AD/BEECH 200/4 - Nacelle Fuel Vent Float Valve

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific piece of legislation under these regulations, the Airworthiness Directives, is instrumental in addressing identified safety issues across various aircraft types. For instance, AD/BEECH 200/4 pertains specifically to Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series Aeroplanes, aiming to rectify potential safety concerns by mandating specific actions regarding the nacelle fuel vent float valve. This directive applies to Model 200 with serial numbers BB-2 to BB-71 and requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 21 November 1975, as outlined in Beechcraft Service Instruction No 0772-295. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in Part 39 - 105, specifically address airworthiness directives applicable to certain aircraft models, such as the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to a defined subset of aircraft, specifically Model 200 with serial numbers ranging from BB-2 to BB-71. The directive mandates compliance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No 0772-295, which concerns the nacelle fuel vent float valve. The requirement is that the specified action must be completed within 25 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 21 November 1975. The regulations are issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that the specified maintenance actions are performed to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft. The scope of this directive is limited to the geographic jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the provisions applying uniformly across all states and territories. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with a focus on the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, known as AD/BEECH 200/4, addresses a critical issue concerning the nacelle fuel vent float valve of the affected models. The applicability of this directive is limited to Model 200 with serial numbers BB-2 to BB-71. The requirement outlined in this directive mandates that all affected aircraft must comply with the specifications detailed in Beechcraft Service Instruction No 0772-295. Compliance must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 21 November 1975. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to the instructions set out in Beechcraft SI No 0772-295 to ensure that the nacelle fuel vent float valve is correctly installed and functioning. This involves a detailed inspection and, if necessary, replacement or repair of the valve to meet the safety standards specified by the CASA. The directive mandates that these actions be completed within a strict timeframe, ensuring that the safety improvements are implemented promptly. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BEECH 200/4 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Specifically, the failure to adhere to an airworthiness directive can be considered an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, leading to potential fines and imprisonment. The maximum penalties may include substantial fines and imprisonment terms, reflecting the gravity of disregarding safety directives designed to protect the public and aviation personnel. In addition to potential criminal sanctions, operators and maintenance personnel who do not comply with the airworthiness directive may face civil liabilities. This includes compensation claims for any damages or injuries resulting from non-compliance. The stringent nature of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to CASA directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. By ensuring timely and accurate compliance, aircraft operators can avoid these severe consequences and contribute to the overall safety of the aviation industry.