AD/BEECH 36/21 Amdt 1 - Aft Facing Seat Back Supports

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft within its jurisdiction. This legislation is part of a broader framework designed to address safety concerns and establish compliance standards for aircraft maintenance and operations. The policy objective of this Act is to protect public safety and to ensure that civil aviation activities are conducted in a manner that minimises the risk to life and property. Within this regulatory context, Airworthiness Directives (AD) such as AD/BEECH 36/21 Amendment 1, which addresses the installation of aft facing seat back supports for specific models of Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, are introduced to mitigate identified safety risks. These directives mandate specific actions and compliance timelines to maintain the airworthiness of affected aircraft, ensuring ongoing safety and operational integrity in the civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Beechcraft 36 and A36 series aeroplanes equipped with optional aft-facing seats. This regulation mandates compliance with the airworthiness directive AD/BEECH 36/21 Amendment 1, which pertains to the installation of aft-facing seat back supports. This directive is applicable to all such aircraft within the specified model series and configuration. The requirement necessitates action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Information No. 0591-314, which must be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 31 December 1973. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring the safety standards for these aircraft are uniformly met throughout the country. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and its scope is limited to the mentioned aircraft models and configurations. Compliance with subordinate instruments or additional directives may further extend or specify the requirements of this airworthiness directive.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft, are detailed in AD/BEECH 36/21 Amendment 1. This directive specifically addresses the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes and mandates that all models 36 and A36 equipped with optional aft-facing seats must comply with the requirements set out by Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0591-314. The directive applies universally to all applicable models and is aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question. The directive sets a clear timeframe for compliance, requiring that the specified action be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1973. This means that any Beechcraft 36 or A36 aeroplanes equipped with aft-facing seats must have the necessary modifications or inspections performed within this window to ensure adherence to safety standards. The specific action required is detailed in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0591-314, which provides the technical and procedural guidelines that must be followed to achieve compliance. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by this directive are stringent and clear. Operators of Beechcraft 36 and A36 aeroplanes with aft-facing seats are mandated to ensure that the modifications or inspections required by Beechcraft SI No. 0591-314 are completed within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which would prevent it from being operated until the necessary actions are undertaken. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also outline the consequences for non-compliance with the provisions set forth in AD/BEECH 36/21 Amendment 1. Any breach of the directive could lead to serious civil or criminal penalties. Specifically, operators failing to adhere to the requirements may face fines and other sanctions as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach but are intended to ensure that safety standards are strictly enforced.