AD/BEECH 200/44 Amdt 1 - Rear Fuselage, Stabilisers and Fin Sealing and Draining

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to establish comprehensive safety and operational standards for civil aviation in Australia. The 1998 Regulations were introduced to address the need for a unified and robust framework to govern the safety of civil aviation operations, ensuring they align with both national and international standards. The Australian Government, through its legislative powers, established these regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the primary policy objective being to protect public safety and enhance the efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This legislative instrument, AD/BEECH 200/44 Amendment 1, is part of the broader regulatory scheme aimed at ensuring that aircraft meet specific airworthiness standards. It targets the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series Aeroplanes, addressing issues related to freezing and drainage in the rear fuselage, stabilisers, and fin areas, which were identified as critical safety concerns. The directive requires specific modifications to be made in accordance with the manufacturer's service bulletin and includes the drilling of specified holes to facilitate effective drainage, thereby mitigating the risk of ice formation that could compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series aeroplanes, encompassing any individual or entity operating these aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is national, extending throughout the entire territory of Australia. The directive includes stated requirements for action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2254 and the drilling of specific holes in the aircraft's fuselage to address freezing problems. The directive requires these actions to be completed either before the next inspection or within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 10 August 1989, whichever is later. No specific exclusions or exemptions are mentioned in the text, and the regulation is not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as per the given excerpt.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the Beechcraft 200 (Super King Air) Series Aeroplanes through AD/BEECH 200/44 Amendment 1. This directive pertains to all models of the Beechcraft 200 series aeroplanes. The key requirement, as outlined in section 1, is to take action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2254 and drill four 5mm holes in the lower fuselage skins aft of the rear pressure bulkhead, following a specified drawing. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved either prior to the next inspection for a Maintenance Release issue after 10 August 1989 or within 100 hours of time in service after the same date, whichever is later (section 1). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Operators of Beechcraft 200 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified actions are taken without delay to prevent freezing problems associated with the aircraft. This involves adhering to the manufacturer's instructions as detailed in Service Bulletin 2254 and physically modifying the aircraft by drilling the required holes in the designated area. The directive mandates that these modifications be carried out "forthwith," underscoring the urgency and importance of compliance (section 1). Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive may result in serious consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions, fines, or even the grounding of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is empowered to take such actions to ensure that aircraft operated within Australia meet the required safety standards. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but they are intended to enforce adherence to safety regulations rigorously (section 1).