SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
CESSNA 172S Skyhawk · Airworthiness Directives
Overview
This document is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia, specifically addressing safety concerns related to the Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot system installed in certain Cessna aircraft. The directive applies to Cessna 172R and 172S models equipped with specific part numbers of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system. The AD mandates the installation of an update to the autopilot software to prevent inadvertent engagement of the system, which could lead to unsafe flight conditions. Compliance with the directive is required within specified timeframes to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its operation.
- The directive applies to Cessna 172R and 172S models with specific KAP 140 autopilot part numbers.
- Operators must update the KAP 140 autopilot software within 100 hours of service after 30 September 2004.
- The specified KAP 140 autopilot systems cannot be installed as replacement parts unless modified as per the directive.
- The directive aims to prevent inadvertent engagement of the autopilot system, which could lead to unsafe flight conditions.
- Compliance with the directive is mandatory to ensure aircraft safety.
Document
Source
Originally published by services.casa.gov.au. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Airworthiness Directives
- Year
- 2004
- Pages
- 2
- File size
- 24 KB
- Publisher
- services.casa.gov.au
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In this document
Applicability
The directive applies to Cessna 172R and 172S models equipped with Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer systems with part numbers 065-00176-2501, 065-00176-5001, 065-00176-5101, or 065-00176-5201. Specific serial numbers for the 172S model range from 172S8001 to 172S9203.
Requirement
The directive outlines two main requirements: First, operators must install an update to the KAP 140 autopilot computer system operating software as per Honeywell and Cessna service bulletins. Second, the specified part numbers for the KAP 140 autopilot systems cannot be installed as replacement parts unless they have been modified according to the directive.
Compliance
Operators must comply with the first requirement within 100 hours of service after the directive's effective date, which is 30 September 2004. The second requirement must be adhered to as of the effective date.
Background
The FAA has reported issues with the KAP 140 autopilot system in various Cessna models, including the 172R and 172S, where inadvertent engagement of the autopilot could occur. This directive aims to address those safety concerns by ensuring that the autopilot software is updated.
Safety notes
- Inadvertent engagement of the autopilot system could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.
Full document text
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Page 1 of 2 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 170/74 KAP 140 Autopilot System 10/2004 Applicability: Cessna 172 R and 172S model aeroplanes listed below that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system, part number (P/N) 065-00176-2501, 065-00176-5001, 065-00176-5101 or 065-00176-5201, all serial numbers. Model 172R 172S Serial Numbers 17280001 through 17281073, 17281075 through 17281127 and 17281130 172S8001 through 172S9195, 172S9197, 172S9198 and 172S9200 through 172S9203 Note 1: The KAP 140 P/Ns listed above are in addition to those listed in AD/CESSNA 170/73 Requirement: 1. Install the update to the KC 140 autopilot computer system operating software by following Honeywell Installation Bulletin No. 491, Rev. 3, dated April 2003; Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) SB02-22-01, dated 25 November 2002 and Honeywell SB No. KC 140-M1, dated August 2002. 2. KC 140 autopilot computer systems P/Ns 065-00176-2501, 065-00176-5001, 065-00176-5101 or 065-00176-5201 may not be installed on any Cessna Model 172R or 172S aeroplanes as a replacement part unless the computer has been modified as specified in Requirements 1 of this Directive. Note 2: FAA AD 2004-15-18 Amdt 39-13752 refers. Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 100 hours time in service after the effective date of this Directive. For Requirement 2 - As of the effective date of this Directive. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 September 2004. Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot system in Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H aeroplanes. These aeroplanes are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system installed in the centre instrument control panel near the throttle. COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 170/74 (continued) Page 2 of 2 However, when issuing AD 2003-24-13 the FAA inadvertently omitted four part numbers from the applicability that was reflected in AD/CESSNA 170/73. This Directive, whilst not superseding AD/CESSNA 170/73, complements that Directive by listing the omitted KAP 140 autopilot computer system part numbers. This Directive requires the installation of an update to the operating software of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system. This action is intended to prevent unintentional engagement of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions. Gary J Carr Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 13 August 2004 The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 September 2004.







