AD/DAUPHIN/7 - Long Slides for Pilot & Co-Pilot Seats - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, form the regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia and were enacted by the Australian Parliament. Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives includes specific directives to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/DAUPHIN/7, pertains to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, specifically addressing the modification of long slides for the pilot and co-pilot seats. This directive was introduced to address a safety concern related to the deformation of long slides in models fitted with bucket seats and long slides prior to the modification outlined in AMS 365A.07.1653. The policy objective is to enhance the structural integrity of the seating system to ensure safety during flight operations. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a specified deadline of 31 July 1981, to mitigate potential risks associated with seat slide deformation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters equipped with bucket seats and long slides, as detailed in Airworthiness Directive AD/DAUPHIN/7. This legislation mandates compliance with Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 25.08 for aircraft fitted with these seat configurations prior to modification AMS 365A.07.1653. The directive requires the installation of a doubler plate on the long slides to prevent deformation, with compliance expected before 31 July 1981. This regulation ensures that the specified aircraft meet airworthiness standards and is applicable within the jurisdictional reach of the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or thresholds but relies on subordinate instruments to detail specific compliance requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. Specifically, AD/DAUPHIN/7 (section 8/81) pertains to the installation of long slides for the pilot and co-pilot seats. This directive applies to models equipped with bucket seats and long slides before the modification AMS 365A.07.1653 (section 8/81). The compliance date for these modifications is before 31 July 1981, and the directive references Dauphin SB No. 25.08. The primary requirement of section 8/81 is the installation of a doubler plate to prevent deformation of the long slides. This measure is critical for ensuring the safety and durability of the seats in the aircraft. Operators and owners of affected Dauphin helicopters must ensure that the specified modification is completed to maintain compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations. The installation of the doubler plate must adhere to the technical specifications outlined in Dauphin SB No. 25.08. Operators and owners of the affected Dauphin helicopters have several obligations under this directive. They must ensure that the long slides for the pilot and co-pilot seats are modified as specified, with the installation of the doubler plate completed before the compliance date of 31 July 1981. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to operational restrictions or grounding of the helicopter. Additionally, operators must maintain records of the modifications carried out to demonstrate compliance with the AD/DAUPHIN/7 directive. Non-compliance with the provisions of AD/DAUPHIN/7 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose penalties for failure to adhere to airworthiness directives. The maximum penalty for an individual found guilty of not complying with these regulations can include fines up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. For corporations, the penalties can be significantly higher, with fines reaching up to $100,000. Furthermore, the failure to comply with these safety directives can also result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, thereby preventing the aircraft from operating until the required modifications are completed.