AD/BEECH 23/30 - Flap Cable Block

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were introduced to address the need for comprehensive regulation of civil aviation within the country. One specific aspect of these regulations is found in Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This part ensures that aircraft meet specific safety standards, addressing gaps in previous legislation and providing a framework for maintaining airworthiness across various aircraft types. The enactment of this regulation aimed to bolster aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft operating within Australian airspace adhere to stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the public. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia, reflecting a commitment to high standards of airworthiness and operational safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's regulation under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directives concerning the Beechcraft 19, 23, and 24 Series Aeroplanes, particularly addressing the flap cable block through AD/BEECH 23/30. This directive applies to all models of the B19 within serial numbers MB-732 to MB-788, C23 with serial numbers M-1600 to M-1769, and B24R with serial numbers MC-305 to MC-398, all of which must be equipped with mechanical flaps. The requirement is to take action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0831-161, with reference to FAA AD 76-10-09. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 30 July 1976. The regulation extends its application across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Beechcraft 19, 23, and 24 series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/BEECH 23/30, pertains to the flap cable block (Section 7/76). It applies to all models within the specified series and serial numbers, particularly those equipped with mechanical flaps. The directive mandates compliance with Beechcraft Service Instruction (SI) No. 0831-161, referencing FAA AD 76-10-09 for additional guidance. The requirement for compliance must be met within 100 hours of time in service after 30 July 1976. The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the actions prescribed by Beechcraft SI No. 0831-161 are carried out on their aeroplanes within the specified timeframe. This includes inspecting and potentially replacing or repairing the flap cable block to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Operators must maintain accurate records of compliance with this directive, which might include documentation of inspections, repairs, or any deviations from the prescribed actions. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BEECH 23/30 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take action against operators and owners who do not adhere to the directive. This can include penalties such as fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other enforcement actions. The severity of the penalties depends on the extent of the non-compliance and the potential risk to aviation safety posed by the failure to address the flap cable block issue. It is crucial for operators to ensure strict adherence to the directive to avoid these legal repercussions.