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 36/5 Fuel System Placards 4/70
Applicability: Model 36 with S/Nos. E-1 thru E-184 unless retrofitted with anti-slosh main fuel tanks.
Requirement: 1. A placard reading “Turning Type Take-Offs, and Take-off Immediately Following Fast Taxi Turns Prohibited. Avoid Prolonged Slips (20 Seconds or More) with Fuel Tanks Less Than Half Full” is to be placed on the instrument panel in clear view of the pilot.
Note: The owner or operator may make and certify for the installation of the above placard. Letters of one eighth inch minimum shall be used.
2. Where fitted remove the placard “CAUTION - To Prevent Fuel Flow Interruption Due to Gravity or Centrifugal Force, Select the High-Wing Tank in Slips and Inside Tank During Turning Take-offs”.
Note: FAA AD 70-3-5 refers.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 29 April 1970.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are integral to ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Part 39, in particular, includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which are essential for maintaining the airworthiness of specific aircraft types. The directive AD/BEECH 36/5, which pertains to the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address specific safety concerns regarding the fuel system placards of these aircraft. The objective of this directive is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating clear and specific placarding to prevent hazardous flight conditions such as those arising from improper fuel management during critical phases of flight. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after the directive was issued on 29 April 1970.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers E-1 through E-184 unless they have been retrofitted with anti-slosh main fuel tanks. This regulation mandates that an explicit placard be installed on the instrument panel in a position clearly visible to the pilot, detailing the prohibition of turning type take-offs, take-offs immediately following fast taxi turns, and prolonged slips (lasting 20 seconds or more) when the fuel tanks are less than half full. Additionally, any existing placards cautioning against fuel flow interruption due to gravity or centrifugal force must be removed. Compliance with these directives is required within 100 hours of time in service following 29 April 1970. The legislation ensures that the specified aircraft adhere to stringent safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with fuel system failures during critical flight phases.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 that govern the installation and compliance of placards for the Beechcraft 36 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes include Part 39 - 105 and AD/BEECH 36/5 (sections 39.105 and AD/BEECH 36/5 respectively). These sections specify the required placards for the fuel system, particularly those concerning the prohibition of certain manoeuvres and the removal of existing placards. The requirement under section 39.105 mandates that a specific placard must be installed on the instrument panel to inform pilots of the prohibition on certain manoeuvres under specific conditions. According to AD/BEECH 36/5, the placard must explicitly state: "Turning Type Take-Offs, and Take-off Immediately Following Fast Taxi Turns Prohibited. Avoid Prolonged Slips (20 Seconds or More) with Fuel Tanks Less Than Half Full." The owner or operator is authorised to create and certify the installation of this placard, provided that the letters used are no smaller than one eighth inch.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by these sections include the installation of the specified placard within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 29 April 1970. The owner or operator must ensure that the placard is clearly visible to the pilot and that it adheres to the size requirements stipulated in the regulations. Additionally, any existing placard stating "CAUTION - To Prevent Fuel Flow Interruption Due to Gravity or Centrifugal Force, Select the High-Wing Tank in Slips and Inside Tank During Turning Take-offs" must be removed, as per the requirements under AD/BEECH 36/5. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in sections 39.105 and AD/BEECH 36/5 can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, the broader framework of civil aviation law includes potential penalties for operating an aircraft that does not meet airworthiness standards. Such penalties could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in safety incidents. It is imperative that all obligations are met to avoid these serious consequences.