AD/DAUPHIN/66 Amdt 1 - Flight Control Stop Screws

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Amendment Instrument 2004 (F2006B08776) was enacted to address an unsafe condition identified in certain models of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This legislative instrument was introduced to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by correcting a potential defect in the flight control systems. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), under its regulatory powers, issued this amendment to an existing Airworthiness Directive (AD). The policy objective of this amendment was to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that the specified helicopters conform to the necessary safety standards, thereby preventing potential hazards such as rotor under-speed during an auto-rotation situation. This directive specifically targets the yaw channel auxiliary flight control stops, mandating corrective actions as outlined in the Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin. The CASA delegate’s role in this process is to ensure that the identified safety measures are implemented within the stipulated timeframe, thereby maintaining the integrity of the aviation safety framework in Australia.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, applies to specific models of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, namely the AS 365 N, N1, N2, and N3 helicopters, excluding those that have already incorporated MOD 0767B58. The directive mandates specific actions concerning the yaw channel auxiliary flight control stops to rectify identified safety concerns, as detailed in the requirement section of the directive. This directive is applicable to the mentioned models in the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforceable within specified time frames: within 100 flight hours after 30 October 2003, or within 500 flight hours or 1 year after the same date, whichever comes first. The directive became effective on 2 September 2004, following an incident reported with a Model EC 120 helicopter where the collective lever could be pushed beyond its normal position due to maladjusted flight control stops. The directive is subject to the compliance periods stipulated and is a response to a revision of the related French DGAC AD F-2003-322 R1.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/DAUPHIN/66 Amendment 1 pertains to specific models of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. The directive mandates specific actions to address an unsafe condition identified in the yaw channel auxiliary flight control stops. The directive applies to AS 365 N, N1, N2, and N3 models that do not have MOD 0767B58 incorporated. As per the requirement section, actions must be taken in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1 and 2.B.2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin AS 365 N No. 67.00.09 R1. The compliance period requires the actions to be completed within 100 flight hours after 30 October 2003, if not already done, and within 500 flight hours or 1 year from the same date, whichever comes first. The AD imposes clear obligations on the owners or operators of the affected helicopters. They must ensure that the specified maintenance actions are carried out as outlined in the directive. These obligations are designed to correct the identified unsafe condition and prevent potential hazards such as rotor under-speed during auto-rotation. Failure to comply with the AD could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding until the required actions are completed. Breach of the requirements set out in this AD can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against non-compliance, which can include administrative penalties, fines, or even the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. The exact penalties depend on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but they are intended to ensure strict adherence to the safety directives. The directive aims to mitigate risks associated with the identified unsafe condition, ensuring the continued safe operation of the affected helicopters.