COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 60/40
Amdt 2
Rudder Pedal Arms 4/95
Applicability: All models fitted with rudder pedal arms P/N 50-524326, all dash numbers.
Requirement: Inspect the upper portion of each rudder pedal arm for cracks, using the fluorescent dye penetrant method in accordance with CAO 108.10. The area to be inspected includes the upper part of the ‘I’ section shank, the hollow crossbar and the brake pedal attachment lugs. Particular attention must be paid to the fillet radii and holes.
Compliance: 1. Initially inspect before the issue of the next maintenance release after 31 October 1987. Re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
2. Inspect before flight if the aircraft has been parked for more than 3 months with the rudder pedals locked.
Note: The Maintenance Manual prohibits towing with the rudder pedals locked. This practice may also cause premature cracking.
Background: A review of cracked rudder pedals suggests that the primary cause of cracking is wind loads when the aircraft is parked on the ground with the rudder pedals locked, normal operating loads being a secondary factor. The inspection interval is now based on calendar time, special provision is made for aircraft parked in the open for long periods and a warning has been added about correct towing practice.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), contain specific provisions to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. Part 39, which includes AD/BEECH 60/40 Amendment 2, pertains to the inspection and maintenance requirements for Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address the identified problem of cracks in the rudder pedal arms of these aircraft, which can compromise safety. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety of air travel by mandating regular inspections of critical components such as the rudder pedal arms, thereby preventing potential structural failures. By enforcing stringent inspection intervals and providing detailed guidelines, the regulations aim to mitigate risks associated with cracked rudder pedals, ensuring that these aircraft remain safe for operation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes. The regulation AD/BEECH 60/40 Amendment 2 mandates inspections of the rudder pedal arms for all Duke Series aeroplanes equipped with rudder pedal arms part number 50-524326, regardless of the dash number. The requirement is to inspect the upper portion of each rudder pedal arm for any cracks using the fluorescent dye penetrant method in accordance with Civil Aviation Order 108.10. This inspection should cover the upper part of the 'I' section shank, the hollow crossbar, and the brake pedal attachment lugs, with particular attention to the fillet radii and holes. The directive stipulates that the initial inspection must occur before the release of the next maintenance update following 31 October 1987, and subsequent inspections should not exceed intervals of 12 months. Additionally, inspections are mandated before flight if the aircraft has been stationary for over three months with the rudder pedals locked, a condition that can accelerate pedal arm cracking. The regulation also notes that the Maintenance Manual prohibits towing with locked rudder pedals, a practice that could lead to premature pedal arm cracking.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates inspections for the Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the rudder pedal arms (section 40). The requirement outlined in AD/BEECH 60/40 Amendment 2 stipulates that the upper portion of each rudder pedal arm must be inspected for cracks, utilising the fluorescent dye penetrant method in accordance with CAO 108.10. The inspection must cover the upper part of the ‘I’ section shank, the hollow crossbar, and the brake pedal attachment lugs, with a special emphasis on the fillet radii and holes (section 4). This directive applies to all models equipped with rudder pedal arms P/N 50-524326, regardless of their dash numbers.
Operators of these aircraft are obligated to ensure that these inspections are conducted both initially and periodically. The initial inspection must be completed before the issuance of the next maintenance release after 31 October 1987. Subsequently, re-inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Furthermore, if the aircraft has been parked for more than three months with the rudder pedals locked, an inspection is required before the next flight. The Maintenance Manual explicitly prohibits towing the aircraft with the rudder pedals locked, as this practice can lead to premature cracking (section 4).
The regulation underscores the importance of adhering to these inspection requirements to mitigate the risk of cracked rudder pedal arms, which are primarily caused by wind loads when the aircraft is parked on the ground with the rudder pedals locked. By implementing these measures, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to enhance the safety of operations involving Beechcraft 60 Series aeroplanes.
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives may lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with regulations set forth under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including potential civil or criminal penalties. These penalties may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance. The overarching objective is to ensure that all aircraft maintain the required safety standards to protect the public and enhance aviation safety.