AD/CHA/20 - Alternator - Field Cable Protection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Among these, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives includes AD/CHA/20, which addresses the issue of alternator field cable protection for American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with alternator field cable failures, which could lead to significant operational hazards. The policy objective is to ensure the safety of flight operations by mandating the installation of a 5 AMP circuit protective device, such as an in-line fuse or circuit breaker, in the field cable of the alternator system as close as practical to the master switch. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards to prevent potential malfunctions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the applicability of airworthiness directives for aircraft, with this particular entry focusing on American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to all models within this series that are equipped with an alternator system. The requirement outlined in the regulation mandates the installation of a 5 AMP circuit protective device, such as an in-line fuse or circuit breaker, in the field cable as close as possible to the master switch. This directive must be complied with within 100 hours of time in service following the date of 30 June 1978. The scope of this legislation is limited to ensuring the safety and operational integrity of the specified aircraft models within the Australian jurisdiction, and it does not extend to other types of aircraft or aviation systems not covered by this directive. Any modifications or further specifications may be detailed in subordinate instruments related to this regulation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, mandate specific safety directives for certain types of aircraft, including American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes (section 1). One such directive, AD/CHA/20, addresses the protection of the alternator field cable (section 2). The requirement is to install a 5 AMP circuit protective device, such as an in-line fuse or circuit breaker, in the field cable as close as possible to the master switch (section 3). This installation must be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 30 June 1978 (section 4). Operators and owners of the affected aeroplanes must ensure compliance with the directive to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft. This involves taking specific actions such as inspecting the current field cable protection and installing the required 5 AMP circuit protective device if it is not already in place (section 5). It is the responsibility of the operator or owner to verify that the installation is performed correctly and in accordance with the regulation. Failure to comply with this directive can lead to serious consequences. Non-compliance may result in the aeroplane being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from being operated until the required modifications are made (section 6). Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against those who do not adhere to the safety directives. This may include fines, sanctions, or other legal actions as stipulated under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other relevant legislation (section 7). The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in this particular directive but can be found in the overarching regulations and acts that govern civil aviation in Australia.