AD/DAUPHIN/35 Amdt 3 - Tail Rotor Kevlar Tie Bar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 – 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. This part was introduced to ensure that aircraft are maintained to a standard that is safe for operation, thereby addressing the need for consistent and stringent oversight of aviation safety. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of aircraft operations by enforcing specific maintenance and operational requirements. The legislative instrument in question, AD/DAUPHIN/35 Amendment 3, pertains to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, requiring compliance with certain maintenance actions related to the tail rotor Kevlar tie bar. This directive was established in response to an overseas accident involving these models, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. The amendment was introduced to mandate specific safety measures, ensuring that these helicopters are maintained to prevent similar incidents.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the regulation of airworthiness directives, including those related to Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. The focus of Amendment 3 to Airworthiness Directive AD/DAUPHIN/35 pertains to the tail rotor Kevlar tie bar for Models 365 N1 and 365 N2, which are equipped with specific tail rotor blade part numbers. This directive applies to these particular models and blade part numbers, mandating compliance with Eurocopter SA 365 S.B.05.34, Rev 3, and DGAC AD 92-185-033(B)R4. The directive is effective from 27 February 1997, requiring actions to be taken within 250 hours of time in service after 15 September 1994 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 250 hours. Additionally, the directive underscores the immediate importance of adhering to the provided instructions concerning the operation of the rudder pedals. The application of this directive is geographically broad, as it falls under the regulatory purview of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority overseeing its implementation and enforcement.

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, with the AD number AD/DAUPHIN/35 Amendment 3 ((1)). This AD pertains to the tail rotor Kevlar tie bar and applies to models 365 N1 and 365 N2 equipped with specific tail rotor blade part numbers ((1)). The directive mandates compliance with Eurocopter SA 365 Service Bulletin 05.34, Revision 3, and references DGAC AD 92-185-033(B)R4 ((1)). Operators must adhere to the directive unless they have already complied, within 250 hours of time in service following 15 September 1994, and then at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service ((1)). Operators of the affected helicopters are required to follow the instructions marked "VERY IMPORTANT" regarding the operation of the rudder pedals without delay ((1)). This instruction is critical to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. The directive also confirms that compliance with previous issues of the directive remains unchanged and clarifies that Amendment 3 is effective from 27 February 1997 ((1)). The directive's background reveals that it was issued in response to an overseas accident during the approach phase, which resulted in a fatality and injuries to personnel ((1)). The obligations imposed by this AD on the operators and owners of the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 series helicopters include ensuring that the specified maintenance and operational instructions are strictly followed. This includes adhering to the 250-hour service intervals for compliance and implementing the changes as outlined in the referenced service bulletin and airworthiness directive ((1)). Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding of the aircraft until the necessary actions are taken. In terms of penalties and consequences for non-compliance, while the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in significant regulatory action. This may include fines, enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an accident or incident. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the breach and the impact on aviation safety.