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 90/83 Aft Fuselage Drainage 8/90
Applicability: Models 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90 and C90A with S/Nos LJ-1 through LJ-1222.
Models E90, F90, H90 all S/Nos.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Beechcraft Mandatory SB 2312.
Note: FAA AD 90-08-17 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, prior to exceeding 100 hours’ time in service after 9 August 1990, or at the next scheduled inspection for issue of Maintenance Release after 9 August 1990, whichever occurs later.
Background: Country of origin AD. A blocked drainage system may allow water to accumulate, freeze and restrict movement of the flight controls.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the instrument F2006B04267, specifically addresses issues related to the airworthiness of Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to ensure that specific models comply with safety directives aimed at preventing potential hazards arising from blocked aft fuselage drainage systems. The policy objective behind these regulations is to mandate actions that prevent water accumulation, which can freeze and adversely affect the movement of flight controls, thereby enhancing aviation safety. The regulations apply to certain serial numbers of the mentioned aircraft models and require compliance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2312. These directives are integral to the enforcement of safety standards by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that the aviation industry adheres to stringent safety protocols.
The regulations were enacted by the Australian Government and are part of a broader framework designed to maintain and improve aviation safety. They ensure that specific maintenance actions are undertaken within specified timeframes to mitigate risks associated with operational hazards. By aligning with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airworthiness Directive 90-08-17, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 reflect a commitment to harmonising safety standards across international jurisdictions, thereby reinforcing the reliability and safety of civil aviation operations in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the oversight of airworthiness directives, including AD/BEECH 90/83 concerning the Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to certain models of King Air aeroplanes, namely the 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90, C90A, E90, F90, and H90, with specific serial numbers. The regulation mandates compliance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2312, and references the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 90-08-17 for further guidance. Compliance with this directive is essential for preventing issues related to a blocked drainage system that could lead to water accumulation and subsequent freezing, which may impede the movement of flight controls. This requirement must be met unless already addressed, by ensuring the action is taken before the aeroplane exceeds 100 hours of time in service after 9 August 1990, or at the next scheduled inspection for the issuance of a Maintenance Release after the same date, whichever is later. The regulation thus applies directly to operators and maintenance personnel responsible for the upkeep and safety of these aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, mandate certain safety directives concerning Beechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/BEECH 90/83. This directive pertains to the aft fuselage drainage system. Models affected include 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90, C90A with serial numbers LJ-1 through LJ-1222, as well as models E90, F90, and H90 of all serial numbers. The action required is in accordance with Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2312, with reference to FAA AD 90-08-17. Operators must ensure compliance by addressing the drainage issue before the aeroplane exceeds 100 hours’ time in service after 9 August 1990 or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release after the same date, whichever is later.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected aircraft models must adhere to the instructions provided in Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 2312 to ensure the aft fuselage drainage system is functioning correctly. This involves checking for blockages and ensuring that water can be effectively drained to prevent accumulation, which could freeze and hinder the movement of flight controls. The directive necessitates timely action, mandating that the required maintenance be performed before the aeroplane exceeds 100 hours’ time in service post the effective date of the directive or at the next scheduled inspection.
Failure to comply with this directive could result in serious safety implications, as a blocked drainage system can lead to water accumulation and freezing, potentially restricting the movement of flight controls. Such restrictions could compromise the safety of the flight. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved, fines, and other administrative penalties. Additionally, operators may face legal repercussions under broader aviation safety laws if non-compliance results in an accident or incident.