AD/AS 355/19 Amdt 1 - Rear RH & LH Steps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, introduced Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft to ensure the safety and compliance of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument was enacted to address safety concerns and maintain high standards of airworthiness across the aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is the enacting body responsible for the regulations. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations by issuing directives that require specific actions to be taken to prevent potential hazards. For instance, in the case of Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, the Airworthiness Directive AD/AS 355/19 mandates the removal of rear right-hand and left-hand steps to avoid interference with flotation bags, ensuring the safety of the aircraft in emergency situations. This approach reflects a commitment to proactive risk management within the civil aviation industry, aiming to prevent accidents and maintain the integrity of flight operations. The regulations are designed to be clear and actionable, requiring compliance by specific dates to ensure that all necessary safety measures are implemented without delay. By setting forth these directives, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 play a crucial role in upholding the high safety standards expected in Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Model AS 355 helicopters equipped with both raised skid-type landing gear and emergency flotation gear installations, provided they have not been modified according to Aerospatiale modification AMS 350 A07-1755. This legislation mandates that the action specified in Aerospatiale AS 355 Telex Service 32-04A must be taken, referencing Bureau Veritas AD 86-32-27(B) for compliance. The requirement necessitates the removal of the rear right-hand and left-hand steps to prevent potential interference with the flotation bags when inflated, thus averting the risk of puncture. The directive mandates compliance either before 18 April 1986 or at each installation of the emergency flotation equipment thereafter, ensuring ongoing safety standards are met across the specified fleet of helicopters.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives for various aircraft types. One such directive, AD/AS 355/19 Amendment 1, pertains to the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, focusing on the rear right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) steps (Section 10/87). This directive applies to all Model AS 355 helicopters equipped with both raised skid-type landing gear and emergency flotation gear installations, excluding those already modified according to Aerospatiale modification AMS 350 A07-1755. The primary requirement of this directive is the action specified in Aerospatiale AS 355 Telex Service 32-04A, which involves the removal of the rear steps to prevent potential interference with the RH and LH flotation bags when inflated. This is crucial to avoid flotation bag puncture, ensuring the safety and functionality of the emergency flotation system. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear and specific. Operators of Eurocopter AS 355 helicopters must ensure that the rear steps are removed if the helicopter is equipped with the specified landing gear and flotation gear configurations. This must be done in accordance with the Aerospatiale AS 355 Telex Service 32-04A, and compliance must be achieved before April 18, 1986, and at each installation of the emergency flotation equipment thereafter. Failure to comply with this directive could result in significant safety risks, as the potential for flotation bag damage could compromise the helicopter's ability to safely land and float in emergency situations. The consequences of non-compliance with AD/AS 355/19 Amendment 1 are serious. Operators who fail to adhere to the directive's requirements may face regulatory scrutiny, and in some cases, enforcement actions could be taken. The directive itself does not specify maximum penalties, but breaches of airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory penalties. These actions underscore the importance of strict compliance with airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation.