AD/BEECH 95/22 - Elevator Control Push Rods

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include the Airworthiness Directive AD/BEECH 95/22, which was enacted to address the issue of corrosion in the elevator control push rods of Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models 95, B95, B95A, D95A, and E95 with serial numbers ranging from TD-2 to TD-721. The regulation mandates compliance with Beechcraft Service Instruction No 1019 and requires corrective action within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980. The directive was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is the enacting body responsible for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. The underlying policy objective is to mitigate the risk of corrosion in elevator pushrods, a problem identified in similar models, thus enhancing the overall safety and reliability of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative instrument F2006B04294, applies specifically to all Beechcraft 95 series aeroplanes, including models 95, B95, B95A, D95A, and E95, with serial numbers ranging from TD-2 to TD-721. This regulation mandates compliance with Beechcraft Service Information (SI) No 1019, which concerns elevator control push rods, to address instances of corrosion found in similar components of other Beechcraft models. The directive is binding for all entities or individuals operating these aircraft within Australia, encompassing both commercial and private operations. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying uniformly across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation stipulates that the required action must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980, thereby setting a clear timeframe for compliance. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, implying that all specified aircraft must adhere to the directive without exception. The authority to extend or restrict the application of this regulation may be exercised through subordinate instruments, although the primary text does not detail any such provisions.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), mandate specific actions regarding the airworthiness of certain Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) Series aeroplanes. Section AD/BEECH 95/22 addresses elevator control push rods, and applies to all models 95, B95, B95A, D95A, and E95 with serial numbers TD-2 to TD-721. The regulation requires compliance with Beechcraft Service Information No 1019 (SI No 1019) to be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980. This action is imperative to address the potential risk of corrosion, which has been identified in the elevator pushrods of other Beechcraft models with similar manufacturing characteristics. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose specific obligations on the operators of the affected Beechcraft 95 Series aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the necessary maintenance actions, as outlined in Beechcraft SI No 1019, are completed within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours of time in service after the specified date. This includes inspecting, repairing, or replacing the elevator control push rods as necessary to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. The regulations further necessitate that operators maintain accurate records of compliance, ensuring that all maintenance actions are thoroughly documented and readily available for inspection by CASA. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BEECH 95/22 can result in severe civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence, and operators can be subject to significant penalties. The maximum penalty for an individual found guilty of contravening these regulations is a fine of up to $165,294 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. For corporate entities, the fines can be substantially higher, reflecting the gravity of ensuring the safety of civil aviation. Additionally, CASA can take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved, which can have severe operational and financial repercussions for the operator. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in relation to the airworthiness of Beechcraft 95 Series aeroplanes, underscore the critical importance of adhering to safety directives. By specifying the need for action on elevator control push rods, the regulations aim to prevent potential safety hazards arising from corrosion. The obligations placed on operators to comply with these directives are stringent and must be met within a defined timeframe. Non-compliance not only risks significant penalties but also endangers the safety of all persons on board the aircraft. Therefore, it is imperative that operators of these aircraft meticulously adhere to the requirements of AD/BEECH 95/22 to ensure continued airworthiness and compliance with Australian aviation safety standards.