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 90/77 Landing Gear Service Valve 8/87
Applicability: Model Beech C90A, serial numbers LJ-1063 through LJ-1099. Requirement: Action in accordance with Beechcraft S.B. No. 2023.
Compliance: Prior to the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness.
Background: The manufacturer has determined that to reduce the possibility of the landing gear service valve opening during flight, a retainer is installed on the floorboard, and lockwire is installed on the service valve knob.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly within Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a legislative instrument that governs the maintenance and safety standards for specific aircraft models, including the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the legislative instrument aims to address safety issues identified by the aircraft manufacturer, ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aeroplanes. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 90/77 pertains to the installation of a retainer on the floorboard and lockwire on the service valve knob to prevent the landing gear service valve from opening during flight, as detailed in Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2023. The objective of this directive is to mandate compliance before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness for the specified models, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by CASA, establish the legal framework for maintaining and ensuring the airworthiness of civil aircraft within Australia. By incorporating specific directives like AD/BEECH 90/77, the Regulations respond to identified safety concerns, ensuring that aeroplanes meet the highest safety standards before being certified for flight. This approach ensures that the aviation industry adheres to stringent safety protocols, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from potential hazards associated with aircraft operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the operation and maintenance of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, including its territories. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives governs the application of safety measures to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft. The regulation AD/BEECH 90/77 pertains to Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes, more specifically model Beech C90A with serial numbers ranging from LJ-1063 through LJ-1099. This directive mandates compliance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2023, which requires the installation of a retainer on the floorboard and lockwire on the service valve knob to prevent the landing gear service valve from inadvertently opening during flight. Compliance with these safety measures must be achieved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness for these aircraft. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and its application is strictly limited to the specified model and serial numbers of the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 Series Aeroplanes.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives that govern the maintenance and safety of aircraft, such as the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. The directive AD/BEECH 90/77, concerning the landing gear service valve, applies to Model Beech C90A aeroplanes with serial numbers LJ-1063 through LJ-1099 (Section 39 - 105). The requirement of this directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2023 to mitigate the risk of the landing gear service valve opening during flight (AD/BEECH 90/77). This action must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness (Compliance).
Entities and parties governed by this regulation must ensure that the specified modifications are made before the aircraft can be deemed airworthy. This involves the installation of a retainer on the floorboard and the application of lockwire on the service valve knob, as outlined in Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2023. This ensures that the landing gear service valve is secured and cannot inadvertently open during flight, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft and its occupants (AD/BEECH 90/77).
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/BEECH 90/77 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may refuse to issue a Certificate of Airworthiness if the specified modifications are not completed. This refusal can prevent the aircraft from being legally operated, leading to potential financial losses and legal ramifications for the owner or operator. Furthermore, operating an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards can result in significant safety risks, potentially leading to civil or criminal liability for any resulting accidents or incidents (Section 39 - 105).