AD/AS 355/58 Amdt 1 - Rear Bench Cushions

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of aviation operations within Australia. The specific legislative instrument referenced, F2006B02510, addresses an airworthiness directive for Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. This amendment was enacted to rectify safety concerns related to the in-flight loss of rear bench seat cushions in helicopters operating with doors removed or in open positions, which could potentially result in catastrophic control loss. The directive requires the removal of unoccupied cushions from the rear bench seat unless they are secured by approved mechanical means in addition to the existing Velcro method. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of accidents caused by such unsecured items by mandating either their removal or securement, thereby enhancing the overall safety of air operations.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive AD/AS 355/58 Amendment 1, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, applies to all Eurocopter AS 355 helicopters, specifically versions E, F, F1, F2, and N that are equipped with a rear bench seat. The directive mandates that unoccupied cushions from the rear bench seat must be removed unless they are secured by mechanical means approved in accordance with CAR 35, in addition to the existing Velcro method. The directive is prompted by two reports of in-flight loss of the rear bench seat cushion in configurations with the doors removed, which could potentially cause loss of control if the cushions contact the main or tail rotor. Compliance with the directive is required before any flight with the door(s) removed or the sliding door(s) in the open position after 12 April 2001. If the cushions are not secured by the additional mechanical means, a copy of this directive must be carried in the aircraft at all times. This amendment became effective on 12 April 2001, and the original directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on the same date.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, outlines Airworthiness Directives (AD) under which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) operates to ensure the safety of aircraft. One such AD, AD/AS 355/58 Amendment 1, pertains to Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series helicopters (section 6/2001 TX). This directive addresses safety concerns related to the rear bench seat cushions in these helicopters. The AD is applicable to all AS 355 versions E, F, F1, F2, and N equipped with a rear bench seat (applicability section). The directive requires that any unoccupied cushions from the rear bench seat be removed unless they are restrained by mechanical means approved under CAR 35, in addition to the existing Velcro method (requirement section). The directive notes that if the cushions are not mechanically restrained, a copy of this directive must be carried in the aircraft at all times. Compliance with this directive must occur before any flight with the door(s) removed or the sliding door(s) in the open position after 12 April 2001 (compliance section). Under this AD, the primary obligation imposed on the operators of AS 355 helicopters is to ensure that any unoccupied cushions from the rear bench seat are either removed or securely restrained using approved mechanical means. This requirement is designed to prevent the cushions from becoming dislodged in flight, which could potentially cause a loss of control of the helicopter by contacting the main or tail rotor. To comply with the directive, operators must ensure that the specified actions are taken before any flight conducted with the door(s) removed or the sliding door(s) open after the effective date of 12 April 2001. Additionally, if the cushions are not mechanically restrained, a copy of this AD must be carried on board the aircraft at all times. Failure to comply with the provisions of this AD may result in safety hazards that could lead to severe consequences, including potential loss of control of the helicopter. While the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach are not detailed in the text, it is understood that non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions by the authority. These actions may include fines, penalties, or other legal repercussions, as stipulated under the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the non-compliance, as well as any resultant incidents or hazards caused by the failure to adhere to the AD.