AD/BEECH 90/10 - Standby Compass Deviation Placard - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. This legislative instrument, specifically PART 39 - 105, focuses on issuing airworthiness directives to maintain the highest safety standards. AD/BEECH 90/10, one such directive, was introduced to address a specific safety concern regarding the standby compass in Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. The directive mandates the installation of a warning placard near the standby compass to alert pilots to switch off the windshield anti-ice and air conditioner when using the standby compass. This requirement seeks to prevent any potential interference with the compass reading, thereby enhancing flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), mandates the installation of a specific warning placard on Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This requirement is detailed in the Airworthiness Directive (AD) numbered AD/BEECH 90/10, which applies to all models of these aircraft. The directive stipulates that a warning placard must be installed near the standby compass, stating, "WARNING WHEN USING STANDBY COMPASS SWITCH OFF WINDSHIELD ANTI-ICE AND AIRCONDITIONER". Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, ensuring that all aircraft within the specified series adhere to this safety measure. The regulation is applicable to the Commonwealth of Australia and extends to all relevant entities operating these aircraft within its jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text of the directive, and it is enforced through the regulatory framework provided by CASA, with potential further specification through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/BEECH 90/10, pertains to the installation of a standby compass deviation placard (section 11/67). This directive applies to all models of the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 series (section 11/67). The requirement is straightforward: a warning placard must be installed near the standby compass, with the wording "WARNING WHEN USING STANDBY COMPASS SWITCH OFF WINDSHIELD ANTI-ICE AND AIRCONDITIONER" (section 11/67). The directive stipulates that this installation must be carried out forthwith (section 11/67). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the required warning placard is installed as mandated by the directive. This involves placing the placard in a visible and accessible location near the standby compass, ensuring that all personnel operating the aircraft are aware of the necessary precautions when using the standby compass (section 11/67). Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, as it addresses potential operational hazards related to the use of the standby compass. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory measures to ensure adherence to safety standards. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to enforce compliance and maintain high safety standards in civil aviation.