AD/BEECH 55/22 - Utility Baggage Door Handle Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B03972, are instrumental in addressing the need for precise and comprehensive regulations concerning civil aviation safety. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this legislation is designed to maintain high safety standards in the aviation sector by providing specific directives for aircraft airworthiness, particularly in relation to the Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/BEECH 55/22, specifically targets the installation of utility baggage door handles in model 58 aircraft with serial numbers TH-1 to TH-35. The policy objective is to ensure that these installations comply with Beechcraft Service Information No. 0422-107, with a compliance deadline set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971. This regulation exemplifies the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to minimising risks and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew through stringent adherence to established standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the installation of utility baggage door handles for Model 58 with serial numbers ranging from TH-1 to TH-35. This legislation mandates adherence to Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0422-107, with compliance required within 100 hours of the aeroplane’s time in service following 31 May 1971. The regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This directive ensures safety and operational standards are met for the specified aircraft models, thereby mitigating risks associated with baggage door handle functionality.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39-105, outlines the requirements for the airworthiness of Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This includes a detailed directive concerning the installation of the utility baggage door handle, as set out in AD/BEECH 55/22. This directive applies to Model 58 aircraft with serial numbers TH-1 to TH-35. The requirement mandates compliance with Beechcraft Service Information (SI) No. 0422-107. The compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971, ensuring that the aircraft meets the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Entities and parties governed by these regulations must ensure that the specified aircraft undergo the necessary modifications to the baggage door handle as outlined in the Beechcraft SI. This involves a detailed inspection and, if required, the installation of the utility baggage door handle in accordance with the specified service information. The onus is on the aircraft owner or operator to verify that the work is carried out by certified personnel and that the aircraft is inspected to confirm compliance with the directive. Records of compliance must be maintained, which may be subject to audit or review by CASA. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide that non-compliance with an airworthiness directive is an offence. The regulations stipulate that an aircraft must not be flown unless it meets the requirements of an applicable airworthiness directive. If an aircraft is found to be non-compliant, the owner or operator may face penalties. The maximum penalty for such an offence can be substantial, potentially including fines up to $275,000 for a corporation and imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, CASA may issue an enforcement action, such as grounding the aircraft, until the required modifications are made and compliance is verified.