AD/DAUPHIN/8 - Horizontal Stabiliser Spar Tube - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of directives by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular regulation, AD/DAUPHIN/8, pertains to the inspection of the horizontal stabiliser spar tube on Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series helicopters. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the regulation aims to rectify a safety concern identified in overseas operations, where three instances of fatigue failure in the stabiliser spar tube have been recorded. The policy objective is to ensure that these helicopters meet safety standards by mandating inspections within specific time intervals post-service hours, with the option of using magnetic particle inspection as an alternative to dye penetrant inspection. This regulation was established to mitigate the risk of further failures and maintain the operational safety of these aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all SA360C and SA365C/C1/C2 Dauphin series helicopters, mandating that they undergo inspection of the horizontal stabiliser spar tube. This regulation is applicable to these aircraft irrespective of the location of operation within Australia, thereby extending its reach across all jurisdictions where these helicopters are utilised. The requirement for inspection must be met within 10 hours of the helicopter being in service after the directive was issued on 9 October 1981, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service. The regulation permits the use of magnetic particle inspection as an alternative to dye penetrant, providing flexibility in compliance. This directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all helicopters of the specified models and series are subject to the inspection requirements. The scope of application is further extended by the ability to implement subordinate instruments to refine or expand on the directives as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, contain several key provisions concerning the airworthiness of aircraft, with Section 39-105 focusing on the Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/DAUPHIN/8, pertains to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, specifically addressing the inspection of the horizontal stabiliser spar tube. This directive, issued on 11/81, mandates that all SA360C and SA365C/C1 and C2 helicopters must undergo inspections of the horizontal stabiliser spar tube to prevent fatigue failure, a critical safety concern. Compliance with this directive requires an inspection within 10 hours of service time after 9 October 1981, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of service time. The obligations imposed by AD/DAUPHIN/8 are straightforward but critical. Operators of the specified Dauphin helicopters must ensure that inspections are carried out by qualified personnel, using either dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection methods. This ensures that any potential defects, such as cracks or other forms of fatigue damage, are detected and addressed before they can lead to catastrophic failure. The inspections must be meticulously documented and recorded, with the results being communicated to the relevant authorities to maintain compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/DAUPHIN/8 can result in significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these directives, and non-compliance can lead to penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The specific consequences may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potentially, criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an accident or serious incident. The exact penalties are determined by CASA and can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach.