AD/BEECH 55/35 - Internally Lighted Altimeter

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide for the regulation of civil aviation activities within Australia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which are designed to address specific safety issues with certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/BEECH 55/35, concerns the internally lighted altimeters in Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address a problem identified with the positioning of the locking stud screw on these altimeters, which could potentially lead to disengagement of the elevation hands from the barometric scale, posing a risk during flight. The directive outlines specific requirements for the inspection and replacement of affected altimeters to mitigate this risk and ensure continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, governing the maintenance and safety standards of aircraft within Australia. In this context, AD/BEECH 55/35 focuses on Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, mandating particular safety measures for their internally lighted altimeters. This regulation applies to all models with internally lighted altimeters supplied as spares by Beech Wichita between 1 September 1972 and 1 August 1973, as well as those with specific serial numbers, ensuring that the safety measures are uniformly enforced across affected aircraft. The directive requires a visual inspection of the altimeters prior to each flight, with specific actions dictated by the location of the locking stud screw relative to the barometric scale adjustment knob. Non-compliance with these directives can lead to significant safety risks, hence the mandatory nature of the specified inspections and replacements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes, outline a directive for internally lighted altimeters (AD/BEECH 55/35). The directive applies to all models equipped with internally lighted altimeters that were supplied as spares from Beech Wichita between 1 September 1972 and 1 August 1973, as well as those with serial numbers ranging from TH-269 to TH-366, TE-884 to TE-934, and TC-1490 to TC-1592 (section 1). The directive mandates that prior to any flight, these altimeters must be visually inspected. If the locking stud screw is positioned above and to the left of the barometric scale adjustment knob, no further action is required. However, if the locking stud screw is located below and to the right of the barometric scale adjustment knob, the altimeter must be replaced within 50 hours of service after 17 October 1973. Until the replacement is completed, the altimeter must be checked before each flight by rotating the barometric scale adjustment knob while applying outward finger pressure to ensure the elevation hands do not disengage from the barometric scale (section 2). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the specified Beechcraft models must ensure that the altimeters in their aircraft meet the criteria outlined in the directive. This includes conducting the required visual inspections and performing the replacement of the altimeter if the locking stud screw is found in the specified position. Furthermore, until the replacement is made, they must adhere to the additional checks mandated by the directive to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. These obligations are designed to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by addressing a known issue with the altimeters. Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in severe consequences. Although specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not explicitly stated in the directive, non-compliance can lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This could result in grounding of the aircraft, which would prevent it from being operated until the required actions are taken. Such non-compliance can also lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which could include fines, legal proceedings, or other regulatory actions. Ensuring adherence to the directive is therefore critical to avoiding these potential adverse outcomes.