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/47 Single Pole Circuit Breakers 6/98
Applicability: Model SA 360 and SA 365 helicopters versions C, C1, C2 and C3 fitted with single pole circuit breakers manufactured by CROUZET bearing the following part numbers:
Circuit Breaker Rating | Part Number | Circuit Breaker Rating | Part Number |
1 Amp | 84 400 028 | 7.5 Amp | 84 400 033 |
2 Amp | 84 400 029 | 10 Amp | 84 400 034 |
2.5 Amp | 84 400 030 | 15 Amp | 84 400 035 |
3 Amp | 84 400 031 | 20 Amp | 84 400 036 |
5 Amp | 84 400 032 | 25 Amp | 84 400 037 |
Note: Two types of CROUZET circuit breakers may have been delivered under Eurocopter part number(PN) 704A36-6120-XX:
Circuit breaker CROUZET PN 84 400 XXX, or Circuit breaker CROUZET PN SP4696-XX.
This directive is only applicable to circuit breakers CROUZET PN 84 400 XXX.
Requirement: 1. Check, in accordance with paragraph 2 B of Eurocopter SA 360/365 Mandatory Service Bulletin No 01.36 dated 11 December 1997, all circuit breakers listed in the above table, which are fitted in systems referenced in paragraph 1 D 1 of the same service bulletin.
2. Check, in accordance with paragraph 2 B of the referenced service bulletin, the circuit breakers in the above table fitted in the remaining systems.
3. Test each CROUZET circuit breaker, held as a spare and bearing a part number listed in the above table, in accordance with paragraphs 2 B (1) and 2 B (2) of the referenced service bulletin.
4. The use of a circuit breaker bearing a part number listed in the above table is prohibited.
Note: DGAC AD 98-112-042(A) refers.
Compliance: 1. Within 100 hours time in service after 21 May 1998, but no later than 21 August 1998.
2. Within 500 hours time in service after 21 May 1998, but no later than 21 November 1998.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
3. Prior to installation.
4. After 31 December 1999.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 21 May 1998.
Background: This directive is issued to check for any loss of electrical continuity for single pole circuit breakers. Eurocopter has reported that during testing a loss of electrical continuity was discovered between the terminals of the circuit breaker in the engaged position. This loss was found to be due to deterioration of the circuit breaker operation brought about by excessive torque loading during installation.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, contain provisions for issuing airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft in Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/DAUPHIN/47, was introduced to address a specific issue with Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, particularly those fitted with single pole circuit breakers manufactured by CROUZET. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to mandate the inspection and replacement of certain circuit breakers to prevent any loss of electrical continuity, which could potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft. The directive was issued in response to reports of deterioration in circuit breaker operation due to excessive torque loading during installation. The objective is to ensure that these aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, focusing on the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This directive applies to all model SA 360 and SA 365 helicopters in versions C, C1, C2, and C3 that are equipped with specific single pole circuit breakers manufactured by CROUZET. These circuit breakers must bear particular part numbers as detailed in the directive. The directive sets out clear requirements for checking and testing these circuit breakers to ensure electrical continuity, which is critical for the safe operation of the helicopters. The directive also specifies the timeframes for compliance, ensuring that these checks are conducted within certain periods post the directive's effective date of 21 May 1998. The directive is applicable nationally, covering all relevant aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, and it does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, thereby applying broadly to the specified helicopter models and circuit breakers.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, Subpart 105, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically addresses the airworthiness of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This directive, identified as AD/DAUPHIN/47, pertains to single pole circuit breakers and their associated part numbers. The directive applies to model SA 360 and SA 365 helicopters in versions C, C1, C2, and C3, which are equipped with specific single pole circuit breakers manufactured by CROUZET, bearing particular part numbers. The directive mandates that all these circuit breakers be checked and tested to ensure they maintain electrical continuity and are not used if they do not meet the required standards.
The obligations under this directive are clearly defined. Operators of the affected helicopters must comply with the specified checks and tests on the circuit breakers. These include checking the circuit breakers in accordance with the instructions in paragraph 2 B of Eurocopter SA 360/365 Mandatory Service Bulletin No 01.36 dated 11 December 1997, for both installed and spare circuit breakers. It is critical that the checks are conducted within specific timeframes: within 100 hours of service after 21 May 1998, within 500 hours of service after the same date, prior to installation of any new breakers, and before the end of 1999. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in the prohibition of using the specified circuit breakers, as per the directive.
Failure to adhere to the provisions of this airworthiness directive can have significant consequences. The directive explicitly prohibits the use of any circuit breaker that does not meet the specified standards. There is no explicit mention of penalties in the text, but non-compliance could result in severe civil or criminal repercussions under Australian aviation law. Such consequences may include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the affected aircraft until compliance is achieved. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the helicopters involved.