EASA SIB 2008-54
FAA SAIB CE-04-72R1 - Cessna / Reims Aeroplanes - Voltage Regulator VR600A with insufficient over-voltage protection
Summary
FAA SAIB CE-04-72R1 is a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin addressing the voltage regulator VR600A used in certain Cessna single-engine aircraft, including models 150, 172, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 206, 207, and 210 series, as well as those manufactured by Reims Aviation. The bulletin highlights insufficient over-voltage protection in the VR600A voltage regulator, which can lead to undetected over-voltage conditions. EASA SIB No. 2008-54 supports the FAA's recommendations and informs European operators of the same issue.
What Changed
The bulletin introduces awareness of the VR600A voltage regulator's internal failure risk due to insufficient over-voltage protection. It references Cessna's Owner Advisory SEB03-3A and Service Bulletin SEB03-3, which recommend replacing the VR600A with an Electrosystems VR600 regulator and restoring the original over-voltage sensor and wiring configuration. This is a new advisory rather than an amendment to existing regulations.
Why It Matters
This issue matters because failure of the VR600A voltage regulator removes all over-voltage protection from the aircraft electrical system, potentially leading to electrical system damage or failure. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams need to be aware of this risk to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected Cessna aircraft. Addressing this issue helps prevent electrical system malfunctions that could compromise flight safety.
What To Do
Owners and operators of affected Cessna single-engine aircraft should consider complying with Cessna's Owner Advisory SEB03-3A and Service Bulletin SEB03-3, which recommend replacing the VR600A voltage regulator with the Electrosystems VR600 and reinstalling the over-voltage sensor. Compliance is recommended within 12 months or 100 flight hours, whichever occurs first. If wiring was modified for the VR600A installation, it should be restored to the original manufacturer’s configuration.
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