AD/BEECH 36/34 - Elevator Control Fittings

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Legislation au F2006B03889 In force Legislative Instrument

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COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

 


Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/BEECH 36/34 Elevator Control Fittings 12/89

Applicability: Models 36 with S/Nos E-1 through E-184.

 

Requirement: 1. Determine the composition (aluminium or magnesium) of the elevator control fittings in accordance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2242 Revision

  1. If the fittings are determined to be aluminium, no further action is required by this Directive.

 

2.    If the fittings are determined to be magnesium, visually inspect in accordance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2242 Revision 1. Cracked fittings are to be replaced with aluminium fittings before further flight.

 

Note 1: The installation of aluminium fittings is considered terminating action for this Directive.

 

Note 2: FAA AD 89-05-02 refers.

 

Compliance:  1. Prior to exceeding 100 hours time in service after 30 November 1989, or at the next scheduled inspection for issue of Maintenance Release after 30 November 1989, whichever occurs later.

 

2. Prior to exceeding 100 hours time in service after 30 November 1989, or at the next scheduled inspection for issue of Maintenance Release after 30 November 1989, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service, until aluminium fittings are installed.

 

Background: Country of origin AD. The FAA has received reports of cracking and also failure of magnesium elevator control fittings. In-flight failure could result in loss of the aircraft.

 

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to regulate civil aviation and ensure the safety of air travel within Australia. The legislation is implemented by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and it includes various schedules and directives that address specific safety issues. One such directive is AD/BEECH 36/34, which pertains to the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on elevator control fittings. The directive was introduced to address the problem of magnesium elevator control fittings potentially cracking and failing, which could result in the loss of the aircraft in flight. The policy objective is to ensure that all affected aircraft are inspected and, if necessary, have their fittings replaced with aluminium ones to mitigate this safety risk. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with specific timelines set for inspections and actions to be taken.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, AD/BEECH 36/34, pertains to the safety of Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers E-1 through E-184. This regulation applies to aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation requires the determination of the material composition of elevator control fittings, either aluminium or magnesium, in accordance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2242 Revision. If the fittings are aluminium, no further action is necessary. However, if they are magnesium, they must be visually inspected for cracks, with cracked fittings needing to be replaced with aluminium ones prior to further flight. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, requiring action before exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1989, or at the next scheduled inspection for issuing a Maintenance Release after that date, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until aluminium fittings are installed. This regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions but is intended to ensure the safety of aircraft operations by mitigating the risk of in-flight failure due to material degradation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, Section AD/BEECH 36/34, addresses the safety directive for the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) series aeroplanes concerning elevator control fittings. These regulations apply to models 36 with serial numbers E-1 through E-184 (Section 1). The key requirement is to determine whether the elevator control fittings are made of aluminium or magnesium, in accordance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2242 Revision (Section 1). If the fittings are aluminium, no further action is necessary. However, if they are magnesium, a visual inspection must be conducted as outlined in the same service bulletin revision (Section 2). Any cracked fittings found must be replaced with aluminium fittings before any further flight is undertaken (Section 2). The installation of these aluminium fittings is considered the terminating action for this directive (Note 1). Additionally, the directive references FAA AD 89-05-02 (Note 2). Compliance with this directive is mandatory. Aircraft operators must ensure that the elevator control fittings are assessed before exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1989, or at the next scheduled inspection for the issuance of a Maintenance Release after that date, whichever comes later (Section 1). This assessment must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the installation of the aluminium fittings is completed (Section 2). The directive is based on reports of cracking and failure of magnesium elevator control fittings, which could lead to an in-flight failure and potential loss of the aircraft. Failing to comply with these provisions can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance may lead to aircraft being grounded until the required inspections and repairs are completed, potentially causing significant delays and operational disruptions. Additionally, in-flight failure due to non-compliance could result in catastrophic accidents, leading to loss of life and property damage. The seriousness of the potential outcomes underscores the necessity for strict adherence to these safety directives.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.