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/20 Main Rotor Servo Inspection 12/87
TX
Applicability: All model SA 360, SA 361, SA 365C, C1, C2 and C3 helicopters. Requirement: Action in accordance with Aerospatiale SA 360 and SA 365 S.B. No 05.11.
Compliance: 1. For Para 1C(1) of Requirement document. Unless already accomplished at receipt of AD and at each “after last flight” inspection each day. Inspection intervals not to exceed 10 flight hours.
2. For Para 1C(2) of Requirement document. Prior to completion of 400 flying hours from 31 August 1987.
Note: Inspect new and overhauled servos in accordance with 1 above.
Background: Longitudinal cracks starting from between two notches used to lock the servo rod end nut have been found in the main control flared end.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, introduced by the Australian Government, address the need for stringent safety measures in civil aviation, particularly focusing on aircraft airworthiness. This legislative instrument, specifically the PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES, targets safety directives for Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, establishing specific requirements for the inspection of main rotor servos. The aim is to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity, particularly longitudinal cracks found in the main control flared end of the servos. This safety directive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensures that all relevant model helicopters undergo regular inspections to maintain operational safety and compliance with stringent aviation standards.
The legislative intent is clearly focused on ensuring the highest level of safety in civil aviation, preventing potential in-flight failures that could result from undetected structural flaws in critical helicopter components. The regulation mandates inspections at specific intervals and before certain operational milestones, reinforcing the commitment to proactive maintenance and safety oversight in the aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, with AD/DAUPHIN/20 focusing on the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series helicopters. This directive applies to all model SA 360, SA 361, SA 365C, C1, C2, and C3 helicopters, ensuring that operators comply with stringent safety requirements to address potential issues with the main rotor servo. The regulation requires inspections in accordance with Aerospatiale SA 360 and SA 365 S.B. No 05.11, with specific actions needed for compliance, such as inspecting the main rotor servo at specified intervals and before the completion of certain flying hours to prevent the risk of longitudinal cracks in the main control flared end. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, applicable throughout Australia under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation does not explicitly exclude any entities or conditions, but compliance is mandatory for all specified helicopter models in operation within Australia.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation (Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Regulations 1998) pertain specifically to the airworthiness directives for Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. Section 39 - 105, under the heading 'AD/DAUPHIN/20 Main Rotor Servo Inspection,' requires inspections of the main rotor servo for longitudinal cracks. The requirement is detailed in the Aerospatiale SA 360 and SA 365 S.B. No 05.11, which specifies the procedure for these inspections. Section 1C(1) mandates that inspections must be carried out at receipt of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) and at each “after last flight” inspection, with intervals not exceeding 10 flight hours. Section 1C(2) further stipulates that inspections must be completed before the helicopter accumulates 400 flying hours from 31 August 1987. New and overhauled servos must also adhere to the inspection requirements outlined in Section 1C(1).
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Operators of Eurocopter SA 360, SA 361, SA 365C, C1, C2, and C3 helicopters must ensure that the inspections are conducted as per the requirements detailed in the Aerospatiale SB. No 05.11. This includes performing the inspections at the specified intervals and ensuring that all inspections are completed before the helicopter reaches 400 flying hours from the specified date. Any non-compliance with these inspection requirements could potentially compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft, leading to severe safety implications.
The Act does not explicitly state specific offences or penalties within the provided text; however, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally carries significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives. Potential consequences could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, or more severe penalties if non-compliance results in an aviation incident or accident. The exact penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and the specific regulations violated.