COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 400/26 Spoiler Mixer Bay Drain Holes 1/2005
Applicability: Model 400, 400A, and 400T series aircraft.
Requirement: 1. Accomplish a visual inspection of the spoiler mixer bay panels to determine the presence of drain holes, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 53-3486, dated June 2003. Following the inspection, before further flight, drill at least one new drain hole, and any additional drain holes needed.
2. Accomplish a visual inspection for discrepancies of the sealant on the relief cutout on the aft pressure bulkhead, and of the small triangular-shaped baffles at left butt line BL 19.13 and right butt line BL 10.43; in accordance with SB
53-3486. Accomplish any applicable corrective actions before further flight.
Note: FAA AD 2004-22-02 Amdt 39-13830.
Compliance: Within 400 flight hours or 12 months after 20 January 2005, whichever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 January 2005.
Background: The FAA received a report of fuel leaking from components in the spoiler mixer bay of several Model 400A series aircraft. The accumulation of fuel and/or fuel vapour in the spoiler mixer bay and/or the aft fuselage compartment could result in a fire in the aircraft.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 30 November 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 22 December 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 400/26 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in January 2005, addresses the safety concern of fuel leakage from the spoiler mixer bay of Beechcraft 400 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of fire arising from the accumulation of fuel and/or fuel vapour in the spoiler mixer bay and the aft fuselage compartment, which was reported to CASA following incidents involving Model 400A aircraft. The policy objective of the directive is to ensure the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models by mandating visual inspections and corrective actions as outlined in the directive to prevent hazardous conditions. The directive requires the inspection and necessary corrective actions to be completed within 400 flight hours or 12 months from the directive's effective date of 20 January 2005.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of aircraft and aeronautical products in Australia. This regulatory framework applies to all aircraft registered in Australia, including those manufactured and operated domestically as well as those imported and operated under Australian jurisdiction. The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under this regulation mandates specific safety actions for particular aircraft models to rectify identified unsafe conditions, as demonstrated in the case of Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes. The directive applies to Model 400, 400A, and 400T series aircraft, requiring operators to conduct visual inspections and corrective actions as outlined in the directive. Compliance with these ADs is mandatory and must be met within specified timeframes, ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. The ADs extend their reach nationally, impacting all operators of the affected aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) under Part 39, particularly Section 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). For instance, AD/BEECH 400/26, issued on 1 January 2005, mandates certain actions to be taken on Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes. The AD is applicable to Model 400, 400A, and 400T series aircraft and requires a visual inspection of the spoiler mixer bay panels to check for drain holes, as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 53-3486, dated June 2003. If drain holes are not present, at least one new drain hole must be drilled before further flight. Additionally, a visual inspection for sealant discrepancies on the relief cutout on the aft pressure bulkhead and the small triangular-shaped baffles must be performed. Any necessary corrective actions should be completed before further flight.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. Operators must ensure that the visual inspections and required actions are performed according to the instructions provided in SB 53-3486. These inspections and corrective actions must be carried out within 400 flight hours or 12 months after 20 January 2005, whichever comes first. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant safety risks, including potential fire hazards due to the accumulation of fuel and/or fuel vapour in the spoiler mixer bay and/or the aft fuselage compartment.
Failure to comply with the AD/BEECH 400/26 can lead to severe consequences. The regulations under CASR 1998 outline potential penalties and consequences for non-compliance. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with ADs, which can include fines up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals. Additionally, non-compliance can result in criminal charges, leading to imprisonment for up to two years for individuals and higher fines for corporations. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.