AD/BEECH 95/30 - Elevator Trim Tab Actuator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Regulations 105 addresses the issuance of Airworthiness Directives, which are legal requirements for the continued airworthiness of aircraft. The directive AD/BEECH 95/30, issued in relation to the Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address the specific safety issue of elevator trim tab actuators being reversed post-maintenance, which had resulted in fatal accidents. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure the correct installation and functioning of the trim tab actuators to prevent any potential loss of control of the aircraft, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Commonwealth of Australia's regulatory framework, apply to the aviation industry, particularly to the maintenance and safety of specific aircraft types. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these Regulations addresses airworthiness directives, including AD/BEECH 95/30 which pertains to the elevator trim tab actuator for Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to the models and serial numbers specified in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399, necessitating actions as outlined in that bulletin to ensure safety. This requirement is aimed at preventing fatal incidents, such as those caused by the interchange of right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators, which could result in loss of control. Compliance with this directive must be achieved at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue following 29 February 1992. The directive references FAA AD 91-17-01 Amdt 39-7099, indicating a coordinated approach with international aviation authorities. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified models and serial numbers, and it does not extend to other aircraft types or parts unless explicitly mentioned in the subordinate instrument or service bulletin.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the Airworthiness Directives (AD) for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Within this framework, AD/BEECH 95/30 addresses the elevator trim tab actuator for Beechcraft 95 (Travelair) series aeroplanes (Section 1). This directive applies to the models and serial numbers listed in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399 (Section 2). The requirement is to implement the action detailed in this service bulletin (Section 3). For reference, FAA AD 91-17-01 Amendment 39-7099 is also noted (Section 4). To comply with this directive, the specified action must be taken at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 29 February 1992 (Section 5). The directive aims to prevent the interchange of right-hand and left-hand trim tab actuators, which, if reversed, could lead to a loss of control of the aircraft (Section 6). This action is crucial given the background of two reported fatal accidents where the elevator trim tab actuators were reversed following maintenance (Section 7). Entities governed by this directive, including aircraft operators and maintenance service providers, must ensure that the specified actions in Beechcraft Service Bulletin 2399 are carried out at the designated inspection interval. This involves rigorous adherence to the procedures outlined in the service bulletin to prevent potential safety hazards. Compliance with this directive is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and ensuring the safety of all personnel on board. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BEECH 95/30 may result in serious consequences. Non-compliance could lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially resulting in grounding of the aircraft. Furthermore, operators who fail to adhere to the directive could face regulatory action, including fines and penalties as stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The potential penalties for non-compliance underscore the importance of timely and accurate implementation of the directive to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of civil aviation operations.