COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 55/44 Fuel Crossfeed Line 9/76
Applicability: All models 58.
Requirement: Inspect fuel line P/N 58-920000-11 (aircraft S/N TH-1 to TH-384) and P/N
002-920000-11 (aircraft S/N TH-385 and on) in left hand wheel well for signs of chafing by the main wheel tyre.
Note: All fuel lines in this area of the left hand and right hand wheel wells should be examined for signs of chafing whenever a new main wheel tyre is fitted, and a check made for adequate clearance with gear retracted at each periodic inspection.
Compliance: Within 100 hours’ time in service after 30 September 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that civil aircraft meet specific safety standards and address any potential safety issues. The instrument AD/BEECH 55/44, issued on 9th July 1976, is an example of such directives and applies to Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes. It was introduced to address safety concerns regarding fuel line chafing which could potentially lead to fuel leaks and subsequent fire hazards. The policy objective is to ensure that all airworthy aircraft maintain their safety and compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations by adhering to such directives. The enactment of this regulation was overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia, with the intention of maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/BEECH 55/44, pertains to all models of Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This directive mandates the inspection of specific fuel lines for signs of chafing caused by the main wheel tyres, with particular attention to be paid when new tyres are fitted and during periodic inspections. The regulation is applicable to aircraft with specific serial numbers, requiring owners and operators to ensure compliance within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service following 30 September 1976. CASA's directive extends its reach to the entire fleet of specified Beechcraft models, ensuring that maintenance protocols are strictly adhered to in order to maintain airworthiness standards.
The application of this directive is limited to the geographic jurisdiction of Australia, where CASA exercises its regulatory authority over civil aviation. The directive does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions but implies a requirement for ongoing compliance with inspections and maintenance checks. The directive may also be subject to modifications or extensions through subordinate instruments, as is common with regulatory frameworks aimed at maintaining safety standards in the aviation sector.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, contain various provisions that govern the safety standards and operational requirements for civil aviation in Australia. One notable section is AD/BEECH 55/44, which pertains to the inspection of fuel crossfeed lines for Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes (section 39.105). This Airworthiness Directive requires that fuel line P/N 58-920000-11 be inspected for aircraft serial numbers (S/N) TH-1 to TH-384, and P/N 002-920000-11 for S/N TH-385 onwards, for any signs of chafing caused by the main wheel tyre. This inspection must be carried out in the left-hand wheel well. It is also advised that all fuel lines in both wheel wells be examined for chafing when new main wheel tyres are fitted and during each periodic inspection, ensuring adequate clearance with the landing gear retracted.
The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Beechcraft models must conduct the prescribed inspections within 100 hours’ time in service following 30 September 1976. The directive mandates that the inspections be thorough, focusing on the detection of any chafing or wear on the fuel lines, which could potentially lead to fuel leaks or other safety hazards. Additionally, operators are required to maintain documentation of these inspections to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory standards set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Failure to comply with the requirements stipulated in AD/BEECH 55/44 could result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions. While the specific penalties for breaches are not detailed in the provided text, regulatory breaches under the Civil Aviation Regulations generally attract penalties that can include fines, operational restrictions, or other corrective measures to ensure compliance. It is imperative for operators to adhere to these safety directives to maintain airworthiness and ensure the safety of flight operations.