AD/BEECH 36/28 - Elevator Control Push Rods

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted to address safety concerns in civil aviation, ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through the implementation of safety directives. This regulation, AD/BEECH 36/28, pertains to the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes and mandates actions to be taken regarding the elevator control push rods. The regulation was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflecting a commitment to enhance safety by addressing identified risks, such as corrosion in elevator pushrods, which have been found in other models of Beech aircraft with similar manufacturing. This directive aims to mitigate potential safety hazards by requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980, ensuring that affected aircraft are maintained to a high standard of airworthiness.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to all models 36 and A36 within the serial number range E-1 to E-1335, mandating specific actions to ensure safety. This directive was issued due to findings of corrosion in the elevator control pushrods of other Beech aircraft models with similar pushrods, highlighting the necessity for stringent safety measures across the specified aircraft models. Compliance with this directive is crucial and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980, requiring adherence to Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1019. The regulation does not explicitly outline any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but ensures that all specified aircraft meet the safety criteria outlined in the directive.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/BEECH 36/28, focus on the elevator control push rods and their maintenance. Section 105.10 details the applicability of the directive to all models 36 and A36 with serial numbers ranging from E-1 to E-1335 (Section 105.10). It mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Beechcraft Service Information (SI) No. 1019 (Section 105.11). Compliance with these directives requires adherence to the specified timeline, which mandates action within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980 (Section 105.12). The obligations imposed by the Act are clear and straightforward. Operators of the specified Beechcraft models must ensure that the elevator control push rods are inspected and maintained according to the instructions provided in Beechcraft SI No. 1019. This includes identifying any signs of corrosion or damage and taking corrective action as necessary. The directive specifically mandates that this maintenance be completed within the stipulated timeframe, i.e., within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1980 (Section 105.12). Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to severe operational disruptions. Breach of the requirements set out in AD/BEECH 36/28 can have significant consequences. The Act does not explicitly outline penalties or consequences for non-compliance within the text provided, but it is understood that failure to adhere to Airworthiness Directives can result in both civil and criminal liabilities under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties could be imposed, which may include imprisonment. Additionally, the aircraft could be grounded until the necessary maintenance is performed, potentially leading to operational and financial losses for the operator.