AD/BEECH 65/2 - Fuel System Check Valves - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, addresses the safety and operational standards for civil aircraft in Australia. This legislative instrument, F2006B04122, was enacted to ensure compliance with airworthiness directives, particularly focusing on the Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes. The regulations aim to maintain high safety standards by mandating specific checks and installations, such as the installation of fuel system check valves, which was outlined in AD/BEECH 65/2. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the Australian Government, is responsible for enacting these regulations to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents through stringent regulatory compliance.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, govern the application of AD/BEECH 65/2, which pertains to the installation of fuel system check valves on Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to Beechcraft 65 models, including the 65-80 variant, with specific serial numbers LC-1 to LC-159 for the 65 series and LD-1 to LD-150 for the 65-80 series. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 200 hours of time in service after 22 July 1965, ensuring that the specified models meet safety standards through the installation of required check valves as outlined in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 64-20. The directive is enforceable by CASA and applies nationally across Australia, reinforcing safety and operational standards within the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) as outlined in the legislative instrument (F2006B04122) mandate the installation of fuel system check valves in specified Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes. According to section 39-105 of the regulations, the aircraft models covered are the Beechcraft 65 and 65-80 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) LC-1 to LC-159 and LD-1 to LD-150 respectively. The directive (AD/BEECH 65/2) necessitates compliance with the manufacturer's service bulletin (Beechcraft SB 64-20) and requires the installation of the check valves within 200 hours’ time in service after 22 July 1965. These regulations impose specific obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the installation of the fuel system check valves is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's service bulletin. Additionally, the regulations require that the aircraft are checked and maintained to meet these requirements, with a particular focus on the operational readiness and safety of the fuel system. Compliance with these directives is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. Section 91.501 of the CAR outlines the potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines up to the statutory maximum of $22,200 per offence, and in the case of corporations, fines can be significantly higher. Criminal penalties may also apply, including imprisonment for up to five years for individuals and fines up to $222,000 for corporations. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated airworthiness directives to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations.