AD/AS 355/25 - MGB Suspension Bars

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B02480, are designed to enhance the safety standards for the operation of aircraft within Australia. This particular legislative instrument targets the maintenance and operational safety of Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. The regulations were enacted to address specific safety concerns regarding the MGB suspension bars, which had been reported to displace in the tube ends, posing potential risks to flight operations. This was in response to safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and notifications from the manufacturer, Aerospatiale. The objective of these regulations is to ensure that the maintenance and inspection requirements, as outlined in Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 05.16, are strictly adhered to, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of these helicopters and ensuring the safety of all personnel onboard. Enacted by the Australian Commonwealth, the regulations mandate compliance with the specified maintenance actions within 25 hours of the helicopter being in service after 3 April 1987, and thereafter at each daily inspection. This requirement ensures that the helicopters are regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, with any deviations being recorded and referenced in the aircraft's documentation. The regulations also stipulate that a copy of the relevant reference document must be carried on board the aircraft. This legislative measure underscores the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols to mitigate any potential hazards associated with the identified mechanical issues.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the Airworthiness Directives applicable to Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, including models AS 355E, F, F1, and F2. This regulation mandates compliance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 05.16 to ensure the MGB suspension bars are maintained according to specified standards, following reported incidents of displacement of the suspension bar end bearings. This directive applies to all operators of the mentioned helicopter models and requires actions to be taken within 25 hours of the helicopter's time in service after April 3, 1987, and subsequently at each daily inspection. Compliance with this regulation is enforced through the entry of precise Airworthiness Directive references in the certification made on the Maintenance Release during the daily inspection, and a copy of the reference document must be carried in the aircraft. The regulation applies nationally across Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is integral to maintaining airworthiness standards for these helicopter models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically in the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/AS 355/25), addresses the maintenance of Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters, particularly focusing on the MGB suspension bars. This directive applies to all models AS 355E, F, F1, and F2 (section 1). The requirement outlined in this directive is that operators must take action in accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin NO 05.16 (section 2). It is noted that Bureau Veritas AD T87-038-032(B) refers to this directive (section 2). Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service after 3 April 1987, and thereafter at each daily inspection (section 3). If the pilot-in-command performs the daily inspection, the precise AD reference must be entered in a certification made on the Maintenance Release, which should coincide with the daily inspection certification. Additionally, a copy of the reference document must be carried in the aircraft (section 4). The directive stems from reports, including Australian Maintenance Deficiency Reports (MDRs), of the MGB suspension bar end bearings being displaced in the tube ends (section 5). The obligations imposed on parties governed by this Act include ensuring that maintenance actions are carried out in accordance with the specified Aerospatiale Service Bulletin NO 05.16. Operators of the Eurocopter AS 355 series helicopters must conduct the necessary inspections and actions within the stipulated timeframe, specifically within 25 hours of time in service after 3 April 1987, and subsequently at each daily inspection. If the pilot-in-command performs the inspection, it is mandatory to record the precise AD reference in the Maintenance Release certification. Furthermore, a copy of the reference document must be readily available on board the aircraft. These obligations ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft and address potential safety concerns related to the MGB suspension bars. Breaches of the requirements outlined in this Airworthiness Directive may result in civil or criminal consequences. The exact nature and severity of these consequences depend on the extent of non-compliance and the potential risk posed to aviation safety. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the directive, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory measures deemed necessary to ensure compliance and safety. The maximum penalties for aviation-related offences can vary, but they often include substantial financial penalties and potential imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.