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/31
Amdt 1
Rear RH & LH Steps 10/87
Applicability: All model AS 350 equipped with both raised skid-type landing gear and emergency flotation gear installations and which are not modified in accordance with Aerospatiale modification AMS 350 A07-1755.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Aerospatiale AS 350 Telex Service 32-06A.
Note: Bureau Veritas AD 86-30-43(B) refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, prior to 18 April 1986 and thereafter at each installation of the emergency flotation equipment.
Background: The possibility of interference between the steps fitted to the raised skid type landing gear and the RH and LH flotation bags in the inflated configuration has been noted. This Directive has been reissued to ensure removal of the steps to preclude flotation bag puncture on pre-mod AMS 350 A07-1755 aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically addressing the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, known as AD/ECUREUIL/31 Amendment 1, which pertains to the rear right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) steps. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the identified safety issue of potential interference between the steps on the raised skid-type landing gear and the right and left flotation bags when they are inflated, which could result in punctures of the flotation bags. The directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure compliance and safety within the aviation sector, with a clear requirement for action in line with Aerospatiale's instructions, as referenced in the AD. The policy objective is to enhance safety by ensuring that the specified helicopters do not operate with these potential hazards, thus protecting both crew and passengers.
The AD specifies that all AS 350 helicopters equipped with both raised skid-type landing gear and emergency flotation gear installations, which have not been modified in accordance with Aerospatiale modification AMS 350 A07-1755, must comply with the directive. The compliance requirement is stringent, mandating that the steps be removed before 18 April 1986 and at each subsequent installation of the emergency flotation equipment. This directive aims to mitigate risks associated with flotation bag damage, ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the maintenance of airworthiness and safety standards within the aviation sector in Australia. This legislation applies to all Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters equipped with both raised skid-type landing gear and emergency flotation gear installations, provided they have not been modified in accordance with Aerospatiale modification AMS 350 A07-1755. The regulation mandates adherence to Aerospatiale AS 350 Telex Service 32-06A, ensuring the removal of specific steps to prevent puncture of the flotation bags when inflated. The requirement for compliance must be met unless already accomplished, prior to 18 April 1986, and at each installation of the emergency flotation equipment thereafter. The scope of this directive extends nationally, ensuring a uniform standard across all states and territories within Australia. The regulation is a critical aspect of maintaining operational safety and compliance for the specified helicopter models.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in PART 39 - 105, contains detailed provisions concerning airworthiness directives for various aircraft types, including the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. Section AD/ECUREUIL/31 Amendment 1 focuses on the rear right and left steps of these helicopters (section 1). The directive applies to all AS 350 models equipped with both raised skid-type landing gear and emergency flotation gear installations, provided they have not been modified in accordance with Aerospatiale modification AMS 350 A07-1755 (section 2).
This legislative instrument mandates that operators must comply with Aerospatiale AS 350 Telex Service 32-06A to address the potential for interference between the landing gear steps and the flotation bags when inflated (section 3). Compliance must be achieved unless the steps have already been removed, with the requirement being to complete the action prior to 18 April 1986 and subsequently at each installation of the emergency flotation equipment (section 4). The directive references Bureau Veritas AD 86-30-43(B) as a relevant document for further guidance.
Operators of the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters must ensure that the specified modifications are carried out to prevent punctures to the flotation bags, which can occur if the landing gear steps interfere with the flotation bags when inflated. Failure to comply with this directive could lead to safety issues during emergency water landings, potentially compromising the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols to maintain the airworthiness of these helicopters.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance with this airworthiness directive within the legislative instrument. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe consequences under broader aviation regulations. These may include enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), potential grounding of the aircraft, and significant civil or criminal penalties if the non-compliance leads to an accident or endangers safety. It is crucial for operators to ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and to maintain the highest safety standards in aviation operations.