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/39
Amdt 1
Attachment of Outboard Fins 3/97
Applicability: Models 365N, N1 and N2 fitted with outboard fins that are secured with studs P/n 365A13-3017-24, on which Mod 365A07-55B08 has not been embodied.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter SB SA365 01.40 R1.
Note: DGAC AD 94-076-036(B)R1 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished in accordance with the previous issue of this Directive, before further flight after 27 February 1997.
This Amendment has effect from 27 February 1997.
Background: Following the loss of an outboard fin, other aircraft were found to have loose fin attaching studs.
Amendment 1 reflects the latest revisions of the Requirement document, and the DGAC AD, it also revises the Applicability to exclude aircraft at a particular mod state.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 20 April 1994.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are part of a broader legislative framework aimed at ensuring the safety of aviation operations, include specific provisions for airworthiness directives. One such directive is AD/DAUPHIN/39 Amendment 1, which was enacted to address issues identified with the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This amendment was introduced to ensure the safety of flights by requiring specific modifications to the outboard fins of certain Dauphin models. The problem it addresses is the risk of outboard fins detaching from helicopters due to loose attaching studs, a concern that was highlighted following an incident where an outboard fin was lost. The directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and aims to ensure compliance with the latest safety standards, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation within Australia. This directive became effective from 27 February 1997, providing clear guidelines for operators to follow in order to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety standards for civil aviation operations within Australia and applies to all aircraft registered in Australia and foreign aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This legislative instrument mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. The directive pertains to Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters, specifically models 365N, N1, and N2 equipped with outboard fins secured by studs P/n 365A13-3017-24, excluding those that have already incorporated modification 365A07-55B08. The requirement stipulates that action must be taken in accordance with Eurocopter SB SA365 01.40 R1, referencing DGAC AD 94-07-6-036(B)R1, before further flight after 27 February 1997. This amendment ensures the structural integrity of the helicopters by addressing issues with loose fin attaching studs following the loss of an outboard fin on another aircraft. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with effect from 27 February 1997, unless the specified modifications have already been implemented.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate that certain Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series helicopters undergo specific maintenance actions as outlined in AD/DAUPHIN/39 Amendment 1. This directive applies to models 365N, N1, and N2 equipped with outboard fins secured with studs P/n 365A13-3017-24, where modification 365A07-55B08 has not been implemented (section 39-105). The directive requires compliance with Eurocopter Service Bulletin SA365 01.40 R1, which includes the attachment of outboard fins, and references DGAC AD 94-076-036(B)R1 for additional guidance. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before further flight after 27 February 1997, unless the required action has already been completed under the previous version of this directive.
Entities and individuals governed by these regulations must ensure that the specified modifications are carried out on the applicable aircraft models. This includes verifying that the outboard fins are properly attached in accordance with the Eurocopter Service Bulletin and any referenced documents. The directive aims to enhance safety by preventing the loss of outboard fins, a critical component of the helicopter’s structure. Operators must maintain thorough records of compliance to demonstrate adherence to these safety standards.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious safety risks. The legislation does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, but violations of civil aviation regulations can lead to severe consequences, including grounding of the aircraft, fines, and potential criminal charges. Operators are expected to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance to avoid these repercussions. The directive was originally issued on 20 April 1994, with Amendment 1 taking effect from 27 February 1997, reflecting the latest revisions and updates to ensure continued safety and compliance.