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/49 Lucas Air Equipment Hoist - Explosive Squib 12/92
Applicability: All AS 350 series helicopters, listed in the requirement document, fitted with Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370 (all models) with serial numbers up to and including 494.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.46 dated 25 May 1992.
Compliance: Installed Hoists - Prior to the first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992, where a pyrotechnic squib is installed (AD/SUPP/12 refers), but no later than 31 December 1992.
Spare Hoists - Prior to installation.
Background: Eurocopter have advised that the possibility exists that the hoist squib may be incorrectly connected. Compliance with this Directive is necessary to ensure that the pyrotechnic squib will fire correctly when required.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were introduced to regulate civil aviation safety across the country. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations is F2006B09354, which addresses an issue related to the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. The problem identified was the potential for an incorrect connection of the hoist squib in the Lucas Air Equipment hoist, which could result in the pyrotechnic squib not firing correctly when required. To mitigate this safety risk, the legislation mandates compliance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.46, ensuring that installed hoists are addressed before the first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992 and spare hoists are dealt with before installation, no later than 31 December 1992. The policy objective is to ensure the airworthiness of these helicopters, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to airworthiness directives, governs the application of the legislative instrument F2006B09354. This regulation applies to all Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) series helicopters that are equipped with the Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370, including models with serial numbers up to and including 494. The directive is mandatory and requires compliance with the instructions laid out in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.46 dated 25 May 1992. The primary purpose of this directive is to ensure that the pyrotechnic squib is correctly installed and functions as intended, mitigating the risk of incorrect connections that could compromise safety. For installed hoists, the compliance must be achieved before the first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992, but no later than 31 December 1992, while spare hoists must comply before they are installed. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified models and components, and it does not extend to other aircraft or equipment not fitting the described criteria.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this regulation, found under PART 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertain specifically to the applicability and requirements of the Airworthiness Directive (AD/ECUREUIL/49) for the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters (section 39.105). This directive mandates compliance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.46, dated 25 May 1992, which addresses the potential issue of an incorrectly connected pyrotechnic squib in the Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370. The directive applies to all AS 350 series helicopters with specific serial numbers up to and including 494. The requirement is that installed hoists must comply with the directive prior to their first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992, but no later than 31 December 1992, while spare hoists must comply prior to installation.
This Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on the operators and owners of AS 350 series helicopters that fall under the scope of this directive. They must ensure that the pyrotechnic squib in the Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370 is correctly installed and functioning, as per the guidance provided in the Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.46. This involves adhering to the compliance dates specified: installed hoists must meet the directive before their first mission post-12 November 1992 and no later than 31 December 1992, while spare hoists must comply prior to their installation. Non-compliance with these requirements could potentially compromise the safety of hoisting operations, which is paramount in aviation.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties for breach are not outlined in the text, it is known that non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory sanctions. The severity of the penalties may depend on the extent and impact of the non-compliance on aviation safety. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety and reliability of the Eurocopter AS 350 series helicopters in operation.