AD/DAUPHIN/6 Amdt 2 - Tail Rotor Head - Rotating Fairings and Hub Body

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of Part 39 - 105, address the safety and maintenance requirements for civil aviation operations within Australia. Specifically, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives includes AD/DAUPHIN/6 Amendment 2, which targets the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. Enacted by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Authority, this amendment seeks to address specific safety concerns associated with the tail rotor head rotating fairings and hub body. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that all relevant models, SA 360, SA 361, and SA 365, equipped with the identified parts, undergo thorough inspections to maintain airworthiness standards and prevent potential safety hazards. This legislative instrument amends the prior directive concerning the inspection certification requirements, ensuring that the maintenance release documents clearly indicate when maintenance is necessary. Compliance with the directive involves inspections in accordance with Aerospatiale SA 360/365 Service Bulletin No. 05.05.R1, with a specific note that the inspection mandated by Para 1C(1) may be performed by the pilot in command without requiring additional certification. The directive mandates that a copy of the requirement document be carried on board the aircraft at all times.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with a particular focus on the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This legislation applies to all models SA 360, SA 361, and SA 365 that are equipped with specified rotating fairings and tail rotor hub parts numbers. The requirement is to inspect these components in accordance with Aerospatiale SA 360/365 S.B. No. 05.05.R1, as noted in DGAC AD 83-200-19(b). Compliance with these directives is mandatory, and the results must be documented in the Maintenance Release as maintenance required. Interestingly, the inspection mandated by Para 1C(1) can be performed by the pilot in command, although certification is not required in such cases. A copy of the Requirement Document must be carried in the aircraft at all times. Amendment 2 to this directive modifies the inspection certification requirements, underscoring the importance of staying current with these regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types. Within this context, AD/DAUPHIN/6Amdt 2 pertains to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, focusing on the tail rotor head rotating fairings and hub body. The directive applies to all models SA 360, SA 361, and SA 365 equipped with specific rotating fairings and tail rotor hub part numbers. The requirement outlined in the directive mandates that inspections be conducted in accordance with Aerospatiale SA 360/365 S.B. No. 05.05.R1, referencing DGAC AD 83-200-19(b) for additional guidance. Compliance with this directive necessitates adherence to the detailed instructions in the requirement document. Additionally, if the inspection is performed by the pilot in command, certification is not required, although a copy of the requirement document must be carried on board the aircraft. This directive must also be recorded on the Maintenance Release as maintenance required. Entities governed by this directive, such as aircraft operators and maintenance service providers, must ensure that inspections of the specified components are carried out as outlined. They must maintain compliance with the requirement document and ensure that any inspections performed by the pilot in command are properly documented. The documentation must be readily available on the aircraft to demonstrate compliance with the directive. The AD/DAUPHIN/6Amdt 2 amendment modifies the certification requirements for inspections, indicating that updated practices or procedures may need to be adopted. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/DAUPHIN/6Amdt 2 could result in various civil and criminal consequences. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to aircraft being grounded, which can have significant operational impacts. Furthermore, violations may be subject to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Civil penalties may be imposed, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of air operator certificates or maintenance certificates. In more serious cases, criminal charges could be brought against individuals or companies responsible for non-compliance, leading to imprisonment or significant fines as stipulated under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties depend on the severity and circumstances of the breach, but the potential for substantial repercussions underscores the importance of strict adherence to the directive.