AD/AS 355/43 Amdt 1 - In Door Sliding Windows

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, was enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One such regulation, AD/AS 355/43 Amendment 1, pertains to the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters and specifically addresses the issue of door sliding windows to prevent their loss during flight. This regulation was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to address a safety concern identified in the Eurocopter AS 355 models, namely the potential for window loss. The policy objective is to mitigate risks through specified actions, including inspection and modification of the windows, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Compliance with these directives is essential for maintaining safety standards in Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which deals with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, including models E, F, F1, F2, and N, equipped with specific sliding windows. The directive mandates actions to be taken in accordance with Eurocopter AS 355 SB 05.26R1, ensuring these helicopters are maintained to high safety standards to prevent the loss of a window during flight. The regulation requires inspections within 25 hours of time in service following its initial issue date of 3 March 1994, and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 25 hours until the windows are modified. Modifications must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after the same date, with further inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the windows are replaced by the post-modification windows detailed in the Requirement Document. Both the Requirement Document and the DGAC AD reference the modification of undamaged windows as a repair. This legislative instrument is applicable nationally under the Commonwealth of Australia and extends its application through the subordinate instrument mentioned, which ensures compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that govern the maintenance and safety of various aircraft types. This includes the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, as outlined in AD/AS 355/43 Amendment 1, which pertains to the door sliding windows of models E, F, F1, F2, and N (section 105.21). The directive requires that these helicopters be inspected and modified in accordance with Eurocopter AS 355 SB 05.26R1, with reference to DGAC AD 93-089-048(B) R1 (section 105.22). The primary aim of this directive is to prevent the loss of a window during flight, and Amendment 1 now allows for the modification of existing undamaged windows instead of automatic replacement. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and precise. Operators of the affected Eurocopter AS 355 series must ensure that the sliding windows are inspected within 25 hours of time in service after 3 March 1994, and then at intervals not exceeding 25 hours until the windows are modified (section 105.23). Following the initial inspection, the windows must be modified within 100 hours of time in service after 3 March 1994. Once modified, inspections are required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the windows are replaced with the post-modification windows specified in paragraph 1.C.3 of the Requirement Document (section 105.24). This ensures that the helicopters remain compliant with airworthiness standards and continue to meet safety requirements. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can result in both civil and criminal penalties (section 35.25). Civil penalties can include fines up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, as stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations (section 35.26). Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, with potential fines of up to $1,110,000 and imprisonment for up to five years for serious breaches that endanger safety (section 35.27). These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the mandated inspection and modification schedules to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.