Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, provide for the issuance of Airworthiness Directives by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/BEECH 400/17, was introduced to address the issue of potential engine fire extinguisher squib wiring failures in certain Beechcraft 400 series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive was enacted to correct an unsafe condition that could potentially result in the failure of the engine fire extinguisher bottle to discharge or the discharge of the wrong engine fire extinguisher bottle. The directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Beechcraft 400 series aeroplanes and requires a visual inspection, corrective action if necessary, and modification and re-labelling of the wiring as outlined in the directive. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, issue Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 400/17 concerning the Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to specific models of the Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes, namely the 400A series aeroplanes with serial numbers RK-45 and RK-49 through RK-209, the 400T series aeroplanes (T-1A) with serial numbers TT-01 through TT-180, and the 400T series aeroplanes (TX) with serial numbers TX-01 through TX-09. The directive mandates a one-time general visual inspection of the left and right engine fire extinguisher bottle squibs to detect incorrect wiring, followed by corrective action if any issues are found, and further requires modification and re-labelling of the wiring in accordance with specified service bulletins. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 50 hours for the inspection and before further flight if any incorrect wiring is detected, and within 200 hours for the wiring modification and labelling. The directive became effective on 12 April 2000 and was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on the same date.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 400/17, issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), applies specifically to Beechcraft 400 series aeroplanes. The directive requires a series of actions to address potential safety issues with the engine fire extinguisher bottle squibs. Section 1 of the AD mandates a one-time general visual inspection of the left and right engine fire extinguisher bottle squibs to detect any incorrect wiring, as outlined in Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin SB 26-3250, Revision 1, dated July 1999 (section 5/2000 DM). This inspection must be conducted under normal lighting conditions and may require the removal or opening of access panels or doors to gain necessary proximity. If incorrect wiring is detected during this inspection, it must be repaired in accordance with the same service bulletin (section 5/2000 DM). Additionally, the wiring of the left and right engine fire extinguisher bottle squibs must be modified and re-labelled in compliance with the service bulletin (section 5/2000 DM). The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. Operators must ensure that the required inspection is carried out within 50 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date. If any incorrect wiring is found during the inspection, it must be corrected before further flight. The wiring modifications and re-labelling must be completed within 200 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date. Operators must adhere to these timelines to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft and comply with the regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with the AD AD/BEECH 400/17 may result in significant consequences. The directive does not explicitly outline specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance; however, under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives may face enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions can include fines, suspension of aircraft certificates, or other regulatory measures. The severity of the penalties depends on the extent of non-compliance and the risk posed to aviation safety. Operators are thus required to take the directive seriously and ensure full compliance to avoid any potential enforcement actions.