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 65/9 Automatic Pilot Shutoff Valves - Installation 11/67
Applicability: Models 65-80, 65-A80 and 65-B80 prior to S/No. LD-291 fitted with H14 Auto pilot system OR Models 65, 65-80, 65-A80, 65-B80 with Kit 65-19-3A prior to Kit S/No. 114 or Kit 65-19-1A prior to Kit S/No. 116 installed.
Document: Beechcraft SB 66-4. Compliance: Before 1 November 1967.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are a comprehensive set of regulations designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 includes a schedule of airworthiness directives aimed at maintaining and enhancing aircraft safety standards. The specific legislative instrument F2006B04166, which pertains to Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address a particular safety concern with the automatic pilot shutoff valves in certain models of these aircraft. This directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure that all applicable aircraft meet the required safety standards, thereby mitigating risks associated with the automatic pilot system.
The policy objective of this legislative instrument is to mandate the installation of automatic pilot shutoff valves in specific Beechcraft 65 and 70 models to prevent potential hazards related to the automatic pilot system. The directive specifies the applicability to certain serial numbers and kit versions of these aircraft models, ensuring that all affected aircraft are retrofitted with the necessary safety equipment before a specified compliance date. This measure was enacted to enhance the overall safety of civil aviation operations by addressing a known safety issue in a targeted manner.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the installation of automatic pilot shutoff valves on Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to models 65-80, 65-A80, and 65-B80 prior to serial number LD-291 that are equipped with an H14 autopilot system, as well as models 65, 65-80, 65-A80, and 65-B80 with Kit 65-19-3A prior to serial number 114 or Kit 65-19-1A prior to serial number 116 installed. The directive mandates compliance with the instructions outlined in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-4 and requires the installation of the automatic pilot shutoff valves before 1 November 1967. The Civil Aviation Regulations operate at the Commonwealth level, governing all aviation activities within Australia and ensuring adherence to safety standards across the nation. Subordinate instruments may further detail specific implementation and compliance measures, but the primary directive is clear in its scope and application to the specified aircraft models.
Key Provisions
The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly AD/BEECH 65/9, address the installation of automatic pilot shutoff valves for specific Beechcraft 65 and 70 (Queen Air) series aeroplanes. Section 11/67 specifies the applicability of these directives to models 65-80, 65-A80, and 65-B80 prior to serial number LD-291 fitted with the H14 autopilot system, or models equipped with certain kit numbers (Kit 65-19-3A before serial number 114 or Kit 65-19-1A before serial number 116). Compliance with these directives is mandatory, as stipulated in Section 11/67, which mandates that all affected aircraft must adhere to the outlined requirements before 1 November 1967.
The obligations imposed by this legislation are clear and specific. Operators and owners of the affected Beechcraft 65 and 70 series aeroplanes must ensure that automatic pilot shutoff valves are installed as per the directives provided in Beechcraft SB 66-4. This requirement is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring that the autopilot systems can be safely disengaged in the event of a malfunction or emergency. Operators must document compliance and maintain records of any modifications or installations carried out in accordance with the AD/BEECH 65/9 directive.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BEECH 65/9 can result in significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance may lead to penalties under Section 39 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalty for contravening these airworthiness directives is a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations, alongside potential criminal charges. Additionally, non-compliance may result in the grounding of the aircraft, which could disrupt operations and potentially compromise flight safety. Thus, it is imperative for all affected parties to adhere strictly to the mandated timelines and installation procedures.