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 55/76 Elevator Trim Tab Actuator 2/92
Applicability: Models and serial numbers as listed in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399. Requirement: Action in accordance with mandatory Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399.
Note: FAA AD 91-17-01 Amdt 39-7099 refers.
Compliance: At the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 29 February 1992.
Background: There have been two fatal accidents reported, in which the elevator trim tab actuators were reversed following maintenance. The actions specified in this Directive are intended to prevent interchanging the right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators that, if reversed, could result in loss of control of the aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), particularly Part 39 - 105, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislative instrument was introduced to address specific safety concerns identified in the operation of certain aircraft models, aiming to mitigate risks that could lead to accidents. The policy objective is to enhance aircraft safety by implementing mandatory directives when safety issues are identified. One such directive is AD/BEECH 55/76 concerning the elevator trim tab actuators in Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, following reports of fatal accidents due to the interchange of right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators. The directive mandates actions in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399 and requires compliance at the next scheduled inspection. This measure was introduced by the Australian Government to prevent future accidents and ensure the safe operation of these aircraft models.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses safety concerns related to the operation of certain aircraft models. This particular directive, AD/BEECH 55/76, applies to Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes and targets a critical issue with the elevator trim tab actuators. The directive mandates compliance with the instructions outlined in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399, which includes rectifying any potential misconfiguration of the trim tab actuators that could lead to catastrophic outcomes. The requirement necessitates action during the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release following the date of 29 February 1992. This directive is essential to ensure the safety of flight operations by preventing the interchange of right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators, which, if reversed, could cause a loss of control of the aircraft. The directive’s application is not limited to Australia but aligns with international standards, referencing the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 91-17-01 Amendment 39-7099.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/BEECH 55/76, focuses on the elevator trim tab actuator (section 2/92). It mandates adherence to the instructions detailed in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399, which is referenced in FAA AD 91-17-01 Amendment 39-7099. The directive applies to the models and serial numbers specified in the Beechcraft Service Bulletin.
The main requirement of this directive is that any action taken must comply with the detailed instructions in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399. This involves ensuring that the elevator trim tab actuators are not interchanged, as such an error could lead to a loss of control over the aircraft. The directive requires that the specified actions be implemented during the next scheduled inspection for a Maintenance Release issue, following the date of 29 February 1992. This ensures that all relevant aircraft are modified to prevent the identified safety issue.
Entities governed by this Act, such as aircraft maintenance organisations and operators of Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, have specific obligations under this directive. They must ensure that the elevator trim tab actuators are correctly installed and maintained as per the instructions in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which in turn could lead to severe safety risks and legal repercussions.
There are significant consequences for non-compliance with the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive. The potential for serious accidents or fatalities makes adherence crucial. While the specific penalties for breaches are not detailed within the directive, non-compliance can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension of aircraft operation certificates, or other regulatory penalties, as stipulated by the broader Civil Aviation Regulations. It is imperative for all entities involved to strictly follow the directive to ensure the safety of all flights and compliance with aviation regulations.