COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 90/2 Firewall Fuel Shut-Off Valve Switches - Modification
Applicability: Model 65-90 and Model 65-A90 prior to S/No. LJ-152. Document: Beechcraft SB 66-21, Rev. 1.
Compliance: Forthwith.
11/67
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 90/2 in 2006 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. This legislative instrument targets a specific safety issue related to the firewall fuel shut-off valve switches in Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes, specifically for models 65-90 and 65-A90 prior to serial number LJ-152. The directive mandates immediate compliance and references Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-21, Revision 1, as the compliance document. The overarching objective of this directive is to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by addressing potential fire hazards associated with the fuel shut-off valve switches, thereby enhancing flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations, specifically within Part 39 - 105, mandate that the Airworthiness Directives for the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes apply to aircraft of the specified models and serial numbers, namely Model 65-90 and Model 65-A90 prior to S/No. LJ-152. This directive applies to all aircraft owners and operators who are subject to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, encompassing both private and commercial entities within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates immediate compliance with the specified modifications as outlined in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-21, Revision 1, which pertains to the firewall fuel shut-off valve switches. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions but implicitly applies to all relevant aircraft within the stated parameters. The scope of the directive is further extended and detailed through subordinate instruments and CASA notices which may provide additional clarifications or procedural guidance for compliance.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the AD/BEECH 90/2 regulation, as specified in Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertain to the modification of firewall fuel shut-off valve switches for certain Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. Specifically, section 11/67 of the regulation applies to Model 65-90 and Model 65-A90 aeroplanes prior to serial number LJ-152. The requirement is that these aeroplanes must undergo the modification outlined in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-21, Revision 1, without delay, meaning that the compliance must be immediate.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and straightforward. Owners and operators of the affected Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 series aeroplanes must ensure that the firewall fuel shut-off valve switches are modified as specified in the referenced service bulletin. This involves taking the necessary steps to have the modification performed by a certified repair station or technician who is qualified to work on these types of aircraft. The requirement for compliance is immediate, underscoring the urgency and importance of this safety measure.
Failure to comply with the AD/BEECH 90/2 regulation can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties are not specified within the regulation itself, but they can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring aircraft airworthiness and safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and penalties can include significant financial fines as well as potential criminal charges for individuals or entities found in breach of the regulations.