AD/BEECH 200/34 - Oxygen System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety and ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Among the various legislative instruments under these regulations, PART 39 - 105 addresses the specific safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series Aeroplanes. AD/BEECH 200/34 is a directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of these regulations, targeting the oxygen system of specified models of Beechcraft 200 aeroplanes. The directive aims to address the problem of oxygen control cable seizure and binding due to moisture freezing, which can compromise the functionality of the oxygen system at high altitudes, thereby ensuring flight safety. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the affected aircraft to operate legally within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers as outlined in the directive AD/BEECH 200/34. This directive mandates the fabrication of a placard indicating a flight restriction above 25,000 feet unless the oxygen system is armed, to be installed in clear view of the pilot. This requirement is necessary to prevent the oxygen control cable from seizing and binding due to moisture freezing, which can interfere with the activation of the oxygen system. The regulation is applicable to aircraft not modified according to Beech SI No. 0867-341 Revision II and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 August 1981. Compliance with this directive is crucial for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the AD/BEECH 200/34, concern the oxygen system of the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) series aeroplanes. Section 1 of the directive requires the fabrication of a placard, with letters at least 3 mm high, that clearly states: "Flight above 25,000 feet prohibited unless the oxygen system is ARMED (ON)". This placard must then be installed in clear view of the pilot. Additionally, the aircraft must be operated in accordance with this specified limitation. The directive applies to all models with specific serial numbers and excludes those modified in accordance with Beech SI No. 0867-341 Revision II. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 31 August 1981. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Aircraft owners or operators must ensure that the specified placard is fabricated and installed in the required manner. This involves creating a placard with the prescribed wording and size, and then ensuring it is placed in a location where the pilot can easily see it. Furthermore, they must adhere to the operational restriction of not flying above 25,000 feet unless the oxygen system is armed, as indicated by the placard. Additionally, it is crucial that the aircraft falls within the serial number range specified in the directive unless it has already been modified according to the exclusion criteria. Failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly the AD/BEECH 200/34 directive, can result in significant consequences. While the regulations themselves do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, breaches of aviation safety directives can lead to serious repercussions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Potential civil penalties include fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive but would be in accordance with the broader regulatory framework governing aviation safety in Australia. Non-compliance can also have safety implications, potentially leading to in-flight emergencies related to the oxygen system, which could endanger the lives of the crew and passengers.