COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 39.1 (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.
Agusta A109 Series Helicopters
AD/A109/45 Tail Rotor Hub and Blades Assembly 8/2003
TX
Applicability: All Model A109AII, A109C, and A109E helicopters.
Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Agusta Technical Bulletin BT 109-117 or BT 109EP-36, as applicable.
Note: ENAC AD 2003-214 refers.
Compliance: Within 5 flight hours after 27 June 2003, unless already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 June 2003.
Background: A report was received of the loss of a tail rotor assembly on an in-service Model A109K2 helicopter. Investigation is continuing as to the cause of the failure. This Directive requires a precautionary inspection of affected tail rotor installations to exclude possible incorrect installation, and to check for evidence of damage.
David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 June 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 27 June 2003.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to ensure the safety of civil aviation in the country. Among these regulations is Part 39 - 105, which specifically addresses the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These directives are critical in maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, ensuring they meet safety standards. One such AD, AD/A109/45, was issued in response to a reported incident involving the loss of a tail rotor assembly on an Agusta A109 Series helicopter. This AD mandates a precautionary inspection of the tail rotor hub and blades assembly on Model A109AII, A109C, and A109E helicopters to mitigate any potential safety risks. The directive became effective on 27 June 2003, with a requirement for compliance within five flight hours of this date.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to all Model A109AII, A109C, and A109E helicopters within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is applicable to any person or entity that owns, operates, or maintains the specified helicopter models. The directive mandates a precautionary inspection of the tail rotor hub and blades assembly as a safety measure to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the instructions provided in Agusta Technical Bulletins BT 109-117 or BT 109EP-36, as applicable. The directive is in response to a reported incident involving the loss of a tail rotor assembly on an in-service Model A109K2 helicopter, aimed at mitigating potential risks from similar incidents. The directive becomes effective immediately upon its issuance on 27 June 2003 and requires compliance within five flight hours from this date unless the inspection has already been completed.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, establish specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at ensuring the safety of aviation operations. Section 39.1(1) allows the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate to issue these directives. For instance, AD/A109/45, issued on 8/2003, pertains to the tail rotor hub and blades assembly of Agusta A109 Series helicopters, specifically the Model A109AII, A109C, and A109E variants. The directive mandates a thorough inspection of these components to address potential safety concerns.
Under this AD, helicopter operators are obligated to conduct inspections as per Agusta Technical Bulletin BT 109-117 or BT 109EP-36, depending on the specific model. This requirement is aimed at identifying any possible incorrect installation or damage to the tail rotor assembly. The compliance period specified in the directive requires that the inspection must be completed within 5 flight hours after the effective date of the AD, which is 27 June 2003. If the inspection has already been performed before this date, the requirement is deemed fulfilled.
Failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. The AD is designed to ensure that all necessary safety measures are taken to prevent potential hazards associated with the tail rotor assembly. Non-compliance with the mandated inspection and corrective actions could lead to operational risks, potentially resulting in aircraft becoming unsafe to fly. Consequently, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement action against operators who do not comply with the directive, which could include penalties or other regulatory measures.
The Airworthiness Directive AD/A109/45, issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, is an essential regulatory measure to maintain the safety standards of Agusta A109 Series helicopters. By requiring specific inspections and timely compliance, the directive aims to mitigate risks associated with the tail rotor assembly. Non-compliance with these directives can result in serious safety breaches and regulatory penalties, underscoring the importance of adhering to the stipulated requirements.