AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 (Debonair/Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 33/43 KA-33 Cooling Blower 8/2001
Applicability: Beech Model F33A aeroplanes, serial numbers CE-1050 through CE-1791 inclusive. Requirement: 1. Inspect the aeroplane in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 34-3267, issued March 1999, to verify whether a KA-33 avionics cooling blower system is installed and operating correctly.
2. If the Requirement 1 inspection confirms that a KA-33 cooling blower is fitted, install a one ampere circuit breaker, part number 7277-2-1, in place of the factory installed three ampere or five ampere circuit breakers in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 34-3267.
3. Three ampere or five ampere circuit breakers must not be installed on any aeroplane to protect the KA-33 cooling blower.
Note: FAA AD 2001-11-03 Amdt 39-12244 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within the next 600 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this Directive or the next six calendar months after the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. For Requirement 3 - As of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 August 2001.
Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration has received several reports of blower motors failing, seizing, smoking, and producing a burning odour that enters the cabin and passenger compartment. These events are the result of the blower motor having circuit protection of more than one ampere. This level of circuit protection does not prevent the blower motor from smoking and creating a burning odour should it fail or seize.
Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 (Debonair/Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 33/43 (Continued)
This Directive introduces measures intended to protect the blower motor circuit and reduce the possibility of emission of smoke or a burning odour into the cockpit or passenger compartment.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 June 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 July 2001.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 33/43 KA-33 Cooling Blower, issued on 29 June 2001 and effective from 9 August 2001, is a legislative instrument enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns associated with the KA-33 avionics cooling blower system in Beechcraft 33 and 35-33 (Debonair/Bonanza) Series aeroplanes. This AD was developed in response to multiple reports of blower motor failures, including smoking and burning odours in the cabin, due to inadequate circuit protection. The directive aims to mitigate these risks by mandating specific inspections and modifications to the cooling blower system. CASA's policy objective is to enhance the safety of air travel by ensuring that the aircraft meet required airworthiness standards, thereby protecting both crew and passengers from potential hazards.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies specifically to Beech Model F33A aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from CE-1050 through CE-1791 inclusive. This directive mandates a series of actions aimed at rectifying the identified unsafe condition related to the KA-33 avionics cooling blower system. The directive requires an inspection to verify the installation and operation of the KA-33 cooling blower system, followed by the installation of a one ampere circuit breaker if the system is found to be installed. Additionally, the directive prohibits the use of three ampere or five ampere circuit breakers to protect the KA-33 cooling blower. Compliance with the directive must be achieved within specified timeframes, with inspections and subsequent actions occurring at particular intervals post the effective date of the directive. This directive applies nationally within Australia and is intended to align with the Federal Aviation Administration’s AD 2001-11-03 Amdt 39-12244, reflecting a coordinated effort to address the safety issue across jurisdictions.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 33/43 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies to Beech Model F33A aeroplanes with serial numbers CE-1050 through CE-1791 inclusive. The directive mandates specific actions to address a safety concern related to the KA-33 avionics cooling blower system. Firstly, according to section 1 of the requirement, an inspection must be carried out in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 34-3267, issued in March 1999, to verify the installation and correct operation of the KA-33 avionics cooling blower system. If the inspection confirms the presence of a KA-33 cooling blower, section 2 of the requirement mandates the installation of a one ampere circuit breaker, part number 7277-2-1, in place of the existing three ampere or five ampere circuit breakers, as outlined in Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 34-3267. Section 3 of the requirement stipulates that three ampere or five ampere circuit breakers must not be installed on any aeroplane to protect the KA-33 cooling blower.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Owners and operators of the specified Beechcraft aeroplanes must ensure that the required inspection and any necessary modifications are carried out as outlined in the AD. Specifically, they must comply with the inspection procedure detailed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 34-3267 and replace the circuit breakers as specified. The AD also mandates that the compliance with the inspection must occur within the next 600 hours time-in-service after the effective date of the AD, or within six calendar months from the effective date, whichever comes first. Additionally, if a KA-33 cooling blower is found during the inspection, the replacement of the circuit breakers must be completed before further flight.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious safety risks. While the AD itself does not explicitly state penalties or consequences for non-compliance, non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Such actions can include fines, grounding of the aircraft, and other regulatory sanctions. The AD is designed to mitigate the risk of blower motor failures, which can lead to hazardous conditions such as smoke or burning odours in the cockpit or passenger compartment. Ensuring adherence to the AD is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.