COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter EC 135 Series Helicopters
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/EC 135/7 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Background: The German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt has advised that several instances have been reported of a FADEC FAIL caution indication being displayed for one engine. The caution display was caused by a parameter discrepancy, which was generated within the Fuel Main Metering Unit and transmitted to the FADEC. This discrepancy may lead to “freezing” of the Fuel Main Metering Valve at its momentary position, resulting in loss of the automatic engine control in the affected system.
The original issue of this Directive introduced a synchronisation procedure that prevented the occurrence of the discrepancy between the parameters and thus sustained the automatic engine control.
This amendment limits the applicability to EC 135 T1 helicopters fitted with Arrius 2B1 engines and requires the installation of a new software version designed to prevent failure of the automatic engine control in those helicopters.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
The original issue of this Directive became effective on 2 November 2001.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 5 December 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 January 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety issues with the Eurocopter EC 135 Series Helicopters. This AD was enacted to rectify an unsafe condition identified in the FADEC system of certain EC 135 T1 helicopters fitted with Arrius 2B1 engines. The problem addressed by this legislation involves a potential discrepancy in the Fuel Main Metering Unit, which could lead to the freezing of the Fuel Main Metering Valve, thereby causing a loss of automatic engine control. The policy objective behind this AD is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by implementing corrective measures, thereby enhancing flight safety. CASA, as the delegate of the Commonwealth of Australia, issued this AD to mandate the installation of a new software version designed to prevent the failure of the automatic engine control in the affected helicopters, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains specifically to Eurocopter EC 135 Series helicopters, particularly those of the T1 variant fitted with Arrius 2B1 engines. This regulatory action applies to aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within the Commonwealth of Australia, necessitating compliance with the directive's requirements to address a specific safety concern. The AD mandates corrective actions to prevent the occurrence of a FADEC FAIL caution indication, which can result from a parameter discrepancy in the Fuel Main Metering Unit. This discrepancy can lead to the freezing of the Fuel Main Metering Valve, thereby compromising the automatic engine control. The directive applies to the identified aircraft model and engine configuration, and compliance must be achieved according to the specified timeframe. The directive's scope is clearly defined, and no exclusions or exemptions are explicitly mentioned in the text, indicating that all affected aircraft must adhere to the requirements. The directive may be further elaborated or modified through subordinate instruments, ensuring that safety standards are consistently upheld.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) focuses on Eurocopter EC 135 Series Helicopters, specifically those equipped with Arrius 2B1 engines. This directive, which is an amendment to a previously issued directive, aims to address safety concerns regarding the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system of the helicopters (section 39.105). The directive mandates that corrective actions be taken by the helicopter operators in response to reported instances of a FADEC FAIL caution indication for one engine, which can arise from a parameter discrepancy in the Fuel Main Metering Unit. The primary requirement is the installation of a new software version designed to prevent the freezing of the Fuel Main Metering Valve, ensuring the automatic engine control remains operational.
Operators of the specified Eurocopter EC 135 T1 helicopters are required to comply with the provisions of this AD. This includes conducting the necessary maintenance or modifications as outlined in the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft (section 39.105). The compliance period for this directive is outlined in the directive, providing a timeframe within which the specified actions must be completed. Operators must ensure that all modifications and checks are carried out in accordance with the instructions provided and that the aircraft meets the specified safety standards before resuming operations.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliance, which can include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory penalties. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with ADs are significant, reflecting the importance of maintaining the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Operators must ensure that they adhere strictly to the requirements of the directive to avoid these potential consequences.