COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/ECUREUIL/26
Amdt 1
Air Cruisers Emergency Flotation System - Inspection/Modification
4/85
Applicability: All models which have Air Cruisers emergency flotation kits in accordance with FAA STC SH2825SW (Model 350D, D1, C) or STC SH4032SW (Model 350B).
Document: Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation SB350-18.
Note: FAA AD 83-11-01 R1 Amdt 39-4959 refers.
Compliance: Unless previously accomplished, as detailed in the requirement document.
Background: In a recent ditching incident, the right hand Air Cruisers emergency float failed to deploy. Such failure in a future ditching incident could lead to loss of the helicopter and to injury to its occupants or loss of life. A further sampling of AS 350 Air Cruisers emergency flotation system revealed several cases of damaged electrical squib harnesses due to chafing on the float bottle valve assembly side plate and its associated hardware. This chafing could lead to similar incidents.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically amended under PART 39 - 105 by AD/ECUREUIL/26, was introduced to address critical safety concerns with the emergency flotation systems of Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. This legislation was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and aims to enhance the safety of air travel by ensuring that the emergency flotation systems on these helicopters are reliable and effective in the event of a water landing. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of helicopter loss and occupant injury or fatality by mandating inspections and modifications to the Air Cruisers emergency flotation kits installed on affected models. The regulation targets all models equipped with Air Cruisers emergency flotation kits as per specific FAA-approved modifications, ensuring that these systems are regularly inspected and repaired to prevent potential failures.
The legislation references a recent incident where an emergency float failed to deploy during a ditching, highlighting the urgency for corrective action. The regulation draws on findings from a FAA investigation and subsequent amendments, emphasizing the need for compliance with detailed requirements outlined in the Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation SB350-18 document. By implementing these measures, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority seeks to bolster the integrity of the flotation systems and enhance overall aviation safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives and applies to all Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series helicopters equipped with Air Cruisers emergency flotation kits, as per FAA STC SH2825SW (Model 350D, D1, C) or STC SH4032SW (Model 350B). The directive AD/ECUREUIL/26 Amendment 1 focuses on the inspection and modification of these emergency flotation systems to prevent failures during ditching incidents, which could otherwise result in severe injuries or fatalities. The regulation applies nationally, overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive mandates compliance unless the specified inspections and modifications have already been carried out, as detailed in the referenced requirement document. This regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, implying that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the requirements outlined. Any additional clarifications or extensions of the directive’s application are typically addressed through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives concerning the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, mandate a specific inspection and modification of the Air Cruisers emergency flotation system. This directive, referenced as AD/ECUREUIL/26 Amendment 1, applies to all models of the Eurocopter AS 350 series that are equipped with Air Cruisers emergency flotation kits as per FAA STC SH2825SW (Model 350D, D1, C) or STC SH4032SW (Model 350B). The directive refers to the Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation Service Bulletin SB350-18 and is an amendment to the FAA AD 83-11-01 R1 Amendment 39-4959. It requires compliance unless the specified modifications have already been carried out as detailed in the directive document.
The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of the Eurocopter AS 350 series helicopters. Operators of these aircraft are required to inspect and, if necessary, modify the Air Cruisers emergency flotation system to prevent failures during ditching incidents. This includes checking for and repairing any damage to the electrical squib harnesses caused by chafing on the float bottle valve assembly side plate and its associated hardware. The modifications must be performed in accordance with the Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation Service Bulletin SB350-18 to ensure the integrity and functionality of the emergency flotation system.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant safety risks. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance with this specific directive, non-compliance generally could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential consequences might include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory penalties. Additionally, in the event that non-compliance results in an accident or incident, operators could face further legal repercussions including civil liability for damages and injuries. It is crucial for operators to adhere to these directives to maintain the airworthiness and safety of their aircraft.