COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Agusta A109 Series Helicopters
AD/A109/26 Hydraulic System Return Line 4/96
Applicability: All model A109AII and A109C S/N range as listed in the Requirement Document. Requirement: Unless previously carried out, action in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Technico
109-98 Rev A dated October 26, 1995.
Compliance: Prior to 30 June 1996.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that disconnection of the quick release coupling in the number 1 hydraulic return line will cause lock-up of the hydraulic system. This condition can easily be detected if the flight manual preflight procedures are being followed.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. This legislative instrument is part of a broader regulatory framework managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is responsible for enforcing safety standards and procedures. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations pertains to airworthiness directives, with AD/A109/26 focusing on Agusta A109 Series Helicopters, particularly those with hydraulic system return line issues. This directive was introduced to address a safety concern identified by the manufacturer regarding the disconnection of the quick release coupling in the number 1 hydraulic return line, which could lead to a lock-up of the hydraulic system. The policy objective is to ensure that all affected helicopters comply with the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent such safety hazards, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of air operations.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, through the specific airworthiness directive AD/A109/26, mandate that operators of Agusta A109AII and A109C helicopters with specified serial numbers take corrective action regarding their hydraulic systems by a certain compliance date. This requirement is based on a manufacturer’s advisory that highlights the potential for system lock-up if the quick release coupling in the number 1 hydraulic return line is disconnected, a condition that can be detected through regular preflight checks as outlined in the flight manual. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to these safety measures to prevent operational risks and ensure the continued safety of civil aviation in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, pertain specifically to the safety directives concerning the Agusta A109 Series Helicopters, with a focus on the hydraulic system return line as outlined in AD/A109/26 dated 4/96. This regulation applies to all model A109AII and A109C helicopters with serial numbers within the range specified in the Requirement Document. The primary requirement is that unless the action stipulated in Agusta Bollettino Technico 109-98 Rev A dated October 26, 1995, has already been undertaken, compliance must be achieved before 30 June 1996. The background of this directive is grounded in the manufacturer's warning that disconnecting the quick release coupling in the number 1 hydraulic return line can lead to a lock-up of the hydraulic system, a condition that can be readily identified if the flight manual's preflight procedures are adhered to. This regulation is applicable nationally, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure the safe operation of the specified helicopter models.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, mandates Airworthiness Directives (AD) for specific aircraft to ensure their safe operation. Section AD/A109/26 specifically targets the Agusta A109 Series Helicopters, detailing requirements for the hydraulic system return line. This directive applies to all A109AII and A109C models within a specified serial number range, as outlined in the Requirement Document. The primary requirement is that operators must implement the actions specified in Agusta Bollettino Technico 109-98 Rev A dated October 26, 1995, unless these actions have already been carried out. This directive aims to prevent potential lock-ups of the hydraulic system, which could result from the disconnection of the quick release coupling in the number 1 hydraulic return line. The manufacturer has indicated that this condition can be detected if the preflight procedures detailed in the flight manual are properly followed.
Operators and owners of the affected Agusta A109 Series Helicopters are obligated to ensure compliance with the directives outlined in AD/A109/26. This includes adhering to the specific actions detailed in the Agusta Bollettino Technico 109-98 Rev A. The compliance deadline is set for 30 June 1996, meaning all necessary actions must be completed by this date to meet regulatory standards. Operators must verify that the hydraulic system return line is correctly configured and that the preflight procedures are followed meticulously to avoid any potential system lock-ups. Failure to comply with these directives can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding and further regulatory action.
Breaching the requirements set forth in AD/A109/26 can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Under the Act, operators who fail to adhere to the specified actions can face civil penalties, which may include fines. Additionally, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft can result in criminal charges for the operator. The maximum penalties for such offences are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they can be severe, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure public safety and compliance with aviation regulations. Operators must therefore take proactive measures to ensure all requirements are met to avoid any potential legal repercussions.