AD/CHA/2 Amdt 2 - Circuit Protector

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, introduced a legislative instrument (F2006B08546) aimed at enhancing aviation safety by addressing issues related to the airworthiness of American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure that all Champion 7 and 8 Series aircraft equipped with an alternator system are modified to incorporate a circuit protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, between the alternator power cable and the ammeter connection. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate potential electrical failures that could compromise the safety of these aircraft, thereby maintaining high standards of airworthiness as stipulated in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1976, and aircraft that have already complied with the previous issue of this directive are considered to meet the requirements of this updated version.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses airworthiness directives for American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/CHA/2 Amendment 2 from 1976, pertains to all Champion 7 and 8 Series aircraft equipped with an alternator system. The regulation mandates the installation of a circuit protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, between the alternator power cable and the ammeter connection. This directive is intended to ensure the safety of the aircraft by preventing electrical faults that could compromise the aircraft's operational integrity. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1976, or if the aircraft already meets the requirements of the preceding issue of this directive, it is considered compliant with this current issue. The directive is applicable to the Commonwealth of Australia and extends to all aircraft falling within its scope, as specified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive, and it is enforced through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) that govern the maintenance and operation of various aircraft. Specifically, AD/CHA/2 Amendment 2 (AD/CHA/2Amdt 2) pertains to American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the installation of a circuit protector. According to section 9/76, this directive applies to all Champion 7 and 8 Series aircraft that are equipped with an alternator system. The directive mandates the installation of a circuit protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, between the alternator power cable and the ammeter connection (Section 9/76). The requirement set forth in this directive is to enhance safety by preventing potential electrical faults that could compromise the integrity of the aircraft's electrical system. The Airworthiness Directive specifies that the compliance with this directive must be achieved within the next 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1976. Notably, aircraft that already complied with the preceding issue of this directive are considered to meet the requirements of this updated directive. Entities and parties governed by this Act, including aircraft operators and maintenance service providers, are obligated to ensure that the installation of the specified circuit protective device is performed correctly and in accordance with the prescribed timeline. This involves meticulous adherence to the technical specifications and standards outlined in the Air Navigation Order 108.32, Appendix 3, Table 6, which provides a suitable cable and circuit protector coordination chart. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant legal and safety consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could range from fines to the suspension or revocation of an aircraft's airworthiness certificate, thereby impacting the ability to operate the aircraft legally and safely. Such stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to these directives to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation.