AD/BEECH 55/16 - Engine Plumbing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation. These regulations provide a comprehensive framework for the operation of civil aircraft within Australian airspace. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations addresses the need to issue directives that mandate the maintenance, repair, and replacement of aircraft components to ensure ongoing airworthiness. The directive concerning Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes, AD/BEECH 55/16, highlights the requirement for engine plumbing actions in accordance with Beechcraft Service Information No. 0257-190. This directive is applicable to Model D55 with serial numbers TE-452 to TE-748 and mandates compliance within 100 hours' time in service after 23 January 1970, illustrating the policy objective of maintaining stringent safety standards for these aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, outlines the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/BEECH 55/16 concerning the engine plumbing of Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to a specific subset of model D55 aeroplanes, namely those with serial numbers ranging from TE-452 to TE-748. The directive mandates that action must be taken in accordance with Beechcraft Service Information No. 0257-190 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 23 January 1970. This regulation is part of the broader federal framework managed by CASA, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to operate within Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of AD/BEECH 55/16 (section 105) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 require Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from TE-452 to TE-748, to adhere to the specifications outlined in Beechcraft Service Information (SI) No. 0257-190. This service information mandates actions to be taken concerning the engine plumbing. The compliance period for these requirements is within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issue date of 23 January 1970. Essentially, the directive mandates specific maintenance actions to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft models. The obligations imposed by AD/BEECH 55/16 (section 105) are primarily centred around ensuring that the specified aircraft models undergo necessary maintenance to their engine plumbing. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that the actions detailed in the referenced Beechcraft SI No. 0257-190 are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This involves meticulous record-keeping to demonstrate compliance with the directive, including logging the time in service and the implementation of the required maintenance actions. Additionally, operators must ensure that the maintenance is performed by appropriately qualified personnel, following the detailed procedures provided by Beechcraft. Failure to comply with AD/BEECH 55/16 (section 105) can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to serious civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness may be suspended or revoked, grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Criminal penalties can include imprisonment, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining airworthiness standards to ensure public safety. The exact penalties are governed by the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, but the overarching intent is to enforce strict adherence to safety directives to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.