AD/BEECH 35/3 - Aileron Control Chain

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. The 1998 Regulations were introduced to address the need for a comprehensive and up-to-date framework governing all aspects of civil aviation, ensuring that aviation operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations is the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 35/3 concerning the aileron control chain of Beechcraft 35 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, which was issued to address safety concerns identified with the aileron control chain. The directive mandates compliance with the Beechcraft Service Bulletin Model 35 - No. 8, aligning with the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 49-4-1, to ensure that any identified safety issues are promptly addressed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, apply to the maintenance, operation, and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia, thereby extending their jurisdiction to all aircraft registered in the country, regardless of the location of their operation. AD/BEECH 35/3 pertains to the aileron control chain of Beechcraft 35 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes, excluding any model variations noted in the Requirement Document. This directive mandates that operators and owners of affected aircraft must comply with the actions specified in Beechcraft Service Bulletin Model 35 - No. 8, referencing FAA AD 49-4-1, with immediate effect. The requirement for compliance is strict, demanding adherence "forthwith," ensuring that the specified modifications and inspections are conducted without delay to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. While the regulation is comprehensive, it does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, implying that all affected aircraft must comply with the directive unless otherwise specified by the issuing authority.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the airworthiness directives related to certain aircraft models, including the Beechcraft 35 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes. Section 39.105 pertains to the Airworthiness Directives Schedule, which includes AD/BEECH 35/3 regarding the aileron control chain of the Beechcraft 35 series. This directive mandates that the action taken must comply with Beechcraft Service Bulletin Model 35-No. 8. Furthermore, compliance with this directive is required immediately, as stipulated in section 39.105(1). The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of Beechcraft 35 aeroplanes, requiring them to adhere to the outlined maintenance and inspection procedures as detailed in the referenced service bulletin. This includes performing any necessary repairs or replacements to the aileron control chain to ensure the aircraft remains airworthy. Operators must ensure that all required actions are documented and that the aircraft is not operated until the compliance is confirmed and certified by an appropriately licensed individual. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in serious civil or criminal consequences. Under section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence, potentially leading to significant penalties. The maximum penalty for a corporate body found guilty of such an offence is $2,100,000. Additionally, individuals responsible for ensuring compliance may face personal fines of up to $210,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. These severe penalties underscore the importance of adhering strictly to the mandated directives to maintain safety standards in civil aviation.