COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter BO 105 Series Helicopters
AD/BO 105/12 Rotating Control Rod End Bearings 2/88
TX
Applicability: All Model BO 105 helicopters.
Requirement: 1. In addition to the current pre-flight checks of the rotating control rods, check spherical bearings for smooth operation. This shall be done before each first flight of the day by rotating the spherical bearings by hand around the longitudinal axis of their respective rotating control rods.
Note: This inspection may be accomplished by the pilot-in- command provided a copy of this Directive is carried in the aircraft. He shall enter and certify for this AD in Col 2, Part 3 of the Maintenance Release on each occasion.
2. Action in accordance with MBB Alert Service Bulletin No ASB-BO 105-10-103. Compliance: 1. For Para 1: at each pre-flight inspection after 20 December 1987.
2. Within 50 hours time in service after 20 December 1987 or by 18 January 1988, whichever occurs first, inspect rod end bearing in accordance with Action 2 of the Requirement Document.
3. For spares. Prior to installation on an aircraft, inspect rod end bearings in accordance with Action 3 of the Requirement document.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that a crack has been found in the thread root section of a rod end.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically under PART 39 - 105, establish a comprehensive framework for the airworthiness of aircraft in Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This regulatory instrument aims to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards to mitigate any potential risks to aviation safety. Among the various airworthiness directives, AD/BO 105/12 pertains to the Eurocopter BO 105 Series Helicopters, addressing a critical issue identified by the manufacturer regarding cracks in the thread root section of rod end bearings. This directive mandates additional checks of the spherical bearings for smooth operation, particularly before the first flight of the day, to prevent potential mechanical failures. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by ensuring that maintenance personnel conduct thorough inspections and adhere to the specified compliance timelines.
The regulations, enacted by the Australian Commonwealth Parliament, are intended to fill the gap in maintaining aircraft safety standards, particularly in response to manufacturer-reported issues. The requirement for pre-flight checks and compliance with specific timelines ensures that all Eurocopter BO 105 Series Helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards, thereby protecting both crew and passengers. This legislative approach underscores the importance of proactive measures in aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft meet rigorous safety benchmarks to minimise the risk of mechanical failure and associated hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations. This particular directive, AD/BO 105/12, applies to all Eurocopter BO 105 Series helicopters, requiring specific checks on the rotating control rod end bearings to ensure smooth operation. This requirement is mandatory and must be performed before the first flight of each day by the pilot-in-command, who must also certify compliance in the Maintenance Release document. The directive extends to spares as well, mandating inspections before installation on an aircraft. The directive applies nationally within Australia and is applicable to all operators and maintenance personnel who handle BO 105 helicopters, with compliance necessary within specified timeframes following the directive's issuance date of 20 December 1987.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, outlines the safety directives for the Eurocopter BO 105 Series helicopters, focusing on the rotating control rod end bearings. This legislation mandates a detailed inspection protocol for these bearings to ensure smooth operation and to mitigate any risks associated with their failure (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105). Firstly, operators must conduct an inspection of the spherical bearings before each initial flight of the day, rotating them by hand to check for any issues. This inspection must be documented by the pilot-in-command who will certify compliance in the Maintenance Release (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105, AD/BO 105/12, Requirement 1). Additionally, compliance with MBB Alert Service Bulletin No ASB-BO 105-10-103 is required, which provides specific guidelines for the inspection process (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105, Requirement 2).
The Act imposes several obligations on operators of the BO 105 helicopters. Each pre-flight inspection must include a check of the rotating control rod end bearings in accordance with the directive (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105, Compliance 1). Furthermore, inspections must be conducted within 50 hours of the directive’s effective date or by a specified deadline, whichever comes first (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105, Compliance 2). Operators are also required to inspect spare rod end bearings before they are installed on an aircraft, ensuring that all components meet the safety standards set by the directive (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105, Compliance 3).
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties within the provided text, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of an aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an accident or endangers flight safety. Operators must adhere strictly to the outlined requirements to avoid these repercussions and ensure the safety of their operations (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, 105).