COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters
AD/DAUPHIN/18 Engine Fuel Tube Interference 4/87
TX
Applicability: SA 365C, C1, C2, C3 and N models.
Requirement: 1. Inspect engine fuel pipe P/N 0301037030 for interference with fuel control sheath in accordance with Bureau Veritas AD 87-008-028(B).
2. Install protective spiral sheath P/N 84904T075 or equivalent in accordance with Bureau Veritas AD 87-008-028(B).
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, prior to further flight.
2. Within 50 hours time in service after 16 February 1987.
Background: This Directive has been issued to require inspection and protection of an engine fuel pipe. The manufacturer recently advised of a fuel leak event which resulted from interference between the fuel pipe and the fuel control sheath.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of aircraft through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulations are enacted by the Australian Parliament and aim to ensure the highest safety standards in civil aviation. One such regulation is the Airworthiness Directive AD/DAUPHIN/18 concerning the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced to address a specific safety concern identified by the manufacturer regarding the potential for interference between the engine fuel pipe and the fuel control sheath, which could lead to fuel leaks. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate inspections and corrective actions to prevent such interference, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of these aircraft models.
The directive requires operators to inspect the engine fuel pipe for any signs of interference with the fuel control sheath and to install a protective spiral sheath if necessary. This proactive measure is intended to be completed either before further flight or within a specified timeframe, ensuring that any identified issues are promptly addressed to maintain airworthiness standards. The directive reflects CASA's commitment to mitigating safety risks and ensuring that aircraft operations are conducted with minimal risk to passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, with a focus on the SA 365C, C1, C2, C3 and N models. The Act mandates that these helicopters must undergo an inspection of the engine fuel pipe P/N 0301037030 for any interference with the fuel control sheath as per Bureau Veritas AD 87-008-028(B). Additionally, it requires the installation of a protective spiral sheath P/N 84904T075 or its equivalent to prevent such interference. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be carried out unless the required actions have already been completed. The inspections and installations must occur prior to further flight and within 50 hours of the helicopter's time in service after 16 February 1987. This regulation is issued to address a fuel leak event resulting from the aforementioned interference and is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia, governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, labelled AD/DAUPHIN/18. This directive addresses an issue of engine fuel tube interference which has been identified as a safety risk. Under the requirements of this directive (Section 1), operators must inspect the engine fuel pipe, identified by part number 0301037030, to ensure it does not interfere with the fuel control sheath, following the guidelines provided by Bureau Veritas AD 87-008-028(B). Additionally, the directive mandates the installation of a protective spiral sheath, part number 84904T075 or equivalent, also in accordance with Bureau Veritas AD 87-008-028(B). Compliance with these requirements must be achieved prior to further flight if not already done, and within 50 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 16 February 1987.
The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and straightforward. Operators of the affected helicopter models (SA 365C, C1, C2, C3, and N) must ensure that the inspection and installation tasks are completed in a timely and diligent manner. This involves not only performing the inspection and installation but also maintaining records of these actions for compliance verification. The directive requires that any necessary modifications are carried out by qualified personnel, ensuring that the aircraft meets the specified airworthiness standards.
Breaches of this directive can lead to significant consequences. The AD underscores the importance of compliance to avoid compromising the safety of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to the requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which in turn could lead to grounding of the helicopter until the necessary actions are taken. Additionally, regulatory authorities may impose penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges against individuals or companies responsible for the non-compliance. The exact penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and the jurisdictional laws in place at the time of the offence.