COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 65/40
Amdt 3
Flight Controls 3/89
Applicability: All model Queen Air B80 with S/Nos. LD-441 to LD-511, 70 series wit S/Nos LB-31 through LB-35 and all 65, 65-80, 70 and 80 series fitted with a rudder shipped from Beech during period 1 May 1973 to 1 July 1976.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Beechcraft SI No. 0629-150, Rev. 11.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 January 1979. Background: Amendment 3 consolidates Queen Air series 65 and 70 aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, are a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation safety within the country. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations pertains to Airworthiness Directives, which are legally enforceable rules relating to the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of aircraft. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that all civil aircraft in Australia meet the required safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the civil aviation system. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations. One specific Airworthiness Directive covered in the regulations is AD/BEECH 65/40 Amendment 3, which addresses flight control issues in Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes, aiming to ensure the safety of these aircraft by mandating specific actions in accordance with the manufacturer's service instructions.
Amendment 3 of the Airworthiness Directive for Beechcraft 65 and 70 series aeroplanes was introduced to address safety concerns related to the rudder and flight controls of these aircraft. This amendment applies to all model Queen Air B80 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from LD-441 to LD-511, and 70 series with serial numbers from LB-31 to LB-35. Additionally, it applies to all 65, 65-80, 70, and 80 series aeroplanes equipped with rudders shipped from Beech during the period from 1 May 1973 to 1 July 1976. The directive requires compliance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0629-150, Revision 11, and mandates that the required action must be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979, unless already completed. This directive is enforced by CASA to ensure that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates compliance for all model Queen Air B80 aircraft with serial numbers LD-441 to LD-511, as well as the 70 series with serial numbers LB-31 through LB-35, and all 65, 65-80, 70, and 80 series aircraft fitted with rudders shipped from Beech between 1 May 1973 and 1 July 1976. The requirement stipulates action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Information No. 0629-150, Revision 11, which must be carried out unless it has already been completed. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours’ time in service following 31 January 1979. The scope of this regulation is limited to specific aircraft models and serial numbers, and it is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39-105, mandate that Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes must comply with certain airworthiness directives. Section AD/BEECH 65/40 Amendment 3 outlines these requirements. This amendment applies to all model Queen Air B80 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from LD-441 to LD-511, all 70 series aeroplanes with serial numbers from LB-31 to LB-35, and all 65, 65-80, 70, and 80 series aeroplanes equipped with rudders shipped from Beech between 1 May 1973 and 1 July 1976. The directive mandates action in accordance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0629-150, Revision 11. Compliance with this directive must be achieved unless it has already been accomplished, within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 January 1979.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose specific obligations on the operators of the affected Beechcraft 65 and 70 series aeroplanes. Owners and operators must ensure that their aircraft meet the airworthiness requirements specified in the AD/BEECH 65/40 Amendment 3. This involves following the detailed instructions provided in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0629-150, Revision 11, which includes necessary maintenance, modifications, or inspections to ensure compliance. Operators must keep accurate records of the actions taken to comply with the directive, including the date of compliance and any inspections or maintenance performed. These obligations are designed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all persons on board.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BEECH 65/40 Amendment 3 can result in significant legal and financial consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence. Operators who fail to comply with the directive may face penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. The specific penalties can vary, but the regulations provide for substantial fines, which can be significant for corporate entities. In severe cases, non-compliance can lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary actions are taken to ensure compliance, potentially disrupting flight schedules and operations. Ensuring adherence to the directive is therefore critical for maintaining both operational continuity and regulatory compliance.