AD/BEECH 90/6 - Fuel Line - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, establish the legislative framework for the oversight and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. The Act was enacted by the Australian Parliament to standardise and enforce safety regulations, ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. One specific legislative instrument within this framework is AD/BEECH 90/6, which pertains to the modification of fuel lines for Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns identified in certain models, specifically those with serial numbers LJ-114 to LJ-164. The policy objective behind these airworthiness directives is to mitigate risks associated with identified safety issues by mandating specific modifications to aircraft components, ensuring compliance to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, issues specific Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australia. One such directive, AD/BEECH 90/6, pertains to the modification of fuel lines in Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series aeroplanes, specifically affecting serial numbers LJ-114 to LJ-164. This directive applies to all aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and individuals responsible for ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards. Its scope is national, enforcing stringent safety requirements across the Commonwealth. The directive mandates immediate compliance, with modifications to be carried out as outlined in the corresponding Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-52. While the directive is comprehensive, it does not specify exclusions or exemptions; however, the scope is limited to the identified model and serial numbers of the aircraft. The directive's application may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish detailed provisions for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft. Section 39-105(1) mandates that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure safety and maintenance standards are met. These directives are legally binding and must be complied with by the relevant aircraft operators. Section 39-105(2) outlines the applicability and compliance timelines, which include a requirement for immediate action upon issuance of an AD. The AD for Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes, specifically AD/BEECH 90/6, mandates modifications to the fuel lines for Model 65-A90 aircraft with serial numbers LJ-114 to LJ-164. This directive is based on Beechcraft Service Bulletin 66-52 and requires compliance forthwith, meaning that the specified modifications must be completed without delay. The affected operators are required to review and implement the modifications as specified in the service bulletin to ensure continued airworthiness. Compliance with the AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. Operators must ensure that the modifications outlined in the service bulletin are carried out by authorised personnel. This includes verifying that all parts and procedures comply with the AD requirements and that the modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe. Operators must also maintain records of the modifications performed, as these records may be required for future inspections or audits by CASA. Failure to comply with the AD may result in serious consequences. Section 39-105(3) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 states that non-compliance with an AD is an offence. The penalty for contravening an AD includes fines and potential imprisonment for individuals, as well as fines for corporations. The specific penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance, but the maximum penalty for corporate entities can include fines up to the statutory maximum for serious offences under Australian law. CASA may also take enforcement actions, such as grounding the aircraft or suspending the operator's licence, to ensure compliance with safety regulations.