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/50
Amdt 1
Main Rotor Pitch Change Horn Bushes 7/93
DM
Applicability: Models B, D, B1, B2, and BA fitted with pitch change horns P/N 350A31-1877-02 that are not marked with an “X” after the part number, and have a serial number less than 100-000.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter SB 350 62.21 R1.
Note: DGAC AD 92-179-064(B) refers.
Compliance: 1. Paragraph 1.C.1.: Within 50 hours time in service after 12 May 1993, and
2. If required, paragraph 1.C.2.b.: within 300 hours time in service after 12 May 1993.
The effective date of the initial issue of this Directive was 12 November 1992.
Background: The initial issue of the Directive was due to the discovery of pitch change horn bushes that were incorrectly tapered and could possibly cause failure of the pitch change horn to rod connecting bolt. Amendment 1 revises Applicability to include all pitch change horn serial numbers to 100-000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, represent a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), is designed to address various aspects of aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives to ensure that aircraft meet the required safety standards. One such directive, F2006B09356, pertains to the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters and specifically addresses issues with the main rotor pitch change horn bushes. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the potential failure of the pitch change horn to rod connecting bolt due to incorrectly tapered bushes. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified helicopter models by mandating specific maintenance actions in accordance with Eurocopter Service Bulletin 350 62.21 R1.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issues Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. This particular directive applies to Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, specifically models B, D, B1, B2, and BA, which are fitted with pitch change horn bushes P/N 350A31-1877-02 that are not marked with an "X" after the part number and have a serial number less than 100-000. The directive mandates compliance with Eurocopter SB 350 62.21 R1, and references DGAC AD 92-179-064(B). The directive requires specific actions to be taken within certain time frames after 12 May 1993, specifically within 50 hours of time in service, and if necessary, within 300 hours of time in service. This directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, reinforcing the commitment to stringent safety standards in the aviation industry. The directive does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is directly governed by the regulations outlined within the directive itself.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and safety of aircraft, including helicopters. For the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, Airworthiness Directive AD/ECUREUIL/50 Amendment 1 is pertinent. This directive, which was first issued on 12 November 1992, pertains to the main rotor pitch change horn bushes of certain models. According to section 1.C.1, the action required under this directive must be taken within 50 hours of time in service after 12 May 1993 for the specified models B, D, B1, B2, and BA, provided they are fitted with pitch change horns P/N 350A31-1877-02 and do not have an “X” after the part number, and have a serial number less than 100-000. If further action is required, as outlined in paragraph 1.C.2.b, it must be completed within 300 hours of time in service after 12 May 1993.
Operators of the specified Eurocopter AS 350 helicopters are obligated to adhere to the requirements set out in this airworthiness directive. They must ensure that the necessary maintenance or modifications are performed in accordance with the manufacturer's service bulletin SB 350 62.21 R1. This involves addressing the identified issue with the pitch change horn bushes, which were incorrectly tapered and could potentially lead to failure of the pitch change horn to rod connecting bolt. By complying with this directive, operators help to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of their aircraft.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in serious safety implications, potentially leading to in-flight failures and accidents. While specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in this directive, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to civil penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Additionally, operators may face criminal charges if non-compliance results in an accident or endangers safety, which could lead to imprisonment or more substantial fines. Therefore, it is crucial for operators to adhere to the specified timelines and requirements to avoid these consequences.