AD/BEECH 90/40 Amdt 1 - Propeller Secondary Low Pitch Stop System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety and to provide a framework for the operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B04231, pertains to the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes, aiming to address specific safety concerns associated with these aircraft models. This legislative instrument introduces an Airworthiness Directive (AD) focusing on the modification of the propeller secondary low pitch stop system, as outlined in AD/BEECH 90/40 Amendment 1. The directive was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft models by mandating specific compliance actions within a defined timeframe. The policy objective is to mitigate potential safety risks by requiring modifications that enhance the reliability and performance of the propeller system, thereby contributing to the overall safety of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes, focusing on the modification of the propeller secondary low pitch stop system. This legislation pertains to particular serial numbers of the Beechcraft 90 (C-90 and E-90 models) and mandates compliance with modifications outlined in the document Beechcraft SI No. 0808-247, Rev. 1, or FAA AD 77-02-07. Compliance with these modifications is required within 100 hours of the aeroplanes’ time in service after 31 May 1977. The scope of this regulation is limited to the specified models and serial numbers of the Beechcraft aeroplanes, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the provided text, and the application is directly tied to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (C.A.R.) pertaining to the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes are detailed in Part 39, specifically in the schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) (s. 39.01). For the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 series, AD/BEECH 90/40 Amendment 1 is crucial (s. 39.03). This amendment mandates modifications to the propeller secondary low pitch stop system for certain models and serial numbers (s. 39.04). The compliance requirement stipulates that the modifications must be completed within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 May 1977 (s. 39.05). Under these regulations, the operators of the affected Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 series aeroplanes are obligated to ensure that the specified modifications to the propeller secondary low pitch stop system are performed by a certified repair station or authorised individual. This requirement applies to specific serial numbers of the C-90 and E-90 models as outlined in the directive (s. 39.06). Compliance must be verified, and records of the modifications must be maintained and available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) (s. 39.07). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BEECH 90/40 Amendment 1 can result in serious consequences. The regulations impose civil penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines up to a specified amount (s. 39.15). Additionally, the continued operation of an aeroplane that does not comply with the airworthiness directive could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, potentially resulting in the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed (s. 39.16). In severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued against those responsible for the non-compliance, leading to substantial penalties and potential imprisonment (s. 39.17).