{"id":"F2006B09433","name":"AD/ELECT/59 Amdt 1 - Ignition Switches","slug":"ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":53843,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B09433-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/ELECT/59 Amdt 1 - Ignition Switches","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nElectrical Equipment\n\nAD/ELECT/59\n\nAmdt 1\n\n  \nIgnition Switches 11/93\n\nApplicability: Ignition switches manufactured by ACS Products Company or Gerdes Products Company fitted to, but not limited to the following aircraft models:\n\nPiper PA-38-112;\n\nSchweizer GA-164 series and 2-37 series;\n\nCessna 150 series, 152 series, 172 series, 177 series, 180, 182 series, 185, U206,\n\n207, 210 series.\n\nNote: Serial number ranges for Cessna aircraft are identified in Cessna Service Bulletin SEB91-5 Revision 1 dated 14 June 1991.\n\nRequirement: 1. Inspect the ignition switch for wear or corrosion and lubricate the switch in accordance with ACS Service Bulletin SB92-01 Revision A dated 21 January 1993 or for Cessna aircraft Cessna Service Bulletin SEB91-5 Revision 1 dated 14 June 1991. If corrosion or wear is detected either replace the damaged components or replace the ignition switch before further flight.\n\nNote: This requirement does not apply to ACS ignition switches that do not have a “start” position (models A-150-1 and A-510-5) manufactured on or after 20 February 1989, that have not accumulated 2000 hours time in service. (Switches manufactured after 20 February 1989 may be identified by the presence of red paint in the screw heads on the back of the switch and by the manufacturing date stamped on the switch body.)\n\n2. Inspect the ignition switch installation to determine if a diode or other surge suppressor is installed on the starter solenoid. If one is not installed, prior to further flight, install a starter solenoid diode in accordance with ACS Service Bulletin SB92-01 Revision A dated 21 January 1993 or for Cessna aircraft Cessna Service Bulletin SEB91-5 Revision 1 dated 14 June 1991.\n\nCompliance: Requirement 1. Within 100 hours time in service after 24 June 1993 or at the next periodic servicing, whichever occurs first, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 2000 hours time in service.\n\nRequirement 2. Within 100 hours time in service after 24 June 1993.\n\nNote: FAA AD 93-05-06 Amdt 39-8511 refers.\n\nBackground: The FAA has received numerous reports of ignition switch failures caused by internal wear and arcing of the contact surfaces.\n\nCompliance with this Directive will decrease the likelihood of an inability to control electrical power supply to the engine occurring.\n\nCOMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\nThis amendment eases the compliance period of Requirement 2 due to spares not being readily available.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This amendment remains tightly scoped to its original purpose — preventing ignition switch failures in specific aircraft types. The only change is a pragmatic adjustment to the compliance timeline for Requirement 2 due to parts availability, which does not expand the substantive scope of the directive."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple applicability layers: manufacturer (ACS/Gerdes), specific aircraft models, plus serial number ranges referenced in external Cessna Service Bulletin","Nested exception in Requirement 1: excludes certain ACS models (A-150-1, A-510-5) manufactured on/after 20 February 1989 AND with fewer than 2000 hours time in service, with visual identification criteria (red paint in screw heads, date stamp)","Cross-references to four external documents: two ACS Service Bulletins, one Cessna Service Bulletin, and one FAA AD (93-05-06)","Dual compliance schedules with different intervals (100 hours initial + 2000 hours recurring for Requirement 1; 100 hours once-off for Requirement 2)","Amendment logic: modifies previous version by easing one compliance period due to supply chain issues"],"plain_english_summary":"This airworthiness safety directive requires owners/operators and maintenance organizations of certain Cessna, Piper and Schweizer light aircraft with ACS or Gerdes ignition switches to inspect switches for wear/corrosion (lubricate or replace as needed) and verify a diode/surge suppressor is fitted to the starter solenoid. It addresses reports of switch failures that can cause engine electrical loss; this amendment extends the deadline to install diodes because parts were delayed."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This amendment does not expand the directive’s substantive scope (it remains focused on inspection/maintenance of specific ignition switches and installation of a starter solenoid diode). The only material change recorded in the text is a relaxation of the compliance timing for Requirement 2 because spares were not readily available; that is a schedule adjustment rather than an expansion of which equipment or aircraft are covered or what actions are required."},"complexity_factors":["Two discrete mandatory requirements with different compliance timings (Requirement 1 recurring; Requirement 2 one-off)","Exception for two ACS switch models based on manufacture date and accumulated hours, with visual identification markers (red paint in screw heads and date stamp)","Multiple aircraft types listed (several Piper, Schweizer and numerous Cessna series) and referral to serial-number ranges in a separate Cessna service bulletin","Cross-references to three external service bulletins (ACS SB92-01 Rev A; Cessna SEB91-5 Rev 1) that contain the detailed procedures","A short background and a final note that the amendment relaxes the timing of Requirement 2 due to spares availability"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this rule does (mechanically):**\n\n- This is an airworthiness directive (a mandatory safety order from the aviation regulator) requiring inspections and corrective action for certain ignition switches fitted to a list of small aircraft models. It contains two main requirements:  \n  - **Requirement 1:** Inspect and lubricate affected ignition switches for wear or corrosion following the maker's service bulletin; if wear or corrosion is found, repair or replace the switch before further flight. There is a narrow exception for two ACS switch models (A-150-1 and A-510-5) manufactured on or after 20 February 1989 that have fewer than 2,000 hours in service. Those newer switches can be identified by red paint in the screw heads and a manufacture date stamp.  \n  - **Requirement 2:** Check the starter solenoid installation for a diode or other surge suppressor; if none is present, install a starter solenoid diode following the relevant service bulletin.\n\n- The directive names the affected switch manufacturers (ACS Products Company and Gerdes Products Company) and lists the aircraft types to which it applies (selected Piper, Schweizer and many Cessna models). For Cessna aircraft it refers to serial-number ranges given in a Cessna service bulletin.\n\n- Timing (compliance):  \n  - Requirement 1: Initial inspection within 100 hours time-in-service after 24 June 1993 or at the next periodic servicing (whichever is sooner), then repeat inspections at intervals not exceeding 2,000 hours time-in-service.  \n  - Requirement 2: Install a diode, if required, within 100 hours time-in-service after 24 June 1993.  \n\n- The directive references the FAA airworthiness directive on the same issue and cites specific manufacturer service bulletins to follow for the inspection, lubrication, replacement and diode installation procedures.\n\n**Why the regulator issued it (stated purpose):**\n\n- The FAA reported multiple ignition-switch failures caused by internal wear and arcing of the contact surfaces. The directive’s stated purpose is to reduce the risk of losing control of the electrical power supply to the engine by ensuring switches are inspected, maintained or replaced and that starter solenoid surge suppression is present.\n\n**Who is affected and who pays:**\n\n- Affected parties: aircraft owners/operators of the listed models that have ignition switches by ACS or Gerdes, and maintenance organisations that service those aircraft.  \n- Who pays: owners/operators pay for inspection labour, lubrication materials, replacement switches or components if required, and for installation of the starter solenoid diode where absent. If parts are scarce, there may be additional delay or cost to source approved spares.\n\n**Who decides and what behaviour changes:**\n\n- Decision-makers: aircraft operators and their maintenance providers must carry out the inspections and corrective actions in accordance with the cited service bulletins and keep aircraft compliant with the directive. The regulator enforces compliance.  \n- Behaviour changes required: operators must add the inspection and diode-check/installation to scheduled maintenance, track hours-in-service for the repeat interval, and replace or repair switches when wear/corrosion is found.\n\n**Costs, incentives and trade-offs:**\n\n- Direct costs are the inspections, possible replacement parts and labour; these costs fall on the aircraft owners/operators.  \n- The directive creates demand for replacement switches, diodes and for maintenance labour (concentrated benefit to parts suppliers and maintenance providers).  \n- Opportunity costs include aircraft downtime during inspection/repair and the administrative burden of tracking hours-in-service to meet the mandated intervals. Small operators may feel these costs proportionately more than large operators.  \n- Implementation risk and compliance friction: correct identification of affected switches requires checking manufacture dates, screw-head paint markings and serial-number ranges (for some Cessna aircraft), and parts availability may delay compliance — the amendment explicitly relaxes the compliance timing for Requirement 2 because spares were not readily available.  \n\n**Effects on private choice and markets:**\n\n- The rule constrains private choice by mandating specific inspections and installation of a diode where absent. Operators retain choice over where and how to obtain approved replacement parts and who performs maintenance, subject to regulatory requirements and the referenced service bulletins.  \n- It may shift maintenance spending toward suppliers of approved switches and diodes and towards certified maintenance providers. There is no direct change to aircraft ownership or operation rights beyond the maintenance obligations.\n\n**Implementation detail to note:**\n\n- Procedures and acceptable repairs are defined by the manufacturers’ service bulletins cited in the directive; compliance means following those bulletins (ACS SB92-01 Revision A and for affected Cessna types, Cessna SEB91-5 Revision 1).  \n\n(References in the directive: \"Requirement 1\", \"Requirement 2\", the exception note for ACS models A-150-1 and A-510-5, the Compliance timings, and the final amendment note easing Requirement 2’s timing.)"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches","history":"/api/acts/ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-elect-59-amdt-1-ignition-switches/documents"}}