AD/DAUPHIN/11 Amdt 2 - Main Rotor Mast

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was enacted to address safety concerns in the aviation sector, particularly in relation to the maintenance and operation of aircraft. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B08724, targets the maintenance of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, specifically focusing on the main rotor mast. The policy objective behind this instrument is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections and necessary reworks to prevent potential structural failures that could arise from corrosion, tool marks, or other damage to the main rotor mast. This is achieved by referencing service bulletins and aligning inspection intervals with manufacturer recommendations, thereby ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft and protecting both crew and passengers. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, addressing specific risks identified by the manufacturer through detailed inspection and maintenance directives. By requiring inspections at critical intervals and after certain operational events, the legislation aims to proactively identify and mitigate potential safety hazards, thus contributing to the overall safety framework of Australia's civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters equipped with the specified main rotor mast part numbers, namely 365A31.1060.21, 22, 24, or 26. This regulation mandates inspections and reworks to ensure airworthiness, particularly focusing on the main rotor mast to prevent potential fatigue cracking. Compliance with the directive involves detailed inspections and visual checks at prescribed intervals, including before exceeding 300 hours of service or within 50 hours after 22 September 1986, whichever is later, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 400 hours. This regulation also applies immediately following severe tracking defects and after any work on the bolts or nuts attaching the main rotor hub to the mast. The directive aligns with Revision 2 of the Aerospatiale Dauphin Service Bulletin 05.08 and references Bureau Veritas AD 84-019-021(B)R2 for specific procedures. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and it does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions within the provided text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, mandate a series of inspections and reworks for Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters with certain main rotor mast part numbers (sections 1(1), 1(2)). This requirement is detailed in AD/DAUPHIN/11 Amendment 2, focusing on the main rotor mast of these helicopters. The directive necessitates a comprehensive inspection and rework procedure in line with Para 1C of Aerospatiale Dauphin Service Bulletin 05.08 Rev 2. This includes a visual inspection for assembly damage as outlined in Para 1C(3)(c)(ca) of the same bulletin, and an inspection for scores, corrosion, or tool marks in the fillet radius underneath the top flange, followed by any necessary rework according to Paras 1C(2)(aa), 1C(2)(ac), and 1C(3)(aa). These inspections are critical to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the helicopter. Operators and owners of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 helicopters are required to adhere to the outlined inspection and rework procedures. This includes conducting the initial inspection before the helicopter reaches 300 hours of time in service or within 50 hours after 22 September 1986, whichever is later, and repeating this inspection at intervals not exceeding 400 hours of time in service. Additionally, an inspection must be performed immediately following any sudden or repeated severe tracking defect (section 2). These inspections are mandatory not only at regular intervals but also after any work is performed on the bolts or nuts that attach the main rotor hub to the rotor mast. Another set of inspections must be conducted within 50 hours of time in service or two months after 22 September 1986, whichever comes first, and then at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service or two months, whichever comes first (section 3). These stringent requirements are designed to maintain the integrity and safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may impose penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines and other sanctions. The exact nature and severity of these penalties can vary, but the overarching principle is to ensure that all inspections and reworks are conducted as mandated to prevent any potential safety hazards. The regulations are clear in their intent to safeguard the public and ensure that all aircraft remain airworthy. Any breach of these provisions could lead to severe civil and potentially criminal consequences, reflecting the high priority placed on aviation safety by Australian legislation.