AD/BEECH 55/74 - Engine Mounts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses issues related to aircraft safety and maintenance through specific directives for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/BEECH 55/74, targets Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the problem of cracked engine mounts. This directive was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models by requiring regular inspections in line with the Federal Aviation Administration's Technical Requirements of FAA AD 91-15-20 Amdt 39-7084. The policy objective is to mitigate safety risks by mandating the adherence to specified maintenance standards. The directive was introduced by the Australian Parliament to align with international safety standards and respond to reports of engine mount failures. The objective is to ensure that all affected aircraft are inspected and maintained to prevent potential safety hazards, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation within Australia. Compliance with these airworthiness directives is crucial for the continued operation of the specified aircraft models under Australian registration.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/BEECH 55/74, pertains to Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to certain models and serial numbers of these aircraft, specifically the 95-C55, 95-C55A, D55, D55A, E55, and E55A with serial numbers TC350, and TE-1 through TE-1201, as well as models 58 and 58A with serial numbers TH-1 through TH-1610. These directives are applicable to aircraft registered in Australia, and their purpose is to ensure compliance with the technical requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 91-15-20 Amendment 39-7084. This regulation mandates periodic inspections for cracks in the engine mounts of the specified aircraft, following the detailed instructions in the Requirement Document, which has a revised effective date of 14 November 1991. Any deviations or additional specifications can be found in subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulation, specifically AD/BEECH 55/74, pertain to the inspection and maintenance of engine mounts for certain Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. Section 1 outlines the applicability of the directive to specific models and serial numbers, ensuring that only the affected aircraft are subject to these requirements (sections 1 and 11/91). The requirement section stipulates that the aircraft must be maintained in accordance with the Technical Requirements of FAA AD 91-15-20 Amdt 39-7084, and references Beech SB 2362 Revision 1 for detailed procedures. Compliance is mandated as specified in the Requirement Document, with an effective date of 14 November 1991, specifically for aircraft registered in Australia. The obligations imposed by this Act are centred around the maintenance and periodic inspections of the engine mounts to ensure safety. Owners and operators of the specified Beechcraft models must comply with the requirements set forth in the FAA AD 91-15-20 Amdt 39-7084 and the referenced Service Bulletin (SB) 2362 Revision 1. This includes conducting inspections to detect any cracks in the engine mounts and taking appropriate action as specified in the documents to rectify any issues found. The compliance date of 14 November 1991 necessitates that these inspections be completed by this date for Australian registered aircraft, ensuring that all affected planes meet the safety standards stipulated in the directive. Breaches of the provisions outlined in this legislation can result in severe consequences. Non-compliance with the inspection and maintenance requirements could lead to the grounding of the aircraft, preventing it from operating until the issues are resolved. Additionally, there may be legal ramifications for the aircraft owner or operator, including potential civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, they could include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. The overarching aim of these consequences is to enforce compliance and ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.