AD/Makila/13 Return to Civil Use (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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.

Turbomeca Turbine Engines - Makila Series

AD/MAKILA/13 Return to Civil Use 5/2009

Applicability:

TURBOMECA MAKILA 1A, 1A1 and 1A2 turbo-shaft engines that have previously been installed in an aircraft used by an operator not under the control of a Civil Regulatory Authority.

Note 1:  These engines are known to be installed on, but not limited to, AS 332 Super Puma helicopters.

This AD does not apply to those engines that have incorporated Turbomeca service bulletin A298 72 0804 Issue No. 1.

Requirement:

Carry out the requirements detailed in Turbomeca service bulletin A298 72 0804 Issue No. 1; or

Carry out any alternative requirements proposed to and approved by CASA.  These alternative means must be based upon a demonstration of level of airworthiness compatible with engine certification equivalent to one resulting in the application of the referenced SB.

Note 2:  Further detail relating to the alternative requirements can be found in paragraph 2 of EASA AD 2007-0098.

Note 3:  The incorporation of Turbomeca service bulletin A298 72 0804 Issue No. 1 makes the engine eligible for a release note to be issued deeming the engine to be airworthy with respect to previous non-civil regulatory service.

Note 4:  EASA AD 2007-0098 dated 10 April 2007 refers.

Compliance:

Prior to the issue of a certificate of airworthiness for the aircraft, unless previously accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 May 2009.

Background:

The manufacturer has advised that helicopters equipped with these engines may be or may have been sold to civil operators.

The configuration of these engines, including design changes and repairs, does not necessarily conform to the type definition approved by the certifying authority (EASA) and it is possible that these engines were operated outside of the engine certification assumptions.  In particular, operating limits approved by EASA may have been exceeded in roles not supported by a Civil Regulatory Authority.  It should be noted that the life limits for engine critical parts are based on normal civil operation cycles.

This AD defines the conditions for returning these engines to civil service in aircraft.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 March 2009