Overview

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Act 1998, specifically through subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, targets an identified safety issue in certain Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced in response to two incidents where cracks were found in the planet gear carriers of the main gearboxes of these helicopters, which could potentially lead to the seizure of the gearboxes if left unaddressed. The directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and its objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific checks on the main gearbox magnetic plug. This AD became effective on 19 November 2004, and outlines the necessary actions to be taken to rectify the unsafe condition identified in the main gearbox components of the specified helicopter models.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) pertains specifically to the maintenance and safety of Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This directive applies to all Eurocopter helicopters within the specified series, including the SA 365 N and N1, AS 365 N2 and N3, SA 366 G1, SA 365 C, C1, C2 and C3, and SA 360. The directive is intended to address an unsafe condition identified in the main gearbox (MGB) magnetic plug, both with and without electrical indicating, and mandates specific actions to be taken in accordance with detailed instructions provided in the applicable reference documents. The directive is effective from 19 November 2004 and applies throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. Compliance with the AD is mandatory for all specified aircraft, with checks to be performed at specific intervals depending on the flying hours of the MGB, and before the next flight if the chip warning light is illuminated. This AD extends its application through the reference to approved revisions of the Alert Telexes and the requirement to adhere to the instructions set out within.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions for certain Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters to address a safety concern identified in the main gearbox (MGB). Specifically, Section 1 of the AD (AD/DAUPHIN/74) requires operators to check the MGB magnetic plug, both with and without electrical indicating, in accordance with Paragraph 2B of the applicable reference document. This directive applies to a range of Eurocopter models, including SA 365 N and N1, AS 365 N2 and N3, SA 366 G1, SA 365 C, C1, C2, and C3, SA 360. The checks must be performed in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section and at the specified times outlined in the compliance section. The obligations imposed by the AD are clear and directive. Operators of the specified helicopters must conduct the checks as per the AD’s requirements. For MGBs with less than 50 flying hours on the effective date of the directive, the checks must occur at the next Annual Limit Flight (ALF) check before the MGB exceeds 50 flying hours and thereafter, at intervals not exceeding 10 flying hours. For MGBs with 50 flying hours or more on the effective date, the checks must occur within 10 flying hours of the directive’s effective date and then at intervals not exceeding 10 flying hours. Additionally, for rotorcraft equipped with an MGB magnetic plug with electrical indicating, checks must be made before the next flight after the illumination of the chip warning light. Failure to comply with the AD can result in significant consequences. The directive highlights the potential for severe safety issues, such as the seizure of the MGB, if the specified checks are not performed. While the AD does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to enforce compliance and may take action against operators who do not adhere to the AD. This could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other regulatory actions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with safety standards. The seriousness of the potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the AD.