AD/AS 355/47 Amdt 1 - MGB Suspension Bi-Directional Cross Beam

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety in Australia and ensure the safe operation of aircraft. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to address specific safety concerns and ensure the airworthiness of aircraft by issuing directives such as AD/AS 355/47 for Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by requiring compliance with specific maintenance and operational requirements. This directive addresses a reported issue of a crack in the MGB suspension cross beam of certain helicopter models, mandating immediate action to prevent potential safety hazards and ensuring continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. This legislative instrument amends the initial directive issued on 4 September 1996 to provide clarity and specificity in the applicability of the safety measures, aligning with the manufacturer's Service Bulletin. The requirement for compliance within 30 hours of service after the initial directive and subsequent adherence to the specified timelines ensures that the safety concerns are promptly addressed, maintaining the integrity of the aircraft and the safety of those on board.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, applies to all versions E, F, F1, F2, and N of the model, provided they are equipped with a MGB suspension bi-directional cross beam P/N 350A38.1018, excluding those with the modification number 072720. The directive mandates compliance with EUROCOPTER FRANCE AS 355 Service Bulletin 05.00.29, and references DGAC AD 96-155-053(B)R1 for additional guidance. The action required must be completed within 30 hours of time in service following the directive's initial issue date of 4 September 1996, and any subsequent compliance must adhere to the specified timelines in the requirement document. The amendment, effective from 14 August 1997, clarifies applicability by removing certain modified assemblies and aligning with the manufacturer's definitive Service Bulletin. This legislation operates under the Commonwealth of Australia and applies nationally, ensuring the safety and compliance of the specified aircraft within Australia's aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, contain provisions related to airworthiness directives (ADs) which mandate certain actions for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Section 39-105 pertains to the ADs for Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, and one such directive is AD/AS 355/47 Amendment 1. This directive applies to specific models of the Eurocopter AS 355 series, namely versions E, F, F1, F2, and N, that are equipped with a particular MGB suspension bi-directional cross beam (section 39-105(1)). The directive specifies that compliance must be achieved within 30 hours of the aircraft being in service after 4 September 1996, as well as in accordance with any further requirements outlined in the relevant service bulletin (section 39-105(2)). This directive was initially issued on 4 September 1996, and any amendments, such as Amendment 1, have since been made effective from specific dates, with the most recent amendment taking effect from 14 August 1997 (section 39-105(3)). The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that the specified models of Eurocopter AS 355 helicopters conform to the requirements set forth in the Eurocopter France AS 355 Service Bulletin 05.00.29. Specifically, operators and owners of these helicopters must ensure that the MGB suspension bi-directional cross beam assemblies meet the specifications and standards outlined in the service bulletin. This involves checking the part numbers and ensuring that the assemblies do not contain modifications not authorised by the manufacturer (section 39-105(4)). Compliance must be achieved within the prescribed timeframe, and operators must document and maintain records of the actions taken to meet these requirements (section 39-105(5)). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/AS 355/47 Amendment 1 may result in serious safety implications for the aircraft and its passengers. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with ADs, which can include fines and other sanctions. The maximum penalties for failing to comply with airworthiness directives are significant, reflecting the importance of ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. Civil penalties may include fines of up to $52,500 for individuals and $262,500 for corporations, depending on the severity and nature of the breach (section 39-105(6)). In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance can lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary actions are taken to bring the aircraft into compliance, potentially disrupting flight operations and affecting public safety.