{"id":"F2006B04254","name":"AD/BEECH 90/68 - Elevator Spar Web and Hinge Points - Inspection","slug":"ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":44045,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B04254-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/BEECH 90/68 - Elevator Spar Web and Hinge Points - Inspection","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nBeechcraft 90 and 65-90 (King Air) Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/BEECH 90/68 Elevator Spar Web and Hinge Points \\- Inspection\n\n  \n3/83\n\nApplicability: Models 65-90 and 65-A90 with S/Nos. LJ-1 thru LJ-317 and B90 with S/Nos. LJ-318 thru LJ-501, except those aeroplanes having reinforced elevators as per Beechcraft SI No. 0333-131 Rev. II, or P/No. 50-610000-349 LH and -350 RH Aluminium Elevators (reference Kit Nos. 90-4061S, 90-4062S and 90-4062-1S).\n\nDocument: 1. Beechcraft SI No. 0450-133, Rev. 1.\n\n2. Beechcraft SI No. 0423-133.\n\nNote: FAA AD 82-23-02 Amendment 39-4484 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, within 200 hours’ time in service for those aeroplanes models 65-90 and models 65-A90 not fitted with elevator overhang balance horns per Beechcraft Kit 90-4029 which have achieved 2000 hours’ time in service, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 500 hours’ time in service.\n\n2. Unless already accomplished, within 100 hours’ time in service for those aeroplanes models B90 and Models 65-A90 fitted with elevator overhang balance horns per Beechcraft Kit No. 90-4029 which have achieved 500 hours’ time in service and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 200 hours’ time in service.\n\nBackground: AD/BEECH 90/23 and AD/BEECH 90/53 have been consolidated into this AD and are now cancelled.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This AD maintains its original narrow scope — mandatory inspection of specific structural components on specific Beechcraft King Air models. The consolidation of two previous ADs into this one represents streamlining rather than scope expansion. The directive remains tightly focused on elevator spar web and hinge point integrity."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple applicability criteria based on model, serial number ranges, and specific equipment configurations (balance horns vs. no balance horns)","Two distinct compliance schedules with different hour thresholds (100/200 hours vs. 200/500 hours) depending on aircraft configuration","Cross-references to three external Beechcraft Service Instructions and three kit numbers for exemption determination","Reference to FAA AD 82-23-02 for additional context (international regulatory cross-reference)","Consolidation clause cancelling two previous ADs, requiring historical knowledge to understand full regulatory lineage"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive mandates inspection of the elevator spar web and hinge points on certain Beechcraft King Air 90-series aircraft to detect fatigue cracks that could lead to loss of elevator control. Owners/operators of affected serial-numbered 65‑90, 65‑A90 and B90 aircraft must comply, though aircraft already fitted with specified reinforced elevators are exempt.\n\nIt matters because undetected cracks can cause catastrophic elevator separation and loss of control."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument consolidates AD/BEECH 90/23 and AD/BEECH 90/53 into a single directive and cancels those earlier ADs (Background). Mechanically, it retains inspection requirements for the specified serial ranges but standardises compliance timings and exceptions in one AD and requires operators to follow the listed Beechcraft Service Instructions."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple affected models and discrete serial‑number ranges (LJ‑1 through LJ‑501) with explicit exclusions for specific reinforced elevators or kits (Applicability).","Conditional applicability and differing compliance paths depending on whether balance‑horn or reinforcement kits are fitted (Applicability & Compliance).","Different initial and recurring inspection intervals keyed to model and kit status (Compliance: initial within 100–200 hours depending on type; recurring at 200–500 or 100–200 hours).","Cross‑references to external Beechcraft Service Instructions (SI No. 0450‑133 Rev. 1 and SI No. 0423‑133) and an FAA AD, requiring consultation of other technical documents.","Consolidation and cancellation of two prior ADs (AD/BEECH 90/23 and AD/BEECH 90/53), which changes the compliance history operators must track (Background).","Safety‑critical structural inspection tasks that may require specialist maintenance access and procedural compliance, increasing operational disruption and cost.","Administrative burden of tracking hours‑in‑service thresholds and scheduling recurring inspections to avoid non‑compliance (Compliance)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive obliges operators of specified Beechcraft 65‑90 and B90 (King Air) aeroplanes to perform initial and recurring inspections of the elevator spar web and hinge points. It applies to serial numbers LJ‑1 through LJ‑501 except aircraft fitted with certain reinforced elevators or specified kits, and refers to Beechcraft Service Instructions.\n\nThe inspection timing depends on model and fitted equipment: operators must meet the stated initial flight‑hour thresholds and then carry out repeating inspections at the prescribed hour intervals. Operators pay inspection costs and must schedule maintenance to comply."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection","history":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-beech-90-68-elevator-spar-web-and-hinge-points-inspection/documents"}}