Review of legacy airworthiness directives unique to Australia - Beechcraft wing bolt

Overview

This consultation is the second tranche of our review of legacy Australian airworthiness directives (ADs) for general aviation aircraft. It follows the earlier consultation on structural fatigue ADs.

Using the same policy framework, we have identified a category of Beechcraft wing bolt ADs for potential repeal and seek your feedback on those ADs.

Industry has previously told us that the Beechcraft wing bolt ADs create additional burden and cost. They also noted that more onerous requirements for inspection and replacement of this hardware can create a risk of maintenance induced errors and damage, including to surrounding structures and to the bolt holes.

What we are consulting on

We are seeking feedback on:

• the potential repeal of 7 Beechcraft wing bolt ADs
• the policy framework we are using to assess whether these ADs are appropriate, justified and proportionate
• our proposal for a CASA direction that aims to formalise existing continuing airworthiness responsibilities for aircraft used in air transport operations.

Rationale for the review

There are over 150 legacy Australian ADs affecting general aviation aircraft below 5,700 kg that remain active and may have unique Australian requirements. These ADs were issued before regulatory reforms in 2009 that introduced a more streamlined and internationally aligned approach to the management of ADs in Australia.

Before 2009, Australia did not automatically accept foreign-issued ADs. Instead, CASA and its predecessors issued Australian ADs regardless of the State of Design of the aircraft or product. As a result, a large number of Australian ADs were created – some imposing uniquely Australian requirements, and others duplicating, or closely aligning with ADs issued by the aircraft State of Design.

Under today’s regulatory, policy and risk framework, many of these ADs would be unlikely to be issued in the same form or at all.

Consistent with the commitment set out in CASA’s General Aviation Workplan, we are reviewing the remaining pre-2009 unique Australian ADs. The objectives of this review are to reduce unnecessary regulatory duplication and ensure that any uniquely Australian requirements remain appropriate, justified and proportionate in today’s operating and regulatory environment.

The ADs are being reviewed in categories under the policy framework, with separate consultations undertaken for each category.

Policy framework

How to best treat legacy unique Australian ADs in the contemporary airworthiness policy and regulatory environment raises a range of policy issues and questions.

We have developed the policy framework to guide the review of categories of pre-2009 unique Australian ADs.

The framework will enable a structured assessment of the ADs and, together with industry feedback, ensure that all relevant factors are considered. It also provides transparency for industry, owners and operators by clearly setting out how CASA will conduct the review.

All feedback received through public consultations will be considered and will help ensure the policy framework remains fit-for-purpose for the assessment of each category of ADs.

Beechcraft wing bolt ADs - proposal

The second category of ADs under review relates to Beechcraft wing bolts and associated hardware. These ADs were first issued in February 1996 and apply to certain Beechcraft aircraft including the Bonanza and Baron. In some cases, they require more onerous maintenance actions than the manufacturer’s Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. The State of Design has not issued corresponding ADs on this issue, meaning that Australia’s ADs are unique.

CASA has identified 7 ADs in this category. We propose that these ADs be repealed unless there is a clear evidence base to support their retention. Repealing these ADs would:

• ensure maintenance actions align with the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness determined by the manufacturer and the State of Design
• reduce regulatory burden and cost on Australian operators, and
• better align Australia’s approach with contemporary airworthiness policy and international practice.  

Beechcraft wing bolt ADs in scope

The following wing bolt ADs are being considered for repeal:

• AD/BEECH 33/41 Amdt 6 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 12/2025
• AD/BEECH 35/67 Amdt 6 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 12/2025
• AD/BEECH 36/43 Amdt 6 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 9/2025
• AD/BEECH 55/79 Amdt 7 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 12/2025
• AD/BEECH 95/26 Amdt 4 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 12/2022*
• AD/BEECH 56/31 Amdt 2 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 2/2022**
• AD/BEECH 60/42 Amdt 1 Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting 2/2022

Notes:

* This AD includes General AMOC CASA 11/24 and covering letter.

** This AD is not currently published by CASA. However, it is in force and published on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Alignment with international practice and expert knowledge

We will continue to rely on the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the State of Design and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as primary sources of instructions for continuing airworthiness and continued operational safety requirements for the aircraft.

International experience, including accident and defect data from larger fleets overseas and the response of State of Design NAAs play a critical role in our continuing airworthiness requirements. Global harmonisation, alongside Australia’s ability to act where local circumstances and risks require it, ensures that the continuing operational safety of aircraft and products is managed most efficiently in the longer-term.

Safety is our priority

Aviation safety remains paramount. ADs are one element of a broader safety system, which includes certification standards, manufacturer instructions, maintenance programs and operational requirements. To deliver their intended safety benefit, it is important that ADs are necessary, relevant, up-to-date, and support compliance by not placing undue burden and cost on industry.

Owner and operator responsibilities do not change

Regardless of the outcome of this review, registered owners and operators continue to have legal responsibilities for continuing airworthiness of their aircraft and ensuring that the aircraft is fit for safe operation.

This includes complying with:

• Mandatory Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA)
• In force ADs in Australia (including State of Design ADs published by CASA)
• CASA maintenance and operational requirements.

The potential repeal of these ADs does not remove or reduce these obligations.

Alternate means of compliance 

CASA recognises that parts shortages may make it difficult for some operators to meet the wing bolt removal and replacement requirements specified in these airworthiness directives.

At any time, operators may apply to CASA for an Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC), including requesting additional time, provided they can demonstrate how an acceptable level of safety will be maintained.

Private operators may also be eligible for additional time to complete the wing bolt removal inspection where they first carry out a general visual inspection of the wing attach fitting areas.

Applications for an AMOC can be submitted through the CASA website.

Proposal – Air transport operations – aircraft continuing airworthiness management

Consistent with our regulatory philosophy, CASA applies a risk based regulatory approach, with the highest safety priority given to commercial passenger transport operations.

As part of the review of legacy ADs unique to Australia, CASA proposes to issue a direction requiring that the instructions for continuing airworthiness be considered in the continuing airworthiness management of aircraft used in air transport operations. Under this direction the registered operator would be required to have a system in place to monitor the aircraft manufacturer’s instructions for continuing airworthiness that relate to aircraft safety, and take appropriate action as required.

CASA considers this direction emphasises an existing continuing airworthiness management responsibility of AOC holders for air transport operations.

The following continuing airworthiness arrangements would be considered sufficient to meet the intent of the direction:

• compliance with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (i.e. maintaining the aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for continuing airworthiness)
• an approved system of maintenance that is being kept up to date by the operator, or
• an approved maintenance program under CASR Part 42.

Previous consultation

This consultation represents the second tranche of a broader program of work to review legacy ADs unique to Australia. 

We recently sought feedback on the assessment framework to review legacy unique Australian ADs and the potential repeal of 18 uniquely Australian ADs relating to structural fatigue. The consultation was conducted over a 4-week period 16 April to 14 May 2026. CASA will shortly publish a Summary of Consultation on this.

Why your views matter

We are seeking feedback from owners, operators, maintainers and other stakeholders to help inform a balanced, risk‑based outcome.

Your feedback will directly inform our assessment and any next steps.

How to submit feedback

Please submit your comments on the proposal through the consultation hub using the survey link provided on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email us at regulatory-program@casa.gov.au

Documents for review

All documents related to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Policy framework: unique Australian Airworthiness Directives
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines next steps.