Australia. Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 focuses on the implementation of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft, including the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation was enacted to address safety concerns identified with the chemical oxygen systems in these aircraft, specifically the need for a more reliable method to test the oxygen indicator lights before each flight. The directive, AD/CESSNA 210/53, requires the installation of a press to test system in the oxygen indicator light circuits to ensure compliance with the Aeronautical Notice 20.4 (ANO 20.4), which mandates the provision of additional supplementary oxygen. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of flights by ensuring that the oxygen systems are fully operational and tested before each flight, thereby reducing the risk of oxygen-related incidents during flight.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Airworthiness Directives, applies to all P210 Series Cessna aeroplanes equipped with a solid state chemical oxygen system. This legislation mandates the installation of a press to test system in the oxygen indicator light circuits, ensuring that the indicator lights can be tested prior to each flight. This requirement is to be met within 200 hours of the aircraft's time in service or before the aircraft is cleared to operate at 23,000 feet maximum altitude following the installation of additional supplementary oxygen to comply with ANO 20.4. The directive is a response to a review of the chemical oxygen system in Cessna aircraft, which has deemed additional supplementary oxygen necessary to meet regulatory standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has determined that the addition of a press to test system is a satisfactory method for meeting the specified requirements. This legislative instrument extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all applicable aircraft operators adhere to the stipulated safety measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate a series of requirements and obligations for maintaining the airworthiness of the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the installation of a press to test system in the oxygen indicator light circuits (AD/CESSNA 210/53). The primary requirement, outlined in the Airworthiness Directive, is that all P210 Series aeroplanes equipped with a solid state chemical oxygen system must incorporate this testing mechanism to ensure that the indicator lights function correctly prior to each flight. This directive aims to enhance safety by verifying the oxygen system's functionality before operation, which is crucial for the safety of both crew and passengers. Entities and individuals governed by this directive, such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers, must comply with the installation of the press to test system within specified timeframes. The regulation stipulates that this installation must be completed within 200 hours of the aircraft's time in service, or before the aircraft is cleared to fly at 23,000 feet maximum altitude after supplementary oxygen has been added to meet the requirements of ANO 20.4. This dual timeline ensures that the installation is not delayed and that the safety protocols are adhered to promptly. Additionally, it is imperative that these modifications are carried out by authorised personnel to ensure compliance with the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the directives set forth in AD/CESSNA 210/53 may result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose stringent penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. The precise penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the text, but the implications of not adhering to airworthiness directives can be severe, including potential legal action and operational disruptions. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a critical aspect of maintaining the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation.