COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 (Debonair/Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 33/22 Internally Lighted Altimeters 3/75
Applicability: All models with internally lighted altimeters supplied as spares ex Beech Wichita between 1 September 1972 and 1 August 1973, and Model G33S/No. C01301.
Model F33A S/No. CE405 to CE456 and Model F33C S/Nos. CJ31 to CJ39.
Requirement: 1. Prior to next flight visually inspect the internally lighted altimeters. If the locking stud screw is located above and to the left of the barometric scale adjustment knob, no further inspection or replacement is necessary.
2. If the locking stud screw is located below and to the right of the barometric adjustment knob, replace the instrument within 50 hours time in service after
17 October 1973. Until replacement is accomplished check the altimeter prior to each flight as follows:
Rotate barometric scale adjustment knob while applying outward finger pressure to ensure the elevation hands do not disengage from the barometric scale.
Disengagement will be readily recognised by the knob snapping outward and the elevation hands will not move when the barometric scale is rotated. If disengagement occurs, replace the altimeter with a 58-380045-3 millibars scale 35,000 feet altimeter, or an equivalent. All future altimeters will have locking stud screws above and to the left of the adjusting knob as in 1. above.
Note: Until replacement altimeters are installed forward pressure should be exerted on the knob whenever changing barometric settings.
Compliance: As detailed in Requirement Document.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, include the AD/BEECH 33/22 Airworthiness Directive concerning Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 (Debonair/Bonanza) series aeroplanes with internally lighted altimeters. Enacted to ensure safety and reliability in civil aviation, this legislation was introduced to address potential risks associated with specific altimeter configurations on these aircraft models. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aiming to mitigate hazards by mandating inspections and replacements of certain altimeters to prevent disengagement issues that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and outlined in the requirement document, ensuring that affected aircraft maintain the highest safety standards before each flight.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 (Debonair/Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the maintenance of internally lighted altimeters. The regulation targets specific models with such altimeters supplied as spares from Beech Wichita between 1 September 1972 and 1 August 1973, including Model G33S/No. C01301, Model F33A S/No. CE405 to CE456, and Model F33C S/Nos. CJ31 to CJ39. The regulation mandates a visual inspection of the internally lighted altimeters before each flight, with a specific requirement to replace the instrument if the locking stud screw is positioned below and to the right of the barometric scale adjustment knob. Compliance with these directives is critical to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD). One such directive, AD/BEECH 33/22, pertains to Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 series aeroplanes, commonly known as Debonair/Bonanza. This directive addresses the internally lighted altimeters for specific models supplied as spares between certain dates. The directive applies to all models with such altimeters supplied ex Beech Wichita between 1 September 1972 and 1 August 1973, and specifically to Model G33S/No. C01301, Model F33A with serial numbers CE405 to CE456, and Model F33C with serial numbers CJ31 to CJ39.
The directive mandates two key requirements. Firstly, prior to each flight, the internally lighted altimeters must be visually inspected. If the locking stud screw is positioned above and to the left of the barometric scale adjustment knob, no further action is necessary. However, if the locking stud screw is located below and to the right of the barometric adjustment knob, the instrument must be replaced within 50 hours of time in service after 17 October 1973. Until the replacement is carried out, the altimeter must be checked before each flight by rotating the barometric scale adjustment knob while applying outward finger pressure to ensure the elevation hands do not disengage from the barometric scale. Disengagement is indicated by the knob snapping outward and the elevation hands not moving when the barometric scale is rotated, necessitating the replacement of the altimeter with a specified model or an equivalent that ensures the locking stud screw is above and to the left of the adjusting knob.
Compliance with these directives is crucial, and operators must adhere to the outlined procedures to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive provides a clear pathway for compliance through the detailed Requirement Document. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to serious safety risks, including potential malfunctions during flight, which could result in significant consequences.
In terms of penalties and consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline various civil and criminal penalties. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in significant fines and potential imprisonment. Specifically, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, individuals and companies found guilty of contravening airworthiness directives can face fines of up to $210,000 for individuals and $1,050,000 for corporations, along with imprisonment terms. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering strictly to the requirements set forth in the AD/BEECH 33/22 directive to ensure both safety and regulatory compliance.