COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/AS 355/46 Main Rotor Shaft Oil Jet 2/95 DM
Applicability: All AS 355 series helicopters with main rotor shaft P/N 355A37.0000 all dash numbers which have been in operation for less than 100 hours time in service since new or overhauled.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter Telex Service No 10087.SI/0353/94. Compliance: By 6 January 1995.
Background: A one-off inspection to determine if the oil jet for the main rotor mast bearing has been incorrectly installed is required. An incorrectly installed oil jet could result in inadequate lubrication of the main rotor mast bearing with possible serious consequences.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, incorporates the Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislative instrument, F2006B02500, was enacted to ensure that airworthiness directives are effectively implemented and adhered to, thereby enhancing the safety standards within the aviation sector. The directive AD/AS 355/46 for the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters addresses a critical safety issue related to the installation of the main rotor shaft oil jet. The problem it targets is the potential for an incorrectly installed oil jet, which could lead to inadequate lubrication of the main rotor mast bearing, thereby posing significant safety risks. The objective of this directive is to mandate a one-off inspection of all AS 355 series helicopters that meet specified criteria to ensure the oil jet is correctly installed, thereby preventing any adverse consequences that could arise from improper lubrication. The compliance date for this directive was set to 6 January 1995, highlighting the urgency and importance of the required actions.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives to all Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters with main rotor shaft part number 355A37.0000, which have been in operation for less than 100 hours since they were new or overhauled. This requirement applies to both individual operators and entities managing such helicopters within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive is designed to ensure the airworthiness of these helicopters by mandating a specific action to be taken in accordance with Eurocopter Telex Service No 10087.SI/0353/94. This action is a one-off inspection to verify that the oil jet for the main rotor mast bearing has been installed correctly, as an incorrect installation could lead to inadequate lubrication and potentially serious safety consequences. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a compliance deadline set for 6 January 1995. While the regulation itself sets out the requirement, further details and procedures may be outlined in subordinate instruments or guidance documents issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate a series of airworthiness directives (ADs) aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. One such directive is AD/AS 355/46, which pertains to the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters. This directive, identified as 2/95 DM, requires a particular action concerning the main rotor shaft oil jet (section 1). The directive applies to all AS 355 series helicopters that have a main rotor shaft with part number 355A37.0000 and all subsequent dash numbers, provided these helicopters have been in operation for less than 100 hours since they were new or overhauled (section 2).
According to section 3 of this directive, the requirement is to conduct a one-off inspection to determine whether the oil jet for the main rotor mast bearing has been correctly installed. An incorrectly installed oil jet could lead to inadequate lubrication of the main rotor mast bearing, potentially causing serious consequences. The inspection must be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in Eurocopter Telex Service No 10087.SI/0353/94. Compliance with this directive must be achieved by 6 January 1995, as stipulated in section 4.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of AS 355 series helicopters must ensure that the required inspection is conducted by the specified date. This entails engaging with Eurocopter’s provided telex instructions to carry out the necessary checks on the oil jet installation. Failure to comply with this directive could potentially result in serious safety issues, including the risk of bearing failure during flight, which could have catastrophic outcomes. The directive is designed to preemptively address a known safety issue before it results in operational failure.
In terms of enforcement, breaches of airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. Section 9 of the regulations provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties can include fines up to a certain amount, as determined by the regulations. Additionally, criminal penalties can be imposed, which may include imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court, but they are intended to ensure strict adherence to safety directives to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the aviation industry.