AD/BEECH 65/6 - Aft Facing Chair Reclining Stops - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006 as part of Legislative Instrument F2006B04156, were enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to regulate civil aviation safety and address gaps in the oversight of aircraft maintenance and operations. This legislative instrument focuses on ensuring that aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards are upheld. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which include detailed safety mandates for various aircraft models. The policy objective is to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft through mandatory safety inspections and maintenance procedures, thereby protecting passengers and crew from potential hazards. This particular legislative instrument pertains to the Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes, mandating inspections of aft facing chair reclining stops to maintain safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates that Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes adhere to the AD/BEECH 65/6 directive concerning aft facing chair reclining stops. This directive applies to Model 65 aeroplanes prior to serial number LC-239, as well as Model 65-80 and 65-A80 aeroplanes prior to serial number LD-221. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours’ time in service after 15 February 1967, as stipulated in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-45. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This regulation does not explicitly provide for exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and it is understood that its application may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 under the section titled "Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives", detail crucial safety mandates for specific aircraft models. One such directive, AD/BEECH 65/6, pertains to Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes. Section 39-105 of the regulations requires an inspection of aft facing chair reclining stops for these aircraft models. This mandate applies to Model 65 aeroplanes prior to serial numbers LC-239, and Models 65-80 and 65-A80 prior to serial number LD-221. Compliance with this directive is to be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issue date of 15 February 1967, as referenced in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-45. Entities and individuals governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 must adhere to the requirements set forth in AD/BEECH 65/6. Owners, operators, and maintenance providers of affected Beechcraft 65 and 70 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection is performed by qualified personnel. This involves a thorough examination of the aft facing chair reclining stops to ascertain their proper functionality and integrity. Records of the inspections must be maintained and made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request, ensuring traceability and accountability in compliance with the safety directive. Breach of the safety directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to severe consequences. The Act provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. For instance, failure to adhere to AD/BEECH 65/6 may result in civil penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are satisfactorily completed. Additionally, criminal charges may be pursued against individuals or entities responsible for the non-compliance, with potential imprisonment for serious breaches. The exact penalties are detailed in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and can vary based on the severity and frequency of the offence. It is imperative for all stakeholders to comply strictly with the regulations to avoid these repercussions.