AD/CESSNA 310/22 Amdt 1 - Rerouting of Suppressor Cable - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/CESSNA 310/22 Amendment 1, addresses the safety concerns associated with the rerouting of the suppressor cable in Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, specifically models 310I, J, K, L, and N. This amendment was introduced to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by ensuring the suppressor cable is correctly rerouted and connected through an appropriate circuit breaker, reducing the risk of electrical faults. The regulation is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and aims to maintain and improve the airworthiness standards for these aircraft, thus ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The compliance requirement mandates that these modifications be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 29 May 1970, underscoring the urgency and importance of adhering to these safety directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates airworthiness directives concerning the operation and maintenance of aircraft, with AD/CESSNA 310/22 providing clear instructions for modifying the rerouting of suppressor cables on Cessna 310 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all model 310I, J, K, L, and N aircraft and imposes a requirement that the specified modifications to the suppressor cable be implemented within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 29 May 1970. The directive mandates disconnection of the Type S5508 suppressor cable from the battery ammeter shunt in the left-hand junction box, rerouting it to connect to the DC bus through a 10-amp circuit breaker, with an appropriate decal to be affixed to the circuit breaker panel for identification. The directive is applicable nationwide and governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all aircraft meeting the specified criteria adhere to these safety standards. The scope of this regulation extends to all operators and owners of the identified Cessna 310 series aeroplanes within Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to aircraft maintenance and safety. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive, meaning all applicable aircraft must comply with the specified modifications. While the primary regulation does not extend its application through subordinate instruments in this instance, it remains subject to broader oversight and enforcement by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This directive is an integral part of ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft within the Australian aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this legislative instrument, found in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate a modification to the rerouting of the suppressor cable for certain Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes (section 39-105). This directive applies to all model 310I, J, K, L, and N aircraft. The requirement outlined in the legislation is for the disconnection of the Type S5508 Suppressor cable from the battery ammeter shunt in the left-hand junction box. Following disconnection, the cable must then be rerouted and connected to the DC bus through a 10-amp circuit breaker. If no spare circuit breaker position is available, the cable may be connected through an existing 10-amp circuit breaker, such as the one used for the Cabin Heat/Hour Indicator. Lastly, an appropriate decal must be fitted to the circuit breaker panel to identify the suppressor circuit breaker. The obligations imposed by this legislation require all operators of the specified Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes to ensure that the rerouting of the suppressor cable is performed in accordance with the directive. The compliance deadline is set within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date, which is 29 May 1970. Operators must also ensure that the appropriate decal is correctly affixed to the circuit breaker panel, facilitating the identification of the suppressor circuit breaker. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in potential safety hazards and non-compliance with civil aviation safety standards. Failure to adhere to the provisions of this directive may result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument, breaches of civil aviation safety regulations generally carry substantial penalties. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for individuals responsible for non-compliance. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these penalties, ensuring that operators adhere to safety directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.