AD/BEECH 35/7 - Elevator Tab

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B03866, was enacted to address safety concerns within the aviation industry, particularly focusing on the maintenance and operational standards of specific aircraft models. This regulation was introduced by the Australian Parliament to ensure the highest safety standards in civil aviation, aiming to prevent accidents and ensure the reliability and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. The policy objective behind this regulation is to mandate specific actions for maintaining the airworthiness of Beechcraft 35 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes, ensuring that these aircraft meet the required safety standards as determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This is achieved through adherence to specific service bulletins and airworthiness directives issued by both Australian and international aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Beechcraft 35 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, serial numbers D1501 to D2200. This AD pertains to elevator tab issues and mandates that actions must be taken in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin Model A35 - No. 8. The directive is rooted in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 50-42-1 and requires compliance forthwith. This AD applies directly to the specified models of the Beechcraft 35 series within the indicated serial number range, ensuring that all operators of these aircraft must adhere to the outlined requirements. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, encompassing all of Australia, and applies to any entities or individuals operating these particular aircraft within Australian airspace. The AD does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the provided text, and its application is further extended or restricted through subordinate CASA instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the AD/BEECH 35/7 (section 1) concern the maintenance and airworthiness requirements for the Beechcraft 35 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers D1501 to D2200. These sections mandate adherence to Beechcraft Service Bulletin Model A35 - No. 8 for elevator tab issues and reference FAA AD 50-42-1 for further guidance. Compliance is required forthwith, meaning that any necessary actions must be taken immediately. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as applied to the AD/BEECH 35/7 (section 2), impose specific obligations on the parties involved. Operators of the affected Beechcraft 35 aeroplanes must ensure that the elevator tab is maintained and serviced in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in the referenced service bulletin. This includes performing the specified actions without delay to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness and to comply with regulatory standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the AD/BEECH 35/7 (section 3) may result in significant consequences. The regulations establish civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Under section 144 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, an individual or entity found in breach of these requirements could face a substantial fine, potentially up to the maximum penalty specified by the court. Additionally, ongoing non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions, including the grounding of the aircraft until the required maintenance is performed. These stringent measures are in place to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained in civil aviation.