Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2003 aims to address a safety issue with the Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) series helicopters. This directive was issued in response to a report of inadequate clearance between the mounting panel cut-outs and the primary controls in the camera system, which could lead to restriction or jamming of the pedals or cyclic control. The AD applies to AS 355 helicopters that have been modified with Mann Aviation Group (Engineering) Ltd (MAG(E)) modifications 350-1521 or 350-1680, or where a camera platform has been installed. The policy objective of this AD is to ensure the continued short-term acceptability of the affected helicopters and to mitigate the risk of potential control issues that could compromise flight safety. The directive was enacted to ensure compliance with safety standards and to prevent unsafe conditions that could arise from the identified problem.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies to all Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series helicopters that have undergone modifications consistent with Mann Aviation Group (Engineering) Ltd (MAG(E)) modifications 350-1521 or 350-1680, including the installation of a camera system. This directive mandates specific actions to be taken to address identified safety concerns related to inadequate clearance between mounting panel cut-outs and primary controls, which could potentially lead to pedal or cyclic control restriction or jamming. The directive is applicable nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to any helicopters modified with the specified MAG(E) modifications, whether in service, in storage, or awaiting installation. Compliance with the directive is mandatory and must occur before further flight after the specified date of 1 October 2003, with modifications to stored panels or those removed due to inadequate clearance to be completed within 30 days from this date. The directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette to ensure widespread dissemination and adherence.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to Eurocopter AS 355 (Twin Ecureuil) Series helicopters that have undergone certain modifications by Mann Aviation Group (Engineering) Ltd (MAG(E)) (section 1). These modifications are identified by numbers 350-1521 and 350-1680, which relate to the installation of a camera platform (section 1). The directive mandates that these helicopters be inspected to ensure they meet short-term acceptability standards as specified in MAG(E) SB-A25-001, paragraph 2A (section 2(a)). Any platform panels bearing part number 350-1521-103 that do not have the required clearance must be immediately removed from service (section 2(a)). Panels with the specified part number, whether in storage or already removed, must be modified according to the instructions detailed in paragraph 2 of MAG(E) SB-A25-001 (section 2(b)). Additionally, any panels inspected under section 2(a) that remain installed must also be modified as per the same instructions (section 2(c)). The AD imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, helicopter operators and owners must ensure that their AS 355 helicopters, modified as specified, are inspected for the aforementioned clearance issues (section 2(a)). This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the stipulated instructions to maintain compliance with safety standards. Secondly, any panels identified as not meeting the required clearance must be removed from service without delay (section 2(a)). Thirdly, any panels bearing part number 350-1521-103, whether in storage or already removed, must be modified as per the detailed instructions (section 2(b)). Finally, any panels that have remained installed after the inspection must also be modified accordingly (section 2(c)). Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in non-compliance with the AD and potential safety risks. Failure to comply with the AD may result in serious consequences. The AD stipulates specific timeframes within which the required actions must be taken. For instance, helicopters must be inspected before further flight after 1 October 2003 (section 3(1)). Panels that need to be removed or modified must be dealt with either before the next installation or within 30 days after 1 October 2003, whichever occurs first (section 3(2)). Additionally, any panels that have remained installed post-inspection must be modified within 30 days of 1 October 2003 (section 3(3)). Non-compliance with these deadlines can lead to the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could result in grounding and further penalties. The exact nature of the penalties or consequences, such as fines or legal action, would depend on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the non-compliance case.