ABS update

Hello Members

TechTalk

A reminder about the TechTalk tomorrow night at 7.30pm on Zoom.  You may have inadvertently received what looks like an updated invitation from a member last week for a different time of 7pm.  We can’t work out how that happened, but the start time is still 7.30pm Melbourne/Sydney/Bris time on Zoom.

Wingbolts ADs

One of the more controversial issues surrounding our fleet in the last few decades has been the Airworthiness Directive in Australia to remove and inspect wing bolts every 5 years and replace them after 15 years. In most cases, if not all, the nuts (which can cost hundreds of dollars for a set) must be replaced every time they are removed.  This AD has been controversial because the FAA saw no need for an equivalent in the USA and, despite various inquiries, there has reportedly never been an instance of an unserviceable wing bolt being discovered in a piston Beechcraft except due to corrosion often resulting from blocked drainage ports.

CASA published last week amendments to these ADs significantly lessening their requirements which should result in substantial savings to piston Beechcraft owners. Note that there are at least 5 separate ADs for the 33, 35, 36, 55/58 and 95 models. Copies of the A36 and B55/58 ADs are here just as examples A36 AD and B55/58 AD. Also, importantly, the AD for 95 models has not been amended in the same way and potentially remains more restrictive (this is unfortunate but results from Textron having not amended the relevant manual) – it amy be confusing that the 95-55 model is covered by the B55 AD but the 95 (TravelAir) model by this 95 model AD.  Moreover, there are other similar ADs in respect of other Beechcraft aircraft – this is not an exhaustive list. The ADs for each model are not identical so it is imperative to know which AD actually applies to your aircraft.

In summary, the most recent amendments result in the requirement to remove the wingbolts being reduced and the time-life of the bolts is extended from 15 to 20 years. Slightly different requirements are imposed on aircraft used solely in private operations as opposed to other operations. As always, the registered operator must get a specific advice from their LAME as to what is required for a particular aircraft and its particular use.

Some will still argue that these ADs remain completely unnecessary.  Nonetheless, the recent amendments are a significant step forward and achieve more for Australian Beechcraft owners than many thought possible. There are a number of people to thank for achieving this and the ABS would particularly call out Tony Brand from Horsham Aviation and Tom Turner as tireless advocates for a less onerous AD, and we acknowledge CASA’s work in delivering on the amended ADs. Thanks in particular to Tony Brand who led the way on much of this.

Just to reiterate, the ADs have not been cancelled but they have been amended. Over a 20 year time frame, the savings for an operator are likely to average several hundred dollars per year at least for those aircraft subject to the most recent amendments. 

James Cherry
Secretary