AD/BEECH 200/28 - Forward R.H. Cabin Service Panel Retainer

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through legislative instrument F2006B03684, address safety concerns specifically related to Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) series aeroplanes. This regulation was introduced to mitigate the risk of service panels shifting and consequently restricting the operation of the emergency exit door, a critical safety issue that could potentially endanger passengers and crew. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the objective is to ensure that the specified aircraft models adhere to safety standards outlined in Beechcraft Service Information (SI) No 1067. Compliance with these directives is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1979 for the specified serial numbers, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet stringent safety requirements. The regulation targets specific serial numbers of model 200 and model 200T Beechcraft aeroplanes, mandating corrective action to prevent the identified safety hazard. By enforcing adherence to the Beechcraft SI No 1067, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to enhance overall aviation safety, minimising risks associated with compromised emergency exits. This legislative measure underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and proactive measures in civil aviation, ensuring the protection of lives aboard affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, governs the safety directives applicable to certain aircraft models, including the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) series aeroplanes. This regulation is particularly focused on ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating compliance with specific service directives. For the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) series, the regulation applies to all model 200 aircraft with specific serial numbers and model 200T aircraft within certain serial number ranges. The requirement pertains to the forward right-hand cabin service panel retainer, as outlined in AD/BEECH 200/28. Compliance with the directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1979, aiming to prevent any potential shifting of the service panel that could restrict the operation of the emergency exit door. This regulation ensures that the specified aircraft maintain their airworthiness standards and operational safety, applicable to the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby impacting all entities and individuals operating these aircraft within the national jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 200/28, pertains to Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model 200 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from BB-2 to BB-185, BB-187 to BB-202, BB-204 to BB-269, BB-271 to BB-309, BB-311 to BB-342, BB-344 to BB-382, BB-384 to BB-407, BB-409 to BB-414, and BB-417. Additionally, it applies to all model 200T aircraft with serial numbers BT-1 to BT-4. The directive mandates that these aircraft must comply with Beechcraft Service Instruction No 1067, which addresses the potential issue of the forward right-hand cabin service panel shifting and thereby restricting the operation of the emergency exit door. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, the aircraft operators or owners must ensure that the specified action is taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1979. This timeframe is critical to address the safety issue identified by the directive. The requirement is straightforward: the aircraft must be modified or repaired in accordance with the procedures outlined in the referenced Beechcraft Service Instruction to prevent the service panel from shifting. The obligations imposed by this directive are significant. Operators and owners must ensure that the aircraft is inspected and, if necessary, modified or repaired by a certified mechanic or repair station. This inspection and subsequent action must be documented and logged in the aircraft's maintenance records to demonstrate compliance with the directive. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to serious safety issues, including the inability to operate the emergency exit door during an emergency, which could have dire consequences. Non-compliance with the AD/BEECH 200/28 directive can result in civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to impose penalties for non-compliance. These penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Therefore, it is imperative that aircraft operators and owners take these directives seriously and ensure prompt and complete compliance.