In 2015, not long after CASA controversially mandated Supplemental Inspection Documents (SIDs) for Cessna aircraft, it became apparent that a similar program was in development for most Beechcraft models as well.
At the time, CASA told Australian Flying that "CASA understands SIDs are being developed for certain Beechcraft aircraft models.
"CASA will consider the application of a Beechcraft SIDs program once the content of the program has been finalised and is available for review."
The SIDs program was to have effected owners and operators of BE33, BE35 and BE36 Bonanza/Debonairs, and the BE19, BE23 and BE24 Musketeer/SuperSport/Sundowner/Sierra range.
But since then, nothing has happened. Textron Aviation, which owns the Beechcraft brand, appears to have put the program on ice.
Tom Turner from Mastery Flight Training in the USA is recognised world-wide as an expert on Beechcraft technical matters.
"It’s been several years since Textron Aviation told me it does not have the funding or manpower to develop a SIDs program for the Bonanza and Baron," he told Australian Flying. "The FAA is not putting any emphasis on this, either.
"I could be wrong, but I don’t expect we’ll see SIDS for these airplanes anytime soon, if ever."
Cessna's SIDs program was not compulsory in the USA, but CASA made it mandatory for all 100/200 series aircraft in Australia, which cost aircraft owners hundred of thousands of dollars and in some cases, the cost exceeded the value of the aircraft.
Beechcraft owners look to have been reprieved from a similar cost burden for the time being.