AD/BEECH 55/13 - Pneumatic Pressure Regulator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, aim to establish a comprehensive framework for civil aviation safety, ensuring the safety of air travel within Australia. One such legislative instrument, F2006B03964, addresses specific safety concerns related to certain aircraft models, particularly the Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This instrument was introduced to address safety gaps associated with the pneumatic pressure regulator in these aircraft models, particularly those fitted with the Beech Pneumatic De-icer system and the Beech model B5 auto-pilot. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with industry safety standards to mitigate any potential risks that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The enactment of this regulation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 is aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in Australia’s civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to the safety directives concerning the airworthiness of certain Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies directly to the Model 95-D55 fitted with the Beech Pneumatic De-icer system and the Beech model B5 auto-pilot, requiring adherence to the action detailed in Brittain Industries Inc. Service Bulletin No. 68-1 Revision A. The regulation mandates compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 68-14-1. This applies to aircraft manufactured before 1 September 1971, ensuring these aircraft meet specific safety standards under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope is limited to the specified models and systems, and compliance must be achieved by following the outlined procedures in the referenced service bulletin and airworthiness directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, as detailed in the Legislative Instrument F2006B03964, specifically address the airworthiness directives for certain Beechcraft aeroplanes. This regulation targets the Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes and is outlined in AD/BEECH 55/13, which focuses on the pneumatic pressure regulator. This directive applies to model 95-D55 aircraft equipped with a Beech Pneumatic De-icer system and Beech model B5 auto-pilot. According to section 2/69 of this directive, compliance with Brittain Industries Inc. Service Bulletin No. 68-1, Revision A, is required. For reference, FAA AD 68-14-1 is noted. The directive mandates that compliance must be achieved before 1 September 1971. The obligations under this regulation necessitate that the specified Beechcraft aeroplanes undergo modifications or inspections to ensure their pneumatic pressure regulators meet the prescribed standards. Owners or operators of these aircraft must ensure that the required actions, as outlined in the Brittain Industries Inc. Service Bulletin, are implemented. This includes verifying that any modifications or repairs to the pneumatic systems are performed by authorised personnel and that all necessary documentation is maintained and available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These obligations are crucial to maintaining the airworthiness and safety standards of the aircraft in question. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this regulation may result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include both civil and criminal sanctions. The severity of these penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach. In cases of significant non-compliance, the penalties may include fines, the suspension or revocation of aircraft registration, and potential criminal charges. The maximum penalties are not explicitly stated in the regulation but can be severe, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aviation operations.