Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 90/100 on 17 July 2002 to address a safety concern identified by the manufacturer regarding the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, the AD targets aircraft within the serial number range specified, where issues with nacelle and spar assembly rivets have been found, including missing rivets or those of incorrect size and type. The identified problem presents a risk of reduced structural integrity and potential structural failure, which the AD aims to mitigate through mandatory inspections and corrective actions. This directive was enacted to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft by requiring compliance within specified timeframes, and it became effective on 24 July 2002.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers LJ-1157 through LJ-1276, LJ-1278 through LJ-1537, and LJ-1540. It is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and mandates specific actions to address safety concerns identified in the nacelle and spar assembly rivets of these aircraft. The directive requires the incorporation of Raytheon Temporary Changes TC3 into the Pilot’s Operating Handbook and the inspection and correction of any missing or incorrectly sized/typed rivets on the affected aircraft components. The compliance timeline necessitates actions within 10 hours’ time in service following the AD's issuance, or within 400 hours’ time in service or 12 calendar months after 24 July 2002, whichever comes first. This AD has national jurisdictional reach, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia as per its notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The directive does not explicitly state exclusions, but the actions required are specific to the mentioned aircraft models and serial numbers, thereby inherently excluding other aircraft not meeting these criteria. The AD may be supplemented by subordinate instruments or further clarifications as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 90/100 pertains specifically to Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes and outlines critical actions to ensure the safety of these aircraft. The applicability section (paragraph 1) specifies that the directive applies to model C90A aircraft with serial numbers ranging from LJ-1157 through LJ-1276, LJ-1278 through LJ-1537, and LJ-1540. The requirement section (paragraph 2) mandates that Raytheon Temporary Changes TC3 be inserted into the Limitations Section of the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH). Furthermore, it requires that an inspection of the left-hand and right-hand nacelle and spar assembly for the existence of rivets, and any installed rivets that are the wrong size and/or type, be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 54-3308, issued in October 2000, and the relevant maintenance manual. Missing rivets must be installed, and any incorrect rivets must be replaced with the correct ones before any further flight. The obligations imposed on the parties by this AD are clear and stringent. Aircraft operators must ensure that the specified revisions to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook are implemented without delay. Additionally, they must conduct the required inspection and corrective actions on the nacelle and spar assembly rivets as detailed in the Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 54-3308 and the maintenance manual. Failure to adhere to these requirements can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, leading to potential safety hazards. The directive mandates compliance within specific timeframes: within 10 hours’ time in service after 24 July 2002, unless already accomplished; and within 400 hours’ time in service or within 12 calendar months after 24 July 2002, whichever occurs first. Non-compliance with the provisions of this AD can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties, and operators who fail to adhere to the mandated inspections and repairs risk facing severe civil or criminal liabilities. The potential for reduced structural integrity and structural failure underscores the critical nature of these requirements. The AD is designed to prevent unsafe conditions that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The legislative framework supports this by enforcing strict compliance measures and providing clear guidelines for corrective actions.