AD/BEECH 95/1 Amdt 2 - Plastic Control Wheel

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australian airspace. Part 39, which includes the Airworthiness Directives, specifically addresses the ongoing maintenance and operational standards for aircraft to maintain airworthiness. One such directive, AD/BEECH 95/1 Amendment 2, pertains to Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) Series aeroplanes and mandates the inspection and replacement of plastic control wheels that are not reinforced. This directive was introduced to address the identified problem of cracking in non-reinforced plastic control wheels, which could compromise flight safety. The policy objective behind this amendment is to ensure that all control wheels are inspected at regular intervals, specifically not exceeding 100 hours of service after 1 September 1971, and replaced if any cracks are found, recommending the use of metal-reinforced replacements to enhance durability and safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as detailed in Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the airworthiness directives for Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) Series Aeroplanes through Amendment 2 concerning the plastic control wheel. This legislative instrument applies to all Beechcraft 95 models equipped with non-reinforced plastic control wheels. The requirement mandates a visual inspection of these control wheels for any signs of cracking, and any control wheels exhibiting cracks must be replaced with a serviceable item before the aircraft is flown again. It is recommended that the replacement control wheels be of the metal-reinforced type to ensure durability and safety. Compliance with this directive must be maintained at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 1 September 1971. This regulation ensures that the safety and airworthiness standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority are upheld in the operation of these aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, contains a schedule of airworthiness directives applicable to various aircraft, including the Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/BEECH 95/1 Amendment 2, pertains to the plastic control wheel (Section 12/70). This directive applies to all models of the Beechcraft 95 series fitted with non-reinforced plastic control wheels. The primary requirement outlined in this directive is to visually inspect all plastic non-reinforced control wheels for any signs of cracking. If any cracks are detected, the control wheels must be replaced with a serviceable item before the aircraft is permitted to fly again. Additionally, it is recommended that the replacement control wheels should be of the metal reinforced type to enhance durability and safety. The obligations imposed by this directive include regular inspections of the specified components in accordance with the stipulated intervals. Operators of the Beechcraft 95 series must ensure that these inspections are conducted not more than 100 hours after the aircraft has been in service following 1 September 1971. This requirement is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all onboard personnel. Operators must also keep records of these inspections and the subsequent actions taken if any defects are found. This documentation is essential for compliance with aviation safety standards and may be required for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive may result in civil or criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This may include fines, which can be substantial depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft with non-compliant control wheels could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary repairs and inspections are completed. In the most serious cases, criminal charges may be brought against those responsible for the non-compliance, potentially leading to imprisonment. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive itself but are governed by broader aviation safety legislation.