COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 400/15 Outflow/Safety Valve 12/96
Applicability: All model 400 and 400A series aircraft equipped with outflow/safety valve P/N 103570-25 or -27 and with S/N as listed in the Requirement Document.
Requirement: Unless previously carried out, action in accordance with Allied Signal SB 103570-21-4012 R1 dated May 30, 1995.
Note: FAA AD 96-17-10 Amdt 39-9719 refers.
Compliance: Prior to 30 March 1998.
Background: The manufacturer has reported cracking of the outflow/safety valves. This has resulted in several valve failures which could result in a rapid decompression of the aircraft cabin.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the safety concerns associated with the outflow/safety valves in Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, was introduced to mitigate the risk of rapid cabin decompression due to reported cracking and subsequent failures of the outflow/safety valves. The policy objective is to ensure that all affected aircraft are maintained to the required safety standards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The compliance deadline for the mandated actions was set prior to 30 March 1998, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing this issue promptly.
The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to safeguard the integrity of the aircraft's pressurisation system and protect passengers and crew from potential hazards. The specific requirement for the Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes involves adhering to the manufacturer’s service bulletin, ensuring that the outflow/safety valves are inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary to prevent future failures. This legislative measure reflects the commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the Australian civil aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Beechcraft 400 and 400A series aeroplanes that are equipped with outflow/safety valve parts numbered 103570-25 or -27 and fall within the serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document. The regulation is applicable to any person or entity operating these particular aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia. The primary concern addressed by this regulation is the cracking of outflow/safety valves which could lead to valve failure and rapid decompression of the aircraft cabin, posing a significant safety risk. Compliance with the directive, which necessitates action in accordance with the Allied Signal Service Bulletin 103570-21-4012 R1 dated May 30, 1995, must be achieved prior to 30 March 1998. This directive is closely aligned with FAA AD 96-17-10 Amdt 39-9719, ensuring a standardised approach to addressing the identified safety issue across jurisdictions.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, contain specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that are crucial for maintaining the safety standards of aircraft. One such AD, AD/BEECH 400/15, pertains to the Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes and mandates actions concerning the outflow/safety valve. The directive applies to all model 400 and 400A series aircraft that are equipped with outflow/safety valve parts numbers 103570-25 or -27 and are within the serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document (Section 12/96). The directive requires that the outflow/safety valves must be addressed as per the specifications in Allied Signal Service Bulletin SB 103570-21-4012 R1 dated May 30, 1995, unless these actions have already been performed. This directive also cross-references FAA AD 96-17-10 Amendment 39-9719.
The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties and entities it governs include ensuring that the specified aircraft models are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced according to the outlined specifications. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must comply with these directives to ensure that the outflow/safety valves do not crack, which could lead to cabin decompression. This involves following the detailed procedures in the referenced service bulletin and ensuring that any required actions are carried out by appropriately certified personnel. Compliance with these requirements is critical, and it must be achieved before the specified compliance date of 30 March 1998.
Failure to comply with the requirements stipulated in AD/BEECH 400/15 can result in significant consequences. Civil aviation authorities have the power to take enforcement actions against non-compliance, which can include fines, penalties, and potentially grounding the aircraft until the required actions are taken. The severity of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the AD. While specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the text, it is clear that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can have serious implications for both the safety of the aircraft and the legal standing of the operator.