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 90/76
Amdt 2
Elevator Trim Tab System 13/88
Applicability: All models listed in the Requirement Document.
Requirement: a. Action in accordance with Beech SB 2028 R IV Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII as applicable.
b. Verify the operation of the elevator trim system in accordance with the Interim Addendum to the FAA approved Flight Manual and Pilots Operating Handbook, (attached to the Requirement Document).
c. Action in accordance with Beech SB 2028 R IV Parts IV, V, VI as applicable.
Note: FAA AD’s 86-20-03 and 87-04-24 refer.
Compliance: a. Part I - Within 25 hours’ time in service after 20 November 1986.
Part II - At the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release after 20 November 1986.
Part III, IV, V, VI - as applicable prior to 15 May 1987.
Part VIII - At the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release after 30 January 1989.
b. Prior to each flight after compliance with Part I or Part II until modified.
Note: This inspection may be accomplished by the pilot in command, in which case the precise A.D. reference shall be entered in a certification made on the Maintenance Release coincident with the Daily Inspection.
c. Aircraft modified to Part III of SB 2028 R II; prior to 24 March 1987.
Background: The manufacturer reports cases of disengagement of the elevator trim cable from the cable drum. This has inhibited movement of the trim tab and increased elevator control forces excessively, thereby resulting in an unsafe condition. Amendment 1 references R III of the Requirement Document. R III requires additional modification to prevent water in the cable drum from freezing and immobilizing the trim system. The compliance period for modification is extended. Those aircraft already modified to Part III require additional work due to an unsafe condition. Amendment 2 references Rev IV of the Requirement Document which adds Part VIII, requiring additional work on trim actuator.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39 - 105, specifically the Airworthiness Directives, address the critical need to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft through mandatory safety measures. This particular Airworthiness Directive, AD/BEECH 90/76 Amendment 2, pertains to the elevator trim tab system of Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series aeroplanes, addressing issues such as the disengagement of the elevator trim cable, which can lead to unsafe conditions by increasing control forces excessively. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to rectify these safety concerns by mandating specific actions and verifications to ensure the proper operation of the trim system. Compliance with these directives is essential to maintain the safety standards required under the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all models of the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes, imposing requirements to ensure airworthiness. This regulation is a part of the broader legislative framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and thus has a national jurisdictional reach across Australia. The regulation mandates specific actions to rectify an identified safety issue related to the elevator trim tab system, including compliance with certain Service Bulletins (SB) issued by the manufacturer, Beechcraft. The compliance deadlines vary depending on the specific part of the requirement, ranging from immediate action post-identification to scheduled maintenance inspections. The regulation also stipulates that certain inspections may be performed by the pilot in command, provided the appropriate documentation is completed. The applicability of this regulation is extended through subordinate instruments, such as the Service Bulletins and amendments referenced, which provide detailed procedural guidance to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directives.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes. The AD/BEECH 90/76 Amendment 2 pertains to the Elevator Trim Tab System. It is applicable to all models listed in the Requirement Document and mandates specific actions to address safety concerns related to the trim system. The primary requirements include adhering to Beech SB 2028 R IV Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII as applicable, verifying the operation of the elevator trim system as per the Interim Addendum to the FAA approved Flight Manual and Pilots Operating Handbook, and further actions as detailed in Parts IV, V, and VI of the same service bulletin. The AD also references FAA AD’s 86-20-03 and 87-04-24, indicating a cross-reference for compliance with similar directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Compliance with the AD is structured in a phased manner to ensure a systematic approach to rectifying the identified safety issues. Part I of the AD must be completed within 25 hours’ time in service after 20 November 1986. Part II should be addressed at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release following 20 November 1986. Parts III, IV, V, and VI must be executed as applicable before 15 May 1987. Part VIII is to be carried out at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release after 30 January 1989. For aircraft that have been modified in accordance with Part III of SB 2028 R II, compliance must be achieved before 24 March 1987. Additionally, prior to each flight following compliance with Part I or Part II, an inspection must be conducted until the modifications are fully implemented. In cases where the pilot in command performs the inspection, the AD reference must be noted on the Maintenance Release during the Daily Inspection.
Non-compliance with the AD/BEECH 90/76 Amendment 2 could result in serious safety hazards. The primary concern is the disengagement of the elevator trim cable from the cable drum, which has caused increased elevator control forces and created unsafe flight conditions. The manufacturer’s reports indicate that this issue could lead to significant difficulties in aircraft control, potentially compromising flight safety. Therefore, adherence to the specified compliance timelines and requirements is critical. Failure to comply with the AD could result in penalties, including potential grounding of the aircraft, enforcement actions by CASA, and other regulatory consequences. The exact penalties are not specified in the text but typically could range from fines to more severe sanctions depending on the nature and severity of the breach.