Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 55/92, issued in 2002, addresses safety concerns related to the electroluminescent panel retaining screws in certain Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. The directive was enacted in response to a United States Federal Aviation Administration advisory that improper length screws could damage the rotating beacon circuit breaker switch, potentially leading to smoke and/or fire in the cockpit. This legislative instrument, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, mandates inspections and necessary replacements of the electroluminescent panel retaining screws and switches to prevent damage and ensure continued safe operation of the affected aircraft models. The directive aims to maintain airworthiness standards by correcting an unsafe condition identified in the specified aircraft series.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 55/92 applies specifically to certain models and serial numbers of Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in the applicability section. These aircraft are required to comply with the AD as issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate. The directive mandates particular safety measures and inspections to address a potential unsafe condition concerning the electroluminescent panel retaining screw and the rotating beacon circuit breaker switch. The compliance requirements specify time frames within which these inspections and actions must be completed, ensuring that the unsafe condition is rectified in a timely manner. This AD extends to aircraft operating within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, as it was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 July 2002. The AD does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying that all specified aircraft must comply unless otherwise noted through subordinate instruments or additional directives.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD/BEECH 55/92) pertain to the inspection and replacement of electroluminescent panel retaining screws in certain Beechcraft models (sections 1 and 2). Specifically, section 1 of the requirement mandates that the Instrument Subpanel electroluminescent panel be inspected in accordance with Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 33-3452. This involves checking the length of the screw installed above the lower electroluminescent panel, which must be between 5.3 to 7.8mm or 0.28 to 0.31 inches if a blanking plug is installed. Additionally, any installed rotating beacon circuit breaker switch or other switch directly above the lower electroluminescent panel retaining screw must be inspected for damage. Section 2 of the requirement directs the replacement of any damaged switch and the replacement of the electroluminescent panel retaining screw if it is not within the specified length. Finally, section 3 of the requirement stipulates that screws not meeting the specified part number may not be installed in the lower part of the Instrument Subpanel. The AD imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Owners and operators of the specified Beechcraft models must ensure that the inspections and any necessary replacements are carried out in accordance with the specified instructions and timelines. Specifically, for requirement 1, the inspection must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after the effective date of this directive. For requirement 2, any damaged switch or screw must be replaced before further flight after the initial inspection. Requirement 3 must be complied with immediately upon the directive's effective date, meaning that any non-compliant screws must be removed and replaced with the correct ones without delay. The AD also outlines the potential consequences for failure to comply with its provisions. While the specific legal consequences are not detailed within the AD itself, non-compliance with ADs generally results in civil and/or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. These penalties can include fines and imprisonment, with the exact penalties depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. Additionally, failure to comply with an AD can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can prevent it from being operated until the required actions are taken.