SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Beechcraft 58 Baron · Parts Catalog
Overview
This document is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia, specifically addressing safety concerns related to the forward elevator cable assembly in Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) series aeroplanes. The directive outlines necessary inspections and replacement requirements to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. It emphasizes the importance of compliance with the specified inspection protocols to prevent potential failures that could lead to loss of control during flight. The AD includes detailed instructions for pilots and maintenance personnel regarding the inspection and maintenance of the forward elevator control cable, as well as compliance timelines for affected aircraft.
- Inspect the forward elevator control cable assembly for wear, broken wires, and corrosion.
- Replace any defective forward elevator cable assembly immediately.
- Compliance is required before further flight if the cable assembly has not been inspected or replaced since 16 January 2012.
- Inspections can follow FAA AC 43-13-1B or Beechcraft maintenance data guidelines.
- The directive was issued due to reports of elevator cable failures leading to safety concerns.
Document
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Applicability
The Airworthiness Directive applies to all Beechcraft 55, 58, and 95-55 (Baron) aeroplanes equipped with the specified forward elevator control cable configuration. This ensures that all relevant aircraft are subject to the inspection and maintenance requirements outlined in the directive.
Requirements
The directive mandates that operators inspect the forward elevator control cable assembly for any signs of wear, broken wires, or corrosion. If any defects are found, the cable assembly must be replaced. Additionally, any defective cable assembly must be removed from service immediately. Inspections can be conducted in accordance with FAA AC 43-13-1B or Beechcraft maintenance data.
Compliance
For aircraft that have not had the forward elevator cable assembly inspected or replaced within the last maintenance release period, compliance is required before further flight after the effective date of the original AD (16 January 2012). Aircraft that have had the assembly replaced or inspected in accordance with the original AD are considered compliant.
Background
The directive was issued following reports of forward elevator cable failures that occurred just prior to take-off, leading to potential loss of control. The AD requires immediate inspections and outlines the necessity for continued monitoring of the elevator control system to prevent similar incidents.
Safety notes
- Failure to comply with inspection requirements may result in loss of control of the aircraft.
- Defective cable assemblies must be removed from service immediately.
Full document text
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39.001(1) CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Page 1 of 3 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BEECH 55/98 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes AD/BEECH 55/98 Amdt 1 Forward Elevator Cable 4/2012 Applicability: All Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) aeroplanes fitted with the forward elevator control cable configuration as detailed in figure 1 of this AD. Requirement: 1. Inspect the forward elevator control cable assembly for wear, broken wires and corrosion; or replace the forward elevator cable assembly. 2. Remove from service any forward elevator control cable assembly found to be defective as a result of inspection conducted in accordance with Requirement 1 of this AD. 3. Do not install on any aircraft a cable assembly or parts thereof that have been removed in accordance with Requirement 2 of this AD. Note 1: Inspections carried out in accordance with FAA AC 43-13-1B, chapter 7, Section 8, paragraph 7-149(d) or Beechcraft maintenance data are an acceptable means of compliance for the inspection called up by Requirement 1 of this AD. Compliance: For Requirement 1. For those aircraft that have not had the forward elevator cable assembly replaced or inspected within the last maintenance release period - Remains unchanged as - Before further flight after the 16 January 2012 (the effective date of the original issue of this AD). For those aircraft located where the inspection cannot be carried out - one positioning flight (pilot only) is allowed to a place where the inspection can be carried out. Aircraft that have had the forward elevator cable assembly replaced or inspected in accordance with the original issue of this AD are considered to be in compliance with Requirement 1 of this AD. COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39.001(1) CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes AD/BEECH 55/98 Amdt 1 (continued) Page 2 of 3 For Requirement 2. Before further flight. For Requirement 3. After the effective date of this AD. This Amendment becomes effective on 27 February 2012. Background: CASA has received a report describing a forward elevator cable failure (separation) immediately prior to take-off. The elevator remained firmly in the full ‘down’ position due to system spring tension. A second aircraft was inspected at the owner’s request immediately following the discovery of the failed cable. The forward elevator cable in this aircraft was found to be extensively frayed in the same location as the failed cable. Since the original issue of this AD, CASA has received reports of 5 more cables found to be unserviceable. This AD required immediate inspection of the forward elevator cable and replacement for elevator cables over 15 years old, and required continuing inspections of the entire elevator control system to preclude the unanticipated failure of the elevator flight control system which may result in loss of control of the aircraft. Requirements for repeat inspections and the mandatory removal of cables in excess of 15 years in service have been removed from this AD following the publication of Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness (ICA) by the manufacturer. Those ICA are considered satisfactory to ensure the failure of the elevator cable does not occur provided that the ICA is adhered to during the inspection process. This Amendment clarifies the applicability section of the AD by introducing additional criteria (Figure 1) to assist the registered operator in determining whether this AD is applicable to their aircraft. The original issue of this AD became effective on 16 January 2012. COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39.001(1) CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Beechcraft 55, 58 and 95-55 (Baron) Series Aeroplanes AD/BEECH 55/98 Amdt 1 (continued) Page 3 of 3 Figure 1 - Forward Elevator Control Cable - Adapted from Beechcraft Illustrated Parts Catalogue. Peter Boyd Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 23 February 2012