AD/BEECH 55/66 - Emergency Exits - Placards and Markings

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to regulate civil aviation safety and address gaps in safety standards within the aviation industry. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations focuses on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, aiming to ensure that all aircraft meet specified safety standards. One such directive is AD/BEECH 55/66, which pertains to Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, requiring standardisation of emergency exit placards and modifications to the openable window latch. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance safety by ensuring clear and consistent emergency exit information and reliable window latch mechanisms. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 January 1984 or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after that date, whichever is later.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia, including the Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes. The regulation applies to all models of these aircraft with serial numbers referenced in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1241. This directive mandates compliance with the instructions outlined in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1241 concerning the standardisation of emergency exit placards and modifications to the openable window latch. The requirement is to implement the specified actions within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release, whichever is later. These regulations apply at a Commonwealth level and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards for continued operation within Australia's airspace.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/BEECH 55/66, focus on ensuring the safety of passengers and crew by standardising emergency exit placards and modifying the openable window latch on Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers as referenced in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1241 (Section 1). The requirement outlined in the directive is that actions must be taken in accordance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1241, which involves updating emergency exit placards and making modifications to the openable window latch (Section 1). Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984 or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after that date, whichever is later (Section 1). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs, such as aircraft operators and maintenance organisations, include ensuring that all required actions specified in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1241 are completed within the stipulated timeframe. This includes verifying that emergency exit placards are updated to the correct specifications and that the modifications to the openable window latch are implemented properly. Additionally, operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that all modifications and updates are documented and recorded in the aircraft's maintenance records to demonstrate compliance with the directive (Section 1). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BEECH 55/66 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be considered an offence, potentially leading to criminal charges. The maximum penalty for an individual found guilty of contravening these regulations can include fines of up to $21,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for each offence (Section 10). Additionally, from a civil perspective, failure to comply may result in the grounding of the aircraft, which could have significant operational and financial repercussions for the operator. Ensuring strict adherence to these provisions is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.