AD/AS 355/40 - Emergency Locator Transmitter Antenna

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, address various safety issues within the aviation industry. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, ensuring that aircraft meet the required safety standards. One such directive is AD/AS 355/40, which mandates modifications to the emergency locator transmitter antenna on Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series helicopters. This directive applies to all AS 355 helicopters, versions E, F, F1, and F2, fitted with a "Jolliet" emergency locator transmitter antenna that has not been modified according to AMS 350A.07.2492. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the antenna's resistance to vibrations and reduce the risk of its loss during flight, thereby improving overall aviation safety. Compliance with this directive is required within 400 hours of service from 17 September 1992, or by 1 April 1993, whichever occurs first.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety and operational standards for aircraft within Australia's airspace. This particular regulation, AD/AS 355/40, pertains to the Eurocopter AS 355 Twin Ecureuil series helicopters, namely versions E, F, F1, and F2, which are equipped with a "Jolliet" emergency locator transmitter antenna and have not been modified as per AMS 350A.07.2492 (Eurocopter France Service Bulletin AS 355 No 25.31 dated 30 March 1992). The directive mandates the modification of the antenna in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin AS 355 No 25.33 dated 2 June 1992, referencing DGAC AD 92-142-045(B) dated 8 July 1992. Compliance with this directive is required within 400 hours of time in service from 17 September 1992, or by 1 April 1993, whichever comes first. This regulation is designed to enhance the antenna's resistance to vibrations and mitigate the risk of loss in flight, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation. The scope of this regulation applies to all relevant Eurocopter AS 355 helicopters within Australian jurisdiction, ensuring that these aircraft meet specific safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Operators and owners of these helicopters must adhere to the modification requirements stipulated in the directive to maintain compliance with Australian aviation safety regulations. This directive is an essential part of the broader regulatory framework aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, address the requirement for modifying the antenna on certain Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters. Section AD/AS 355/40 mandates that all AS 355 helicopters, versions E, F, F1, and F2, equipped with a "Jolliet" emergency locator transmitter antenna and not already modified according to AMS 350A.07.2492, must be altered in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin AS 355 No 25.33 dated 2 June 1992. This modification aims to enhance the antenna's resistance to vibrations and decrease the risk of its loss during flight. The Act imposes several obligations on the operators and owners of the specified helicopters. They are required to ensure that the modification outlined in the service bulletin is carried out within a specified timeframe. Specifically, the modification must be completed within 400 hours of the helicopter's time in service from 17 September 1992 or by 1 April 1993, whichever comes first. This deadline is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Failing to comply with the directive can result in significant consequences. While the specific offences are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to a range of civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact penalties are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and can vary based on the circumstances of the breach. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate that specific Eurocopter AS 355 helicopters undergo an antenna modification to enhance safety. Operators and owners must ensure this modification is completed within the specified timeframe. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties, underscoring the importance of adhering to the stipulated requirements.