Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 56/33 in 2002 to address an identified safety issue with the electroluminescent panel retaining screw in Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The problem it was introduced to address was that an improperly sized electroluminescent panel retaining screw could cause damage to the rotating beacon circuit breaker switch, potentially leading to smoke and/or fire in the cockpit. The directive aims to ensure that the screw is of the correct length, and that any damaged switches are replaced. The directive was effective from 15 July 2002 and applied to Beech Model A56TC aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. The policy objective of the directive is to mitigate the risk of unsafe conditions in aircraft and ensure continued airworthiness and safety.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains specifically to Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from TG-84 through TG-94. The directive is aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft by addressing potential unsafe conditions related to the electroluminescent panel retaining screws and associated switches. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range and mandates specific actions to be taken by the aircraft owner or operator. These actions include inspecting the Instrument Subpanel electroluminescent panel retaining screw for proper length and inspecting the rotating beacon circuit breaker switch for damage, followed by necessary replacements. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed within specific timeframes, as outlined in the directive, to ensure the continued safe operation of the affected aircraft. The AD is applicable throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and is issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring its enforcement and adherence across the nation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 56/33 (section 1) detail the specific actions required to address an identified unsafe condition in Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers TG-84 through TG-94. The requirement section (section 2) mandates a thorough inspection of the Instrument Subpanel electroluminescent panel retaining screw, ensuring it meets the specified length of 5.3 to 7.8mm (0.28 to 0.31 inches) and checking for damage to any installed switches. If a blanking plug is present above the screw, it must also be verified that the correct length screw is installed. Any damaged switches found during the inspection must be replaced, as must any retaining screw that does not meet the specified length, with a P/N MS35214-24 screw or an approved equivalent part number. Additionally, screws that do not meet the specified length or approved part number must not be installed in the lower part of the Instrument Subpanel. The compliance section (section 3) outlines the timelines for these actions, requiring the inspection to be conducted within 100 hours’ time in service after the effective date of the directive, the replacement of damaged components before further flight, and adherence to the requirement regarding the screw length as of the effective date of the directive. The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive on the parties it governs are substantial and require meticulous attention to detail. Operators of the specified Beechcraft 56TC (Turbo Baron) Series aeroplanes must ensure that the inspection and any necessary replacement of components are performed in accordance with the instructions provided in Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 33-3452, issued May 2001. This entails not only the physical inspection and replacement but also the proper documentation of these actions to ensure compliance with the directive. The directive further mandates that no aeroplane with a non-compliant screw should be allowed to fly until the required modifications are completed. This obligation extends to maintaining records of all inspections and replacements, which may be subject to review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure adherence to the directive. Breach of the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. Under Australian law, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence, potentially resulting in penalties for both individuals and corporations. For individuals, the potential penalties include fines of up to $21,600 for a basic offence and up to $43,200 for an aggravated offence. Corporations face higher penalties, with fines reaching up to $216,000 for a basic offence and $432,000 for an aggravated offence. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance could result in the grounding of the affected aircraft, which could have severe operational and financial repercussions for operators. The severity of the potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the directive to maintain airworthiness and ensure the safety of all persons on board the affected aircraft.