AD/BEECH 65/22 Amdt 4 - Wing Spar and Lower Attachment Fittings

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Legislation au F2006B04123 In force Legislative Instrument

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Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes

 

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE


For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 65/22 Amdt 3 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

 

AD/BEECH 65/22

Amdt 4


Wing Spar and Lower Attachment Fittings 11/2000

 

Applicability: All models.

 

Requirement: 1. Remove the wing main spar lower attachment bolts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Strip all paint from the “bath tub” portion of the four outer wing to centre section main spar lower attachment fittings.

 

2. Perform a fluorescent liquid penetrant inspection of all four fittings in accordance with the Beechcraft Structural Inspection and Repair Manual (SIRM) P/N 98- 39006B3 as revised May 28 1999, Chapter 57-11-00 for models 65, 70 & 80, and Chapter 57-12-00 for the model 88, Chart 201, Index Nos. 1 and 10 (Note: the model designations used in the SIRM are the manufacturer’s popular or marketing designations). When inspecting the “bathtub” portion of the fittings, pay particular attention to the bolt counterbore and fillet radius. As an alternative, this inspection may be performed using an eddy current (pencil probe) procedure as detailed in Chapter 20-00-00 of the SIRM.

 

In accordance with the SIRM, if a fitting fatigue crack is found, the complete outer wing main spar lower cap assembly must be replaced in before further flight.

 

Note 1: The SIRM Chapter 20-00-00 “Warning” regarding not removing paint should be disregarded. To prevent corrosion, some form of protective treatment, such as a standard zinc chromate primer, should be applied between inspections, to surfaces from which the paint has been removed.

 

Note 2: Solvent removers should be used wherever possible. If the use of other paint strippers is unavoidable, the complete removal of residue must be ensured before inspection. In either case, the use of mechanical or abrasive means of paint removal must be avoided.

 

Note 3: It is recommended that the penetrant be applied to the counterbore radius using a fine artist’s paint brush. This will simplify penetrant removal and minimise false indications. Care should be taken to ensure full coverage of the fillet radius and a similar distance (at least 5 mm) into the cylindrical portion of the counterbore, in particular on the side of the hole adjacent to the “bottom of the bathtub”.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

 

 

 

Note 4: No attempt should be made to polish out suspect indications, as this has led in the past to the obscuring of large cracks. Where suspect indications need to be confirmed, seek specialist NDT advice.

 

Note 5: Inspection of the bolts and nuts is detailed in the current issue of AD/BEECH 65/57.

 

Compliance:  Prior to exceeding the component hours’ time in service listed in column (3) of the Inspection Schedule below, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed the component hours time in service listed in column (4). Where the eddy current procedure is used the repetitive inspection interval in column (4) may be doubled.

 

For models not listed in the Schedule, the Authority must be contacted.

 

INSPECTION SCHEDULE

The model designations below are those used in the Type Certificate Data Sheet.

(1)

Model

(2)

Serial Numbers

(3)

Initial Inspection Threshold (hours)

(4)

Repeat Inspection Interval (hours)

65

LC-1 to -180

3000

300

65 & A65

LC-181 to -272

3000

500

A65 & A65-8200

LC-273 and up

3000

300

70

LB-1 and up

3000

300

65-80

LD-1 to -150

3000

300

65-A80 & 65-A80-

8800

LD-151 to -244

2000

200

65-A80

LD-245 to -269

3000

300

65-A80-8800

LD-245 to -269

2000

200

65-B80

LD-270 and up

2000

200

Note 6: Inspections carried out in accordance with previous issues of this or related ADs, satisfy the initial inspection requirements of this amendment.

 

This Amendment becomes effective on 2 November 2000.

 

 

 

Background:  The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 30 June 1980, when a number of similar ADs were issued to cover the different Queen Air models. The inspection requirement was based on the known fatigue history of the “bathtub” fittings.

 

Amendment 2 became effective on 22 March 1990, and resulted from the consolidation of the Beech 65 and 70 series Airworthiness Directives. The requirements were unchanged.

 

Amendment 3 became effective on 12 January 1992. It consolidated AD/BEECH 65/22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, and aligned the requirements with the Beech SIRM to the extent possible. The repeat inspection interval was reduced for the Model 65-B80, and extended for most other models, based on a review of the fitting stress levels and service experience.

 

This Amendment results from a review of the AD which confirmed the need for the requirement and the appropriateness of the inspection intervals. The SIRM reference has been updated, and the requirement has been clarified because two sections of the SIRM (Index Nos. 1 and 10) refer to the same fluorescent penetrant inspection of the “bathtub” but at different compliance times. Some minor errors have been corrected, and the use of eddy current inspection of the “bathtub” as an optional alternative to fluorescent dye penetrant is allowed, with a corresponding increase in the repetitive inspection interval.


 

David Alan Villiers

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 20 September 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 October 2000.

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 65/22 Amdt 4 was enacted in 2000, aiming to address safety concerns related to the wing spar and lower attachment fittings of Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes. This AD was issued by the CASA delegate as a legislative instrument under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The primary objective of this AD is to mandate specific actions to be taken to correct unsafe conditions in the specified aircraft models, ensuring they meet the required safety standards. The AD outlines the necessity of removing and inspecting the wing main spar lower attachment bolts, paying particular attention to the "bathtub" portion of the fittings, and replacing the complete outer wing main spar lower cap assembly if a fatigue crack is found. Compliance with this directive is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. This legislative instrument, AD/BEECH 65/22 Amdt 4, was introduced to provide updated and consolidated inspection requirements for the specified Beechcraft models, ensuring continued safety in air travel. By mandating specific inspection procedures and intervals, the AD ensures that any potential issues with the wing spar and lower attachment fittings are identified and addressed promptly, thereby mitigating risks associated with these critical components. The AD reflects the ongoing commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to monitor and enhance the safety standards of aircraft in service.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes. This directive, AD/BEECH 65/22 Amendment 4, applies to all models of these aircraft and mandates specific actions to address an identified unsafe condition concerning the wing spar and lower attachment fittings. The directive outlines procedures for the removal of paint from specific fittings, inspection methods, and replacement requirements if a fatigue crack is detected. Notably, the AD specifies that the inspection and subsequent actions must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the Beechcraft Structural Inspection and Repair Manual, with certain modifications and clarifications introduced in this amendment. The directive also provides a detailed inspection schedule based on the model and serial numbers of the aircraft, stipulating initial inspection thresholds and repeat inspection intervals. The AD's applicability extends to all models of the specified aircraft series, and it supersedes previous amendments, with inspections conducted under prior versions satisfying the initial inspection requirements of this amendment.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 65/22 Amdt 4 applies to all models of Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes. It mandates specific actions to address an identified unsafe condition related to the wing spar and lower attachment fittings. The directive requires the removal of wing main spar lower attachment bolts and stripping all paint from the "bathtub" portion of the four outer wing to centre section main spar lower attachment fittings (Section 1). This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A fluorescent liquid penetrant inspection or an eddy current inspection must then be performed on all four fittings. The specific procedures are detailed in the Beechcraft Structural Inspection and Repair Manual (SIRM) P/N 98-39006B3, as revised on May 28, 1999 (Section 1). If any fatigue cracks are found, the complete outer wing main spar lower cap assembly must be replaced before further flight. The AD also provides specific instructions on the application of protective treatments to prevent corrosion after paint removal. The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. These parties must ensure that the specified inspections and actions are carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with the AD's instructions. Operators must also adhere to the detailed inspection schedule provided, ensuring inspections are conducted at the specified intervals based on the component hours' time in service. Failure to comply with the AD's requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and legal consequences. Failure to comply with the AD's requirements may result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and potential imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance but can include fines up to a significant amount and imprisonment for up to two years for serious violations. The AD aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by enforcing strict compliance with the specified inspection and repair procedures.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.