COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Beechcraft
AD/PB/2 Beech Model 215, 272 and 278 Series - Inspection 10/69
Applicability: All model 215, 272 and 278 propellers fitted to Beechcraft Bonanza and Twin Bonanza aircraft.
Document: Beech Propeller SB No. 5.
Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, as part of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, this legislation aims to ensure that civil aviation operations, including aircraft, pilots, and airworthiness of aircraft, adhere to strict safety standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were introduced to address the need for a cohesive and enforceable legal framework that would enhance the safety and efficiency of civil aviation activities within Australia. The regulations were enacted by the Parliament of Australia and are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to safeguard the public and ensure the highest standards of safety in civil aviation, which includes maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft and their components.
One particular legislative instrument under these regulations, F2006B06068, pertains to the inspection of variable pitch propellers on Beech model 215, 272, and 278 series aircraft, specifically those fitted to Beechcraft Bonanza and Twin Bonanza models. This instrument mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service to ensure continued compliance with airworthiness standards, thereby addressing potential safety risks associated with propeller malfunction. This targeted regulation aims to mitigate risks associated with propeller failure, which could have significant safety implications for flight operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all individuals and entities involved in the operation, maintenance, and manufacture of aircraft within Australia. Specifically, the Airworthiness Directives in Part 39 - 107, including AD/PB/2 concerning Beechcraft model 215, 272, and 278 series propellers, mandate inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This regulation ensures that all propellers of the specified Beechcraft models adhere to safety standards, thereby safeguarding aviation safety for these aircraft types. The directive applies nationally and requires compliance by all operators, maintenance personnel, and possibly manufacturers of these aircraft propellers, ensuring a uniform approach to safety across Australia. The scope of this legislation extends to any person or entity engaging in activities related to the maintenance and operation of the specified Beechcraft aircraft, thereby covering a broad range of stakeholders within the aviation industry.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PB/2, which mandates inspections for Beechcraft Model 215, 272 and 278 series propellers (section 10/69). This directive applies to all propellers of these models fitted to Beechcraft Bonanza and Twin Bonanza aircraft. The directive references Beech Propeller Service Bulletin No. 5, which details the inspection requirements. The compliance period for these inspections is set at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service.
Under this legislation, the obligations imposed on the parties governed by AD/PB/2 include regular and stringent inspections of the specified propellers to ensure airworthiness. Operators of the affected aircraft must adhere to the inspection intervals outlined in Beech Propeller Service Bulletin No. 5, which typically involves visual and possibly mechanical checks to identify any wear, damage, or other issues that could compromise safety. These inspections must be carried out by qualified personnel to ensure compliance with the AD.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/PB/2 can lead to serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance; however, violations of airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and potentially criminal charges if the non-compliance is found to be a significant breach of safety regulations. The severity of the penalties often depends on the extent and impact of the non-compliance on aviation safety.