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 90/73 Stabilisers - Replacement of Elevators 12/84
Applicability: All models with S/Nos referenced in Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2030. Document: Beechcraft S.B. No. 2030.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished per Beechcraft SI No. 1207, within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 December 1984.
Background: Elevators on certain aeroplanes or aeroplanes fitted with replacement elevators may have improperly bonded honeycomb stiffener strips installed. S.B. No. 2030 extends compliance to this model, corrects part number errors and supersedes and cancels Service Instruction No. 1207.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form part of a comprehensive regulatory framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Among these regulations, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives, with a focus on ensuring that aircraft meet safety standards. The legislation aims to address gaps in aircraft safety, particularly by issuing directives to correct issues that may compromise the airworthiness of specific aircraft models. In this context, the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 90/73, pertaining to Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address a specific safety concern: the improper bonding of honeycomb stiffener strips in the elevators of certain aeroplanes or aeroplanes fitted with replacement elevators. This directive mandates the replacement of elevators to ensure compliance with safety standards, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with the identified issue.
The enactment of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the subsequent airworthiness directives, such as AD/BEECH 90/73, reflects a policy objective to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation within Australia. By providing clear and specific directives, the legislation ensures that operators and maintenance personnel are aware of and can implement necessary safety measures, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from aviation-related hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, govern the applicability and compliance of certain modifications and safety measures for aeroplanes operating within Australian airspace. In this instance, the legislation applies to all models of Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes with serial numbers as referenced in Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2030. This directive mandates the replacement of elevators unless they have already been replaced in accordance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1207, and must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service following 31 December 1984. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, applying to all aeroplanes registered in Australia, and overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the directive itself, though the scope of applicability may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the Authority.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/BEECH 90/73, pertain to the stabilisers and elevator replacement for the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. Section 12/84 outlines the applicability of the directive, which applies to all models with serial numbers as referenced in Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2030. The compliance requirement is detailed in the same section, stipulating that unless the action has already been taken according to Beechcraft Service Instruction No. 1207, the replacement must be completed within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 December 1984.
The Act imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aeroplanes. They must ensure that the elevator replacement is carried out in accordance with the specified timeline and adhere to the guidelines set out in Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2030. This involves verifying that the honeycomb stiffener strips are properly bonded and addressing any part number errors identified in the service bulletin. Failure to comply with these directives can result in significant safety risks, thereby impacting the airworthiness of the aircraft.
The consequences for non-compliance with these directives are outlined under the broader Civil Aviation Regulations. Offences related to the non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, which can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to safety standards. In more severe cases, criminal penalties may apply, leading to imprisonment. The maximum penalties are not specified in the extract, but generally, they can vary significantly based on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.
In summary, AD/BEECH 90/73 mandates specific actions to be taken on certain models of Beechcraft aeroplanes to ensure their continued airworthiness. Compliance with these directives is crucial, as non-compliance can lead to serious civil and criminal penalties, underscoring the importance of timely and accurate execution of these safety measures. The onus is on the aircraft owners and operators to ensure that all requirements are met to avoid any adverse consequences.