AD/BEECH 56/30 - Elevator Trim Tab Actuator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, includes the Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series Aeroplanes AD/BEECH 56/30 directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns associated with the elevator trim tab actuators. The directive was introduced to prevent accidents such as those that occurred when the actuators were reversed following maintenance, which could result in a loss of control. The directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Beechcraft 56TC aeroplanes as detailed in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399, and requires actions to be taken in accordance with this bulletin. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the continued safety of the aircraft by preventing the interchange of the right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators, thus avoiding potential accidents. Compliance with this directive must be achieved at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release after 29 February 1992.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the requirements for the Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/BEECH 56/30. This legislation applies to specific models and serial numbers of these aircraft as listed in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399, requiring compliance with the actions specified in the bulletin to address issues with the elevator trim tab actuators. The directive arises from incidents where the reversal of the trim tab actuators following maintenance led to fatal accidents, thereby necessitating preventive measures to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. The required actions must be completed in accordance with the directive at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 29 February 1992, as referenced by FAA AD 91-17-01 Amendment 39-7099. This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining proper procedures to avoid the interchange of right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators, which could otherwise result in loss of control of the aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (subsections referenced as applicable), includes specific directives for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. For the Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series Aeroplanes, AD/BEECH 56/30 pertains to the elevator trim tab actuator and requires adherence to Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399. This directive was issued on 2 February 1992, in response to two fatal accidents caused by the reversal of the elevator trim tab actuators following maintenance. The directive aims to prevent the interchange of the right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators, which could lead to loss of control of the aircraft. The obligations under this directive are straightforward. Owners and operators of Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the elevator trim tab actuators are correctly identified and installed as specified in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2392. This involves performing the necessary actions during the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release, after the directive's issue date of 29 February 1992. The directive ties into FAA AD 91-17-01 Amendment 39-7099, reinforcing the requirement for compliance with specific maintenance procedures to maintain airworthiness. Failure to comply with AD/BEECH 56/30 could result in serious consequences. If an aircraft is found to be non-compliant during an inspection, it may be grounded until the required actions are completed. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may impose administrative, civil, or criminal penalties for breaches. The severity of these penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure that aircraft maintain their airworthiness and that safety is not compromised. Non-compliance could potentially lead to severe accidents, highlighting the critical nature of adhering to these directives. The directive is explicit about the required actions and the timeframe within which compliance must be achieved. The regulation underscores the importance of correct identification and installation of the elevator trim tab actuators to prevent accidents. It also aligns with broader regulatory frameworks and international safety standards, ensuring a consistent approach to aircraft maintenance across jurisdictions. By following these directives, aircraft owners and operators contribute to the overarching goal of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.