Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to establish and maintain standards for the safe operation of civil aviation within Australia. Among the various parts of these regulations, Part 39 focuses on ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, with specific attention to safety directives. One such directive, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), is the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 60/46 concerning Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced in response to a reported issue with lower forward wing bolts supplied by Mercury Aerospace, which may not meet the required hardness specifications, potentially leading to fatigue failure and subsequent separation of the wing from the aircraft. The directive mandates specific inspections and replacements of these bolts to rectify the identified unsafe condition, ensuring the continued safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series Aeroplanes, including models 60, A60, and B60, with serial numbers ranging from P-4 through P-596. This directive mandates inspections and, if necessary, replacements of lower forward wing bolts to address an identified safety issue. The requirement stipulates that aircraft operators must inspect the lower forward wing bolts for the “Mercury Aerospace” trademark and replace any bolts carrying this trademark with FAA-approved bolts, as outlined in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-3328. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours’ time in service after 17 May 2001, or before further flight if the directive is issued after this period has already elapsed. This AD extends across the entire Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting the national jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive is designed to ensure that all affected aircraft comply with safety standards to prevent potential fatigue failure and wing separation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, outlines an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) (AD/BEECH 60/46). This directive mandates specific actions to rectify an identified unsafe condition in certain Beechcraft 60 (Duke) Series aeroplanes, namely Models 60, A60, and B60 with serial numbers P-4 through P-596. The AD requires aircraft operators to inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower forward wing bolts that bear the “Mercury Aerospace” trademark. This inspection and replacement must adhere to the Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-3328 issued in July 1999. The FAA has cross-referenced this directive with AD 2001-02-10 Amdt 39-12094. The AD imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, aircraft operators must ensure that the lower forward wing bolts are inspected within 100 hours’ time in service after 17 May 2001, unless the inspection has already been performed. Secondly, the inspection must be carried out before further flight. The directive mandates the replacement of any lower forward wing bolts bearing the “Mercury Aerospace” trademark with FAA-approved bolts, along with the associated nuts and washers, following the instructions in SB 57-3328. These actions are essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to prevent potential fatigue failure of the bolts, which could lead to wing separation. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with ADs can lead to civil or criminal penalties. The specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the AD itself but are governed by the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and whether it is deemed a civil or criminal offence. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these provisions and may take action against operators who fail to adhere to the AD.