AD/BEECH 60/38 - Air Conditioning Compressor Pulley Guard and Retaining Bolt

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules governing the safety and operation of civil aviation in Australia. Among the various parts and schedules of these regulations, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the critical issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, including the mandatory installation of safety components such as the compressor pulley guard for Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes. This directive, AD/BEECH 60/38, was introduced to mitigate the risk of the clutch coming into contact with a fuel line, thereby enhancing flight safety. The policy objective is to ensure that all specified models and serial numbers of the Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes comply with safety standards within a stipulated timeframe, thereby preventing potential hazards during flight operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which include the requirements for Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models 60, A60, and B60 with specified serial numbers, encompassing aircraft that fall within the identified range. The directive necessitates compliance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1236, which involves the installation of a compressor pulley guard and retaining bolt to mitigate risks associated with the clutch coming into contact with a fuel line. The compliance deadline is set at 100 hours of time in service after 30 May 1983, ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards within this timeframe. This directive is an integral part of maintaining the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models and is binding for all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, mandates certain airworthiness directives for Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes, with the directive AD/BEECH 60/38 addressing the air conditioning compressor pulley guard and retaining bolt. This directive applies to all models 60, A60, and B60 within specific serial number ranges, specifically P-4 to P-577, P-579 to P-587, and P-589 and P-592. The requirement outlined in this directive is to take action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Information (SI) No. 1236. This directive stipulates that compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 30 May 1983. The directive imposes clear obligations on the parties or entities it governs. Specifically, it mandates the installation of a compressor pulley guard as recommended by the manufacturer to mitigate the risk of the clutch coming into contact with a fuel line. This action is crucial to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, as the risk of such contact could lead to dangerous situations, including potential fuel leaks or fires. The directive requires that this installation be carried out by adhering to the instructions provided in Beechcraft SI No. 1236. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BEECH 60/38 may result in significant consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state penalties, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to serious ramifications under civil aviation law. These may include the grounding of the aircraft, which could prevent it from being operated until the required actions are completed. Additionally, there could be repercussions for the aircraft owner, operator, or maintenance personnel responsible for ensuring compliance. These consequences may encompass fines, legal action, and potential revocation of licenses or certifications if the non-compliance is deemed severe enough.