AD/AS 355/45 - Cyclic Pitch Change Rod

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B02499, address safety concerns specific to certain Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. Enacted by the Australian Government, this regulation is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of air operations by mandating compliance with the manufacturer's service bulletins. This specific regulation was introduced to address a potential safety issue identified by the manufacturer concerning the cyclic pitch change control rod, ensuring that these components are checked and, if necessary, replaced to maintain airworthiness. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by enforcing compliance with technical directives issued by Eurocopter, thereby mitigating any risks associated with the identified defect. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's directive under this regulation applies to models E, F, F1, F2, and N of the Eurocopter AS 355 series that are equipped with the specified cyclic pitch change control rod. Operators must ensure that their aircraft meet these requirements within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance of the directive on 13 October 1994. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment of the Australian Government and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to rigorous safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that potential hazards are proactively managed.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the requirements for the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft, with a particular focus on the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters. This regulation applies to operators and owners of Models E, F, F1, F2, and N of the AS 355 series that are equipped with a specific cyclic pitch change control rod part number 704A34-113-279 and do not have an auto-pilot installed. These helicopters must comply with the directive to ensure the safety of operations. The regulation mandates adherence to Eurocopter AS 355 Service Bulletin 01-38, which includes specific actions to be taken to rectify potential safety issues identified with the cyclic pitch change rod. Compliance is required within 100 hours of the helicopter's time in service after 13 October 1994. This regulation ensures that the affected aircraft meet necessary safety standards and are maintained to avoid potential operational hazards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, contain a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/AS) pertinent to the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. Among these directives, AD/AS 355/45 concerns the cyclic pitch change rod (section 39-105). This directive applies to models E, F, F1, F2, and N of the Eurocopter AS 355 series that are equipped with a specific cyclic pitch change control rod P/No 704A34-113-279 and do not have an auto-pilot system (section 39-105). The requirement outlined in this directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Eurocopter AS 355 Service Bulletin 01-38. This service bulletin provides specific instructions for addressing issues related to the cyclic pitch change rod, ensuring the helicopter maintains its airworthiness standards. Operators and owners of the affected Eurocopter AS 355 series helicopters must comply with the directive within 100 hours of time in service after 13 October 1994 (section 39-105). Compliance involves following the guidance detailed in the Eurocopter AS 355 Service Bulletin 01-38, which may include inspections, maintenance, or replacement of the cyclic pitch change control rod to ensure it meets safety standards. Additionally, operators must ensure that all modifications and actions are logged and that the aircraft remains compliant with the civil aviation safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with AD/AS 355/45 can result in serious consequences. The regulations emphasise the importance of adhering to the specified timeframe and requirements to prevent potential safety hazards. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other administrative penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, they could be severe, given the critical nature of maintaining airworthiness standards in aviation. Additionally, operators may face civil liability for any accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance with these safety directives.