AD/DAUPHIN/9 - Horizontal Stabiliser Attachment Flanges - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, introduced Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. AD/DAUPHIN/9, which pertains to the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters, was enacted to address the reported failures of the stabiliser attachment flanges in helicopters that have been modified according to Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 55.04. The problem this legislation targets is the specific failure of the horizontal stabiliser attachment flanges, which has been noted in several instances, particularly in aircraft that have undergone the lateral fin setting modification. The objective of this directive, as outlined in the regulation, is to ensure compliance with the detailed requirements set forth in the relevant service bulletin, Dauphin SB No. 55.05, to mitigate the risk of such failures and thereby enhance the overall safety of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) Series Helicopters. This regulation applies to all model SA 365 helicopters that have undergone modifications in accordance with Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 55.04, which involves the setting of lateral fins. The directive mandates modifications to the horizontal stabiliser attachment flanges to address several reported instances of failure in this component. Compliance with the directive is to be carried out as detailed in the requirement document, Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 55.05, which references DGAC AD 82-136-14(B). The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulatory framework ensures that all relevant helicopters meet specific safety standards, thereby enhancing aviation safety across the country.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that governs the modifications required for various aircraft. Section AD/DAUPHIN/9 focuses on the Eurocopter SA 360 and SA 365 (Dauphin) series helicopters. This particular directive concerns the modification of the horizontal stabiliser attachment flanges (paragraph 1/83). It applies to all SA365 helicopters that have been modified in accordance with Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 55.04, which involves the setting of lateral fins at eight specific settings. The directive references Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 55.05 and notes that DGAC AD 82-136-14(B) is also relevant. Compliance with this directive is to be detailed in the requirement document, which outlines the necessary modifications to ensure airworthiness. The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties or entities include ensuring that all applicable SA365 helicopters undergo the specified modifications to their horizontal stabiliser attachment flanges. The modifications must be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in Dauphin Service Bulletin No. 55.05. This ensures that the structural integrity of the helicopter's horizontal stabiliser is maintained, thus preventing potential failures that have been reported in similar aircraft. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and failure to adhere to the specified modifications may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this directive can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence. This can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can involve imprisonment. The maximum penalties for offences under these regulations can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. It is crucial for operators and owners of SA365 helicopters to ensure that they adhere to the directive to avoid any legal repercussions and to maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.