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/34
Amdt 1
Main Rotor Pitch Change Horn Bushes 7/93
DM
Applicability: All models 365 fitted with pitch change horns P/N 365A31-1998-02 or P/N 350A31- 1877-02 that are not marked with an “X” after the part number, and have a serial number less than 100-000.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter SB 365C 65.31 R1 or SB 365N 62.11 R1 as applicable.
Note: DGAC ADs 92-181-132(B)R1 and 92-182-036(B)R1 refer.
Compliance: 1. Paragraph 1.C.1.: Within 50 hours time in service after 12 May 1993, and
2. If required, para 1.C.2.b.: within 300 hours time in service after 12 May 1993. The effective date of the initial issue of this Directive was 12 November 1992.
Background: The initial issue of the Directive was due to the discovery of pitch change horn bushes that were incorrectly tapered and could possibly cause failure of the pitch change horn to rod connecting bolt. Amendment 1 revises Applicability to include all pitch change horn serial numbers to 100-000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (as amended) are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and represent a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. The specific legislative instrument in question, F2006B08745, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, addressing identified safety issues through mandatory compliance directives. This directive was enacted to address the problem of incorrectly tapered pitch change horn bushes in certain Dauphin helicopter models, which could lead to potential failure of the pitch change horn to rod connecting bolt. This could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The policy objective, as outlined in the regulations, is to mandate specific maintenance actions to ensure the airworthiness of the affected aircraft, thereby mitigating the risk of mechanical failure and enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. The regulation in focus is AD/DAUPHIN/34 Amendment 1, which mandates specific action concerning the main rotor pitch change horn bushes. The directive applies to all models of the SA 365 series fitted with certain pitch change horn part numbers, excluding those marked with an “X” and those with serial numbers greater than 100-000. The requirement is to follow the instructions provided in Eurocopter Service Bulletins 365C 65.31 R1 or 365N 62.11 R1, as applicable. This regulation ensures compliance within specific time frames: actions must be taken within 50 hours of time in service after 12 May 1993, and if necessary, further action within 300 hours of the same date. The directive's initial issue date was 12 November 1992, with Amendment 1 expanding the applicability to include all pitch change horn serial numbers up to 100-000.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. AD/DAUPHIN/34 Amendment 1 pertains to the Main Rotor Pitch Change Horn Bushes. This directive applies to all models 365 equipped with specific pitch change horn parts numbers (365A31-1998-02 or 350A31-1877-02) that are not marked with an “X” after the part number and have a serial number less than 100-000 (Section 1). The requirement is to take action in accordance with Eurocopter Service Bulletins 365C 65.31 R1 or 365N 62.11 R1, as applicable. This action is mandated within specific timeframes: within 50 hours of time in service after 12 May 1993 for the initial requirement, and, if necessary, within 300 hours of time in service after the same date for a secondary requirement (Section 2).
The obligations imposed by this AD are specific to the maintenance and safety of the affected helicopters. Operators must ensure that the specified parts are either replaced or modified according to the referenced service bulletins. This includes verifying the serial numbers and condition of the pitch change horn bushes to ensure they meet the directive’s criteria. Compliance with the AD is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the stipulated actions and timeframes could result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety standards (Section 3).
There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences stated within the AD itself. However, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations, including failure to adhere to Airworthiness Directives, can result in severe repercussions under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. These can include administrative penalties, enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance but may include substantial fines and other enforcement measures as determined by CASA (Section 4).