AD/BEECH 1900/18 Amdt 2 - Outboard Flap Attachment Brackets and Aft Roller Bearings

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of Part 39 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that specifically address the safety of Beechcraft 1900 Series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address the problem of potential uncommanded rolls and loss of control due to interference between the flaps and ailerons, as reported in incidents involving Raytheon 1900 series aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enacting body, aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by implementing strict inspection and maintenance protocols. The overarching policy objective is to enhance flight safety by preventing structural failures that could compromise aircraft control. This legislative instrument, AD/BEECH 1900/18 Amendment 2 dated 3 March 1999, outlines specific requirements for inspecting and maintaining the outboard flap attachment brackets and aft roller bearings of certain Beechcraft 1900 Series models. It mandates inspections at particular intervals, referencing detailed instructions and repair procedures provided by Raytheon Aircraft. The directive also allows for compliance with an alternate method involving the installation of improved outboard flap support roller bearings, as per Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 27-3158. This amendment aims to mitigate the risk of uncommanded rolls by ensuring regular and thorough inspections and maintenance of critical components.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically mandate Airworthiness Directives that govern the safety standards of civil aircraft in Australia, including the Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes. These directives apply to specific models and serial numbers of the Beechcraft 1900 series, namely the 1900, 1900C, 1900C (C-12J), and 1900D, within the serial number ranges specified. The primary focus of this directive is the inspection and maintenance of outboard flap attachment brackets and aft roller bearings to prevent potential loss of control due to interference between the flap and aileron mechanisms. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers who are subject to the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations. The directive extends nationally and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all affected aircraft adhere to the outlined safety requirements. Notably, compliance with the Raytheon Aircraft Beech Mandatory Service Bulletin 27-3158 is accepted as an alternate method of meeting the directive's requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, details the requirements for Beechcraft 1900 series aeroplanes. Section AD/BEECH 1900/18 Amendment 2 outlines the necessary inspections and repairs for the outboard flap attachment brackets and aft roller bearings on both wings. The aircraft models and serial numbers applicable to this directive include the 1900 series, with various sub-models and serial numbers listed. The directive mandates that the inspection and repair of these parts must be conducted in accordance with the instructions provided in Raytheon Aircraft Safety Communique No. 137, Revision 1, and Raytheon Aircraft Temporary Revision No. 57-1 to the Raytheon Aircraft Beech 1900 Airliner Series Structural Repair Manual. Notably, compliance with Raytheon Aircraft Beech Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 27-3158 is an acceptable alternative, which involves the installation of improved outboard flap support roller bearings. Under these regulations, the inspection must be performed at specific intervals: upon reaching 600 total flight cycles, or within 600 flight cycles from the last inspection, or within the next 100 flight cycles after 25 March 1999, whichever occurs later; and subsequently, the inspections must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 600 flight cycles. The amendment becomes effective on 25 March 1999. The directive is rooted in incidents where the aircraft experienced uncommanded rolls after flap settings, leading to the need for preventive measures to avoid potential loss of control. The obligations imposed by the Act include regular and thorough inspections of the specified components, ensuring that any wear or damage is addressed promptly and correctly. Operators must adhere to the detailed procedures outlined in the referenced documents to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in significant safety risks, as the directive is intended to prevent interference between the flap and aileron, which could otherwise inhibit aileron movement. Non-compliance with the provisions set out in this Airworthiness Directive could result in severe consequences. Specifically, the failure to conduct the required inspections and repairs could lead to safety breaches and potential loss of control of the aircraft. The regulations do not specify exact penalties, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives is likely to be subject to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines and other penalties for breaches of safety regulations. The seriousness of the potential consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the outlined procedures and timelines.