AD/BEECH 18/21 - Main Landing Gear Walking Beam Upper Attach Bolt - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, introduces Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One such directive, AD/BEECH 18/21, pertains to the main landing gear walking beam upper attach bolt on Beechcraft 18 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this directive was introduced to address potential failures of the main landing gear walking beam upper attach bolt which could occur during normal service, thus posing a significant risk to flight safety. The directive mandates specific inspection and replacement procedures to ensure the integrity and proper installation of the bolt, thereby achieving the policy objective of enhancing aircraft safety and preventing in-service failures. The directive requires that the main landing gear walking beam upper attach bolt on specified Beechcraft 18 series aeroplanes be visually inspected for integrity and correct installation. It further mandates the replacement of the bolt with a specified part and hardware as outlined in relevant service bulletins. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within certain time intervals after the specified date, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the required safety standards. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks associated with bolt failure, thereby protecting both aircraft and passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates specific safety directives for Beechcraft 18 Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models of the Beechcraft 18 series that are equipped with Volpar tricycle landing gear, including types such as C-45G, TC-45G, C-45H, TC-45H, TC-45J (SNB-5), RC-45J (SNB-5P), D18C, D18S, E18S-9700, G18S, H18, JRB-3N, 3NM, and 3TM. The directive requires operators to visually inspect and, if necessary, replace the main landing gear walking beam upper attach bolt P/No. AN 179-46A with NAS 149-80 bolt and associated hardware, as detailed in Volpar Inc. SB No. 22 dated 1 June 1981. The directive stipulates compliance within 10 hours of service after 25 September 1981, followed by a second inspection within 200 hours, and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 3000 hours to ensure ongoing safety and integrity of the aircraft's landing gear. This regulation is a Commonwealth measure and applies nationally across Australia, extending its requirements to all relevant aircraft operating within the country.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the Airworthiness Directives for Beechcraft 18 Series aeroplanes, detailing crucial maintenance and inspection requirements. Section 11/81 mandates a detailed inspection and potential replacement of the main landing gear walking beam upper attach bolt. This applies to all specified models of the Beechcraft 18 Series that are equipped with Volpar tricycle landing gear (Section 11/81 Applicability). The directive requires a visual inspection of the bolt P/No. AN 179-46A to ensure its integrity and proper installation (Section 11/81 Requirement 1). If the bolt is found to be defective, it must be removed and replaced with NAS 149-80 bolt and associated hardware, as outlined in Volpar Inc. Service Bulletin No. 22 dated 1 June 1981 (Section 11/81 Requirement 2). The installation of the new bolt must also be visually inspected for integrity, and any necessary replacements should be made with like serviceable parts (Section 11/81 Requirement 3). Compliance with these directives is critical and must be achieved within specific timeframes: within 10 hours of time in service after 25 September 1981, within 200 hours of time in service after the same date, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 3000 hours (Section Compliance). The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive are stringent and clear. Operators of the affected Beechcraft 18 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified maintenance is carried out by appropriately qualified personnel. They must also keep detailed records of all inspections and any replacements made, in compliance with the strict timeframes stipulated. These records must be readily available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) or any authorised officer to verify compliance. Additionally, operators must ensure that all maintenance personnel are adequately trained and familiar with the specific requirements of this directive and the associated service bulletin. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, including fines, as well as potential criminal charges in more severe cases. The specific penalties are determined by the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety. Civil penalties can be substantial, with maximum fines potentially reaching significant amounts as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Regulations. Criminal charges can result in imprisonment, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The detailed inspection and maintenance procedures are designed to prevent potential failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft, and thus, adherence to these requirements is mandatory.