AD/BEECH 55/77 - Engine Controls Support Structure

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form a crucial part of the legislative framework governing aviation safety in the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses safety concerns related to aircraft maintenance and operational standards. The directive AD/BEECH 55/77 focuses on Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, requiring modifications to the engine controls support structure to prevent the loss of engine throttle control due to cracked angle attachment clips. This directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by mandating timely compliance within 100 hours’ time in service after the directive was issued on 4 February 1993. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of engine control failure, thereby enhancing flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), include specific Airworthiness Directives that govern the safety and maintenance of aircraft operating within Australia. One such directive, AD/BEECH 55/77, pertains to Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes with certain serial numbers. This directive mandates that the engine controls support structure must be modified to comply with Beech Kit No. 58-5016-1 S as detailed in Beech Service Bulletin 2439, which was issued in response to reports of cracked angle attachment clips that could lead to a loss of engine throttle control. The directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers TH-1389 and TH-1396 through TH-1662, 58TC and 58TCA, TK-147 and TK-151, 58P and 58PA, and TJ-436 and TJ-444 through TJ-497. Compliance with these modifications must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 4 February 1993. The directive aims to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these specific aircraft models, and failure to comply could result in regulatory penalties or grounding of the aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, contains a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/BEECH 55/77) that governs the safety standards for certain Beechcraft aeroplanes. This particular directive applies to Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes, specifically models and serial numbers 58 and 58A, TH-1389 and TH-1396 through TH-1662, 58TC and 58TCA, TK-147 and TK-151, 58P and 58PA, and TJ-436 and TJ-444 through TJ-497. The directive mandates that the engine controls support structure must be modified in accordance with Beech Kit No. 58-5016-1 S, as detailed in Beech Service Bulletin 2439 (section 1). This requirement is linked to FAA AD 92-23-04 Amendment 39-8404, which was issued to address multiple reports of cracked angle attachment clips supporting the engine controls inside the pedestal on the affected aircraft. The directive aims to prevent the loss of engine throttle control due to the failure of these attachment clips. The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that the engine controls support structure is modified as per the specified instructions within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 4 February 1993. This timeframe is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must ensure that the necessary modifications are carried out by qualified personnel using the approved Beech Kit and service bulletin. Failure to comply with this directive can result in severe consequences, both civil and criminal. The primary objective of the directive is to enhance safety and prevent accidents caused by structural failures in the engine controls. Therefore, any breach of this directive could be considered an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Potential penalties may include fines and other sanctions as prescribed by the regulations. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text provided, but they are significant, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all personnel on board and on the ground.