COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 1900/30 Electrical Loom Inspection 11/99
TX
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Inspect 531 and 631 zones, under panel 531AT and 631AT, for evidence of electrical wiring chaffing and rub or burn marks on the aluminium fuel lines. Ensure all wire is secured in place with adequate clearance to any fuel line.
2. If any damage is observed during Requirement 1 inspection, then repair and secure any wiring that is damaged in accordance with approved maintenance data or Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B dated 8 September 1998.
3. If any damage is observed during Requirement 1 inspection, then replace any affected fuel pipe.
4. Submit a report of the inspection results, including negative results, to the Manager, Technical Specialists, Airworthiness Branch, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, GPO Box 2005, Canberra ACT 2601.
Compliance: 1. Before next flight.
2. Before next flight.
3. Before next flight.
4. Within 10 days of accomplishing this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 September 1999.
Background: A recent in flight fire has been reported by an operator. This was caused by the landing light wire chaffing and shorting onto the fuel line, resulting in a hole in the fuel line.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, addresses safety concerns in civil aviation through Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/BEECH 1900/30, focuses on the inspection and maintenance of electrical looms for Beechcraft 1900 Series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced in response to a reported in-flight fire caused by electrical wiring chaffing and shorting onto a fuel line, which underscored the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia, mandates these inspections to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The overarching policy objective is to mitigate the risk of in-flight fires by enforcing rigorous inspection and repair protocols.
The directive requires operators to inspect specific zones for electrical wiring damage, repair any identified issues, and replace affected fuel pipes before the next flight. Additionally, operators must submit a report of inspection results to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority within 10 days of completing the directive. This regulatory approach aims to proactively identify and rectify potential safety hazards, thereby enhancing the overall safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives which are integral to maintaining the safety standards of aircraft operations within Australia. One such directive, AD/BEECH 1900/30, applies to all models of Beechcraft 1900 Series aeroplanes and mandates rigorous inspections and necessary repairs to electrical wiring and fuel lines. The directive requires operators to inspect the 531 and 631 zones under panels 531AT and 631AT for signs of electrical wiring chaffing or burn marks on fuel lines, ensuring that all wiring is properly secured with adequate clearance to fuel lines. If damage is detected, it must be repaired or replaced in accordance with approved maintenance data or relevant Federal Aviation Administration guidance. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with inspections and repairs required before the next flight and a report on the inspection results to be submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority within 10 days of completing the directive. This regulation is designed to prevent in-flight fires and other safety hazards associated with electrical and fuel line issues.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, particularly AD/BEECH 1900/30, mandates an inspection of specific zones in Beechcraft 1900 series aeroplanes to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Section 1 of this directive requires operators to inspect the 531 and 631 zones, located under panels 531AT and 631AT, for any signs of electrical wiring chaffing or burn marks on aluminium fuel lines. This inspection is crucial to prevent potential short circuits that could lead to in-flight fires. Operators must ensure that all wiring is secured with adequate clearance from any fuel lines.
Compliance with this directive is stringent, requiring that the inspection be completed before the next flight (section 1.1). If any damage is detected during the inspection, the directive further stipulates that the damaged wiring must be repaired and secured in accordance with approved maintenance data or the Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B (section 1.2). Additionally, any affected fuel pipes must be replaced (section 1.3). Finally, operators are required to submit a report detailing the results of the inspection, including any negative findings, to the Manager, Technical Specialists, Airworthiness Branch of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority within 10 days of completing the directive (section 1.4).
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The directive underscores the importance of timely and thorough inspections to prevent potential in-flight fires, which were highlighted by a recent incident involving landing light wire chaffing and shorting onto a fuel line. Non-compliance with these stringent safety measures can lead to operational disruptions and severe penalties, which may include grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The directive becomes effective from 20 September 1999, underscoring the urgency and importance of adhering to these safety protocols.