AD/ELECT/40 - Slick Magneto Coil

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia by providing a regulatory framework that governs various aspects of civil aviation operations, including the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft. Part 39 of these regulations includes a schedule of airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable requirements issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety issues. The directive in question, AD/ELECT/40, pertains to specific models of Slick magneto coils, which are components used in aircraft engines. The directive was introduced to address the problem of potential cracking and shorting failure in the potting compound of certain Slick magneto coils, a defect that has led to failures both in Australia and internationally. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of aircraft by requiring compliance with these directives within a specified timeframe.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Slick magnetos of specific model numbers and serial number ranges, installed on certain Teledyne Continental and Lycoming engines used in aviation. This regulation is applicable to all civil aviation operators within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the identified Slick magnetos are maintained or replaced within a stipulated timeframe to prevent potential safety hazards arising from the cracking of the coil potting compound. The regulation mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1981. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but references related manufacturer service bulletins and FAA AD 81-16-05 for further guidance. Compliance is critical to maintaining airworthiness standards and ensuring the safe operation of affected aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 107, and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include specific provisions concerning the airworthiness of certain electrical equipment used in aviation. Section AD/ELECT/40 pertains to Slick Magneto Coils, specifically those with model numbers 4201, 4201R, 4216, 4216R, 4230, 4230R, 4250, 4250R, 4251, 4251R, 4252, 4252R, 4281, 4281R, 6210, 6210R, 6214, and 6214R. These magnetos must comply with specific serial number ranges and dates of manufacture, as outlined in the directive. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1981. The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that the specified Slick Magneto Coils are inspected and, if necessary, replaced or repaired to prevent the cracking of the potting compound that could lead to shorting failures. Operators and owners of aircraft equipped with these magnetos must ensure that the relevant checks and actions are carried out by appropriately qualified personnel. The directive references several service bulletins and airworthiness directives from other authorities, including Slick SB1-81, Lycoming SB457A, Cessna SIL SE81-30, and FAA AD 81-16-05, which should be consulted for further guidance. Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive may result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft, which may include grounding the aircraft until the required actions are completed. Additionally, operators and owners may face penalties if the non-compliance leads to unsafe conditions or incidents. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive but could include fines and other regulatory actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations. Ensuring compliance is essential to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.