AD/BEECH 36/19 - Internally Lighted Altimeter

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serve to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One of the key legislative instruments under this act is F2006B03875, specifically addressing airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models. This legislative instrument was introduced to address specific safety concerns identified in certain Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, particularly those equipped with internally lighted altimeters supplied as spares between specified dates. The directive aims to ensure the continued safety of these aircraft by mandating specific inspections and, if necessary, the replacement of certain altimeters to prevent potential malfunctions that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with these directives is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and ensuring the safety of all persons on board.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, concerns the applicability and requirements for the airworthiness directives pertaining to Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of the Beechcraft 36 series aeroplanes equipped with internally lighted altimeters, which were supplied as spares by Beech Wichita from 1 September 1972 to 1 August 1973, as well as to model A36 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from E-368 to E-460. The directive mandates a visual inspection of the internally lighted altimeters before any flight. If the locking stud screw is positioned above and to the left of the barometric scale adjustment knob, no further action is required. Conversely, if the screw is located below and to the right of the adjustment knob, the altimeter must be replaced within 50 hours of service after 17 October 1973. Until the replacement, the altimeter must be checked before each flight to ensure the elevation hands remain engaged with the barometric scale. Failure to meet these requirements could result in the replacement of the altimeter with a specified model or an equivalent type. The directive also notes that future altimeters will have the locking stud screw in the correct position as specified in the first requirement.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/BEECH 36/19, which pertains to the internally lighted altimeters of the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes (section 1). This directive applies to all models equipped with such altimeters, supplied as spares from Beech Wichita between 1 September 1972 and 1 August 1973, and to model A36 with serial numbers ranging from E-368 to E-460 (section 2). The directive lays out specific requirements for the inspection and replacement of these altimeters. Firstly, prior to any flight, the altimeter 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 (section 3(1)). However, if the locking stud screw is located below and to the right of the barometric adjustment knob, the altimeter must be replaced within 50 hours of time in service after 17 October 1973 (section 3(2)). 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 that the elevation hands do not disengage from the barometric scale (section 3(2)). Disengagement is indicated when the knob snaps outward and the elevation hands do not move when the barometric scale is rotated. In such cases, the altimeter must be replaced with a 58-380045-3 millibars scale 35,000 feet altimeter, or an equivalent. All future altimeters will have the locking stud screws positioned above and to the left of the adjusting knob (section 3(2)). Until replacement altimeters are installed, forward pressure should be exerted on the knob whenever changing barometric settings (section 3(2)(Note)). Compliance with AD/BEECH 36/19 involves adhering to the specified inspection and replacement procedures as detailed in the Requirement document. Operators of the affected Beechcraft 36 aeroplanes must ensure that the altimeters are inspected and, if necessary, replaced according to the directive. This involves a meticulous visual inspection and potentially the replacement of the altimeter to maintain airworthiness standards (section 4). Failure to comply with AD/BEECH 36/19 can result in serious safety risks, potentially leading to non-compliance with airworthiness regulations. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach are not detailed within this directive, non-compliance with CASA airworthiness directives can generally lead to enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, and potentially the grounding of the aircraft until the directive is complied with (section 5). The exact penalties can vary based on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance, but they are intended to ensure that the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.