AD/BEECH 90/17 - Engine Fire Extinguisher System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, the regulations address the applicability of Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/BEECH 90/17, which mandates modifications to the engine fire extinguisher systems for certain Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of engine fires by requiring modifications to the fire extinguishing systems within specified models and serial numbers. The objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation, as directed by the Commonwealth of Australia. Compliance with such directives is mandatory, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as specified under Part 39 - 105 within the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, apply to Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes with serial numbers within the specified range. Specifically, this legislation targets models 65-90, 65-A90, and B90, serial numbers LJ-1 to LJ-461, that are equipped with engine fire extinguishers. The regulation mandates modifications to the engine fire extinguisher system as outlined in Beechcraft Service Information No. 0197-481 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 29 September 1969. The legislation applies nationwide, ensuring a uniform standard of aviation safety across all states and territories of Australia. The scope of the directive is clearly defined, leaving no room for exemptions or exclusions, as all specified aircraft must adhere to the prescribed modifications to maintain airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, establish a schedule of airworthiness directives (AD) for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations in Australia. Section 105.170 mandates that operators of Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes must comply with AD/BEECH 90/17, which pertains to modifications of the engine fire extinguisher system. This directive applies to models 65-90, 65-A90, and B90 with serial numbers LJ-1 to LJ-461, provided they are equipped with engine fire extinguishers. The compliance requirement is outlined in section 105.175, stipulating that the modifications must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1969. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that the modifications outlined in Beechcraft Service Information Notice 0197-481 are completed as per the AD. Section 105.180 details the obligations imposed on the operators, including the necessity to follow the specific instructions provided in the service information notice and to record the modifications in the aircraft's maintenance log. These obligations are crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section 105.190 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines the consequences for non-compliance with the AD. Operators who fail to adhere to the stipulated modifications within the specified timeframe may face civil penalties. Section 105.200 specifies that the maximum penalty for non-compliance can include fines and other civil sanctions. Additionally, failure to comply with the AD could result in the aircraft being grounded, thereby preventing it from being operated until the necessary modifications are made. This not only imposes financial penalties but also poses operational disruptions for the aircraft operator.