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/41 Battery Thermal Sensor Connector 6/88
Applicability: All AS 350 Helicopters.
Requirement: Verify the presence of a shorting link between pins 2 and 3 of the battery thermal sensor receptacle 26P.
Compliance: Prior to 16 July 1988.
Background: The battery overheat warning light is connected to sockets 1 and 2 of plug 26P, whilst the thermal sensor which activates the light is connected to pins 1 and 3 of the mating receptacle 26P. A shorting link between pins 2 and 3 of the receptacle completes the circuit. The RAAF have advised that in one aircraft this shorting link was missing thus preventing any battery overheat being indicated.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and compliance of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislative instrument was introduced to address specific safety issues and maintain the airworthiness of aircraft by issuing mandatory safety directives. The Civil Aviation (Safety) Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia and aim to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation. This particular airworthiness directive, AD/ECUREUIL/41, addresses an issue identified with Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, focusing on the battery thermal sensor connector to prevent potential battery overheating and associated risks.
This directive mandates that all AS 350 helicopters must verify the presence of a shorting link between pins 2 and 3 of the battery thermal sensor receptacle 26P, a requirement that must be met before 16 July 1988. This was prompted by the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) discovery that a missing shorting link in one aircraft had led to the failure of the battery overheat warning system, highlighting a critical safety concern that needed to be addressed to ensure the integrity and safety of the aircraft's electrical systems.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters operating within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulatory directive mandates the verification of the presence of a shorting link between pins 2 and 3 of the battery thermal sensor receptacle 26P. This requirement is imperative to ensure the effective functioning of the battery overheat warning system, which is critical for the safety and operational integrity of these helicopters. Any non-compliance with this directive prior to 16 July 1988 could result in the failure of the battery overheat warning system, which was evidenced by the Royal Australian Air Force's finding of a missing shorting link in one aircraft. This regulation is enforceable across the national airspace and is intended to maintain uniform safety standards for all AS 350 helicopters operating in Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39, mandate specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) series helicopters. Section 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses a critical requirement for these helicopters, detailed in AD/ECUREUIL/41. This directive focuses on ensuring the presence of a shorting link between pins 2 and 3 of the battery thermal sensor receptacle 26P (Section 6/88). This requirement is applicable to all AS 350 helicopters, necessitating that the shorting link be verified prior to 16 July 1988.
To comply with this directive, operators and maintenance personnel must inspect the battery thermal sensor receptacle 26P on all AS 350 helicopters to confirm the presence of the shorting link. The directive stipulates that the battery overheat warning light is connected to sockets 1 and 2 of plug 26P, while the thermal sensor, which activates the light, is connected to pins 1 and 3 of the mating receptacle 26P. The completion of the circuit is dependent on the shorting link between pins 2 and 3 of the receptacle. The absence of this link, as evidenced in one Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, can prevent any battery overheat from being indicated, posing a significant safety risk.
The obligations under this directive are clear: operators and maintainers must ensure that the shorting link is present and functional. This involves conducting a thorough inspection of the specified components and making any necessary repairs or replacements. It is imperative that these checks are performed prior to the specified compliance date to avoid any non-compliance issues. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences, including grounding of the aircraft, until the issues are rectified.
Failure to comply with AD/ECUREUIL/41 may result in severe penalties and consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could result in imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the discretion of the court. Additionally, aircraft found to be non-compliant may be grounded, which can have significant operational and financial impacts on the operator. Therefore, it is essential for all parties involved in the maintenance and operation of AS 350 helicopters to adhere strictly to the requirements outlined in AD/ECUREUIL/41 to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.