AD/BEECH 90/33 - Magnetic Material Near Compass Flux Valve - Removal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B04224, address specific safety concerns related to the airworthiness of Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to ensure that these aircraft models meet stringent safety standards, particularly in relation to the magnetic material near the compass flux valve, which can adversely affect the accuracy of navigational instruments. The policy objective behind this directive is to maintain the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation by mandating specific actions to address identified safety risks. The Australian Parliament, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, enacted this regulation to ensure compliance with international safety standards and to protect the integrity of air navigation systems.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the applicability of Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) concerning the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/BEECH 90/33, mandates the removal of magnetic material near the compass flux valve, and it applies to E90 models with serial numbers LW-1 to LW-37. The directive requires compliance within 200 hours of time in service following 30 September 1974, as documented in Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 0605-039. This legislation governs the safety standards for these specific aircraft models, ensuring that they meet required safety criteria. The directive applies directly to the manufacturers, operators, and owners of these aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing stringent safety measures to maintain airworthiness and prevent any potential safety hazards arising from the presence of magnetic material near the compass flux valve.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the AD/BEECH 90/33 require the removal of magnetic material near the compass flux valve of specific Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This applies to models E90 with serial numbers LW-1 to LW-37. The compliance period stipulates that this action must be completed within 200 hours of time in service following 30 September 1974. The directive is documented in Beechcraft SI No. 0605-039, which provides detailed instructions on how to implement the required changes. The obligations imposed by this directive on the operators and maintenance personnel are clear and specific. Operators must ensure that the magnetic material in the designated area is removed as per the specified timeframe. Maintenance personnel are tasked with the physical removal of the material and must verify that the changes have been made correctly. Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance to demonstrate that the required actions have been taken and completed within the mandated timeframe. These records must be readily available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) if required. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in significant consequences. Firstly, non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could result in the grounding of the aeroplane until the directive is adhered to. In terms of penalties, while the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in this particular directive, the general Civil Aviation Regulations provide for penalties including fines up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment. Additionally, CASA may issue a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty or take other enforcement actions to ensure compliance, which could further impact the operator's reputation and operational capabilities.