AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/AS 355/63 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/AS 355/63
Amdt 1
Tail Servo Control Rod Eye End Fitting 10/2002
Applicability: All Model AS 355 E, F, F1, F2 and N helicopters, equipped with tail servocontrols not incorporating Mod 073139 or Eurocopter AS 355 Service Bulletin No. 67.00.22.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the eye end fitting to servocontrol rod coupling for correct locking in accordance with instructions in Paragraph 2.A of Eurocopter AS 355 Alert Telex number 05.00.36.
2. If play is found and/or the lockwasher is not correctly positioned carry out the maintenance procedure in paragraph 2B of Eurocopter AS 355 Alert Telex number 05.00.36.
Note: DGAC AD 2001-581-063(A)R1 refers.
Compliance: 1. a. For helicopters that have logged more than 500 flight hours, unless previously accomplished, within 50 flight ho urs, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours.
b. For helicopters that have logged less than 500 flight hours, unless previously accomplished, inspect prior to 550 flight hours, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours.
2. Prior to further flight.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 October 2002.
Background: Eurocopter received a report of the tail servo control rod eye end fitting disconnecting during flight. This condition led to the progressive reduction of the yaw control range and finally to the loss of servocontrol assistance. This Directive therefore requires an initial inspection followed by the repetitive inspections. Maintenance on the servocontrol rod eye end fitting will also need to be carried out should defects be found during the inspection.
Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/AS 355/63 Amdt 1 (continued)
This amendment reduces the applicability to servo controls incorporating Mod 073139 or SB 67.00.22.
James Coyne
Dele gate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 23 August 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 2002.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive AD/AS 355/63 Amendment 1, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2002, was introduced to address a safety issue with the tail servo control rod eye end fitting on Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. This safety concern was identified following a report of the tail servo control rod eye end fitting disconnecting during flight, which led to a progressive reduction of the yaw control range and ultimately resulted in the loss of servocontrol assistance. The directive was enacted to ensure that the unsafe condition was corrected by requiring specific inspections and maintenance procedures on the affected helicopters. The objective of the AD is to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by mandating timely and appropriate maintenance actions to prevent potential hazards. The directive became effective on 3 October 2002 and was subsequently notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 2002.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all Model AS 355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters equipped with tail servo controls that do not incorporate Mod 073139 or Eurocopter AS 355 Service Bulletin No. 67.00.22. This directive mandates that an inspection of the eye end fitting to the servo control rod coupling be conducted to ensure correct locking, with specific reference to the instructions in Paragraph 2.A of Eurocopter AS 355 Alert Telex number 05.00.36. If the inspection reveals play or incorrect positioning of the lockwasher, a maintenance procedure must be carried out as outlined in Paragraph 2B of the same telex. The requirement for inspection varies depending on the flight hours logged by the helicopter; for those with more than 500 flight hours, the inspection must occur within 50 flight hours, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 550 flight hours. For helicopters with less than 500 flight hours, the inspection must take place before reaching 550 flight hours and then at intervals not exceeding 550 flight hours. The directive also stipulates that an inspection must be conducted before further flight, irrespective of the flight hour count. This AD is effective from 3 October 2002, and its provisions are enforced within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/AS 355/63 Amdt 1 (2002) pertains specifically to all models of the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters that are equipped with tail servo controls not incorporating Mod 073139 or Eurocopter AS 355 Service Bulletin No. 67.00.22. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns related to the tail servo control rod eye end fitting. Section 1 of the AD outlines the applicability of the directive, specifying the helicopter models that are subject to the requirements. Section 2 details the specific actions that need to be taken, which include inspecting the eye end fitting for correct locking as per Eurocopter AS 355 Alert Telex number 05.00.36 and conducting maintenance procedures if any issues are found. Section 3 provides the compliance timeline, mandating inspections and maintenance at specific flight hour intervals.
Under this directive, helicopter operators and maintenance personnel have specific obligations to ensure compliance. Operators must ensure that the eye end fitting of the tail servo control rod is inspected according to the instructions provided in Eurocopter's Alert Telex number 05.00.36. For helicopters that have logged more than 500 flight hours, an inspection must be conducted within 50 flight hours, or before the helicopter reaches 550 flight hours if it has not been inspected previously. For helicopters with less than 500 flight hours, inspections must occur before reaching 550 flight hours. Furthermore, any maintenance identified as necessary during the inspection must be carried out before the helicopter is flown again. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding.
Violation of the requirements outlined in the AD could lead to serious consequences. Operators and maintenance personnel who fail to comply with the inspection and maintenance requirements risk facing civil or criminal penalties. The AD itself does not explicitly state the penalties, but under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with CASA regulations can result in significant fines and imprisonment for individuals. Additionally, operators could face penalties such as the suspension or revocation of their aircraft's airworthiness certificate, which would prevent the aircraft from being flown until the required actions are taken and approved by CASA. These potential penalties underscore the importance of strict adherence to the AD's provisions.