A Lead Mechanic with an Inspection Authority (IA) rating reports about the difficulty in finding an Airworthiness Directive (AD) using a subscription search program and the FAA's Web site for an ACS Ignition switch in their new Cirrus SR-20 aircraft. The ACS switch was listed as a Cirrus part in their Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC); without any reference to an AD.

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Reporter stated there are two commercially available Airframe; Engine and Appliance subscription search programs digitally formatted and FAA recognized for searching Airworthiness Directives (AD's). One of the benefits of these search programs allows an Operator to build a file where all the accessories of a particular aircraft are loaded into and the search program than lists all the applicable Airworthiness Directives.Reporter stated an FAA Inspector came into their office and told him; his (Reporter's) Maintenance facility had not complied with a AD 93-05-06; issued in 1993 for ACS Magneto Ignition Switches installed on two of their new Cirrus SR-20 aircraft. These are single type ignition switches. The FAA Inspector noted he had recently found the same oversight at a different FBO.Reporter stated the ACS Ignition switch is installed in Cirrus SR-20 aircraft by the aircraft manufacturer and listed in their Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) as a Cirrus part; not an ACS switch or third party component subject to an AD. When he (Reporter) went to the FAA's web site for Cirrus aircraft AD's; the oldest AD listed by the FAA was 2001. The one they were cited for was a 1993 AD.Reporter stated the aircraft manufacturer does not call for a specific AD inspection of the Ignition switch in their Maintenance Program; no reference to an AD requirement in the Maintenance Manual Chapter 74 Ignition section and nothing in the Chapter 4 Airworthiness Limitations. Even the Master AD List that is referenced in the Logbook when they receive a new Cirrus from the Manufacturer; does not include the ignition switch as having an AD applicability. Reporter stated the Cirrus SR-20 Airframe was certified with a third party ACS Ignition switch installed; but listed as a Cirrus part. The FAA Inspector noted that the ACS switch had the letters ACS on the switch; but if the letters wear off than the only reference would still be the Manufacturer's Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC); which again; still lists the switch as a Cirrus part. Reporter stated the AD 93-05-06 for the ACS Ignition was eventually found under Appliances noted as ACS. One of the problems with listing that particular switch under Appliances is that an aircraft can generally still operate if an appliance does not. But an aircraft will not operate without the ignition switch. That's why he believes the appropriate place to list the ACS switch would be under Airframe for AD references.Reporter stated the FAA's website for finding AD's is not generally user friendly and all he wants to do is find someone higher up in the FAA; above his local FSDO; who will be willing to address his concerns and not have another Mechanic or FBO make the same mistake.