AD/DAUPHIN/40 - Main Rotor Shaft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, provides detailed directives for maintaining the airworthiness of various aircraft, including the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to address safety concerns by ensuring that civil aviation adheres to stringent safety standards. The policy objective of this regulation is to maintain and enhance the safety of air travel by requiring specific actions to be taken for identified safety issues, such as the corrosion found on the main rotor shaft of certain Dauphin helicopters. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be carried out in accordance with the specified Eurocopter France Telex Service notices. This regulation specifically targets Dauphin helicopters equipped with certain main rotor shaft parts, mandating that these components be inspected and maintained to prevent corrosion-related failures. By doing so, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to mitigate risks associated with air travel, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before they are allowed to operate.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of airworthiness directives for certain aircraft, including the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This regulation applies to all model SA 365 helicopters versions C, C1, C2, C3, N, N1 and N2, provided they are equipped with a main rotor shaft P/N 365A31-1179-00, -01, -02, -03, -04 or -21 with a serial number less than 10000. The directive necessitates compliance with the Eurocopter France Telex Service No 01-31 or 01-31, as applicable, and references French DGAC AD 93-066-037(B)R1 and 93-065-034(B)R1. The directive is intended to address corrosion issues on the main rotor shaft identified during overhaul, ensuring continued airworthiness. The requirement for compliance is detailed in the associated requirement document. This regulation applies within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority overseeing compliance. Subordinate instruments may extend or modify the application of this directive, ensuring that the specified safety measures are adhered to by the relevant entities and operators of the affected helicopters.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) for certain aircraft models to ensure safety in aviation. In this case, AD/DAUPHIN/40 pertains to Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters, specifically targeting those equipped with a particular main rotor shaft (section 1). The applicability of this directive is limited to model SA 365 helicopters in versions C, C1, C2, C3, N, N1, and N2 that are fitted with main rotor shaft P/N 365A31-1179-00, -01, -02, -03, -04, or -21 with serial numbers less than 10000 (section 2). The directive requires action in accordance with Eurocopter France Telex Service No 01-31 or 01-39, as applicable (section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that all specified SA 365 helicopters undergo the necessary inspection and maintenance to address any corrosion found on the main rotor shaft during overhaul (section 4). This compliance must be carried out in strict adherence to the detailed instructions provided by Eurocopter France, referencing Telex Service No 01-31 or 01-39, ensuring that the maintenance is performed correctly and safely (section 5). Additionally, the compliance requirements necessitate the use of specific documentation, such as DGAC AD 93-066-037(B)R1 and 93-065-034(B)R1, which provide further guidance on the procedures and standards to be met (section 6). Failure to comply with these ADs can result in severe consequences. The regulations establish that non-compliance with the requirements set out in AD/DAUPHIN/40 may lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (section 7). Penalties for non-compliance may include fines, and in severe cases, the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are taken and compliance is verified (section 8). The exact penalties, including the maximum fines, are stipulated within the broader civil aviation legislative framework and can vary based on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance (section 9). It is imperative for operators and maintenance personnel to adhere to these directives to avoid legal repercussions and to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.