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/58 Single-Pole Circuit Breakers 3/99
Applicability: Model AS 350 helicopters, versions B, BA, BB, B2, B3 and D equipped with the following single-pole circuit breakers manufactured by Crouzet:
Location | Rating | Part Number |
Emergency Flotation Gear Optional Installation | 5 Amp | 84 400 032 |
| 10 Amp | 84 400 034 |
Other Optional Installations | 1 Amp | 84 400 028 |
| 3 Amp | 84 400 031 |
| 7.5 Amp | 84 400 033 |
| 15 Amp | 84 400 035 |
| 20 Amp | 84 400 036 |
Two types of Crouzet circuit breakers may have been delivered under Eurocopter Part Number (P/N) 704A36-6120-XXX (X indicates any digit). These circuit breakers are either P/N 84 400 XXX or SP4696-XX. This Directive is only applicable to P/N 84 400 XXX circuit breakers.
Note 1: The circuit breakers are known to be installed on helicopters delivered between 24 April 1995 and 31 August 1996. The circuit breakers may also be installed on helicopters delivered prior to 24 April 1995 or after 31 August 1996 if circuit breakers have been replaced on optional installations since 24 April 1995 or if an optional installation was fitted between 24 April 1995 and 31 August 1996.
Requirement: 1. Check the functioning of all circuit breakers, listed in the above table, that are fitted to installations listed in paragraph 1D1 of Eurocopter AS 350 Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) 01.00.47 date code 98-47.
2. Apply the procedures detailed in paragraph 2B of the SB to all the circuit breakers for the remaining installations.
3. Test each circuit breaker held as spares that has a part number listed in this airworthiness directive, by applying a torque load and checking the circuit breaker in accordance with the directions given in paragraphs 2B(1) and 2B(2) of the SB.
4. The use of circuit breakers bearing the part numbers listed in this Airworthiness Directive is prohibited.
Note: DCAG AD 98-511-074(A) refers.
Compliance: 1. Within 200 hours time in service but no later than 26 June 1999.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
2. Prior to 1 January 2000.
3. Prior to installation.
4. From 31 December 1999.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 March 1999.
Background: This AD is issued to check for any loss of electrical continuity for single-pole circuit breakers bearing the part numbers listed. During testing by the OEM a loss of electrical continuity was discovered between the terminals of the circuit breaker in the engaged position. This loss was found to be due to deterioration of the circuit breaker operation brought about by excessive torque loading during installation.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One specific piece of legislation under this regulatory framework is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns related to specific aircraft components. AD/ECUREUIL/58, issued in 1999, pertains to the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) series helicopters and focuses on the mandatory checks and replacements of certain single-pole circuit breakers manufactured by Crouzet. The directive was introduced to address the identified problem of electrical continuity loss due to excessive torque loading, which could lead to critical safety issues. The objective of this directive is to ensure that all affected helicopters comply with the specified maintenance and replacement requirements to prevent potential electrical failures during operation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Eurocopter AS 350 series helicopters, versions B, BA, BB, B2, B3, and D, which are equipped with single-pole circuit breakers manufactured by Crouzet. This legislation mandates a comprehensive safety inspection and compliance procedure for certain circuit breakers installed in these helicopters to ensure airworthiness. The directive is specifically applicable to circuit breakers with part numbers 84 400 028, 84 400 031, 84 400 032, 84 400 033, 84 400 034, 84 400 035, and 84 400 036, which were delivered under Eurocopter Part Number 704A36-6120-XXX. Circuit breakers delivered under part numbers SP4696-XX are excluded from this directive. The requirement includes inspecting and testing the circuit breakers for loss of electrical continuity, applying specific procedures detailed in the Eurocopter Mandatory Service Bulletin, and prohibiting the use of the affected circuit breakers altogether. Compliance must be achieved within specific timeframes, with certain checks required within 200 hours of service, prior to January 1, 2000, prior to installation, and from December 31, 1999. This directive became effective on March 25, 1999, and extends its application nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically AD/ECUREUIL/58, concerns the airworthiness of Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters and the inspection and replacement of certain single-pole circuit breakers manufactured by Crouzet. The directive applies to AS 350 helicopters of various models (B, BA, BB, B2, B3, and D) equipped with specific Crouzet circuit breakers. The requirements outlined in the directive include a thorough examination and testing of the circuit breakers to ensure they function properly and do not pose a risk due to electrical continuity loss. This entails checking the circuit breakers installed on certain optional installations, testing spares with specific part numbers, and prohibiting the use of the affected circuit breakers.
The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the AD/ECUREUIL/58 mandate that operators and owners of the affected helicopters must comply with the specified inspection and testing procedures. This includes ensuring that all circuit breakers listed in the directive are checked within 200 hours of service or by 26 June 1999, whichever comes first, and before 1 January 2000. Furthermore, any circuit breakers held as spares with the specified part numbers must be tested, and the use of these circuit breakers is prohibited as of 31 December 1999. The regulations necessitate that the identified circuit breakers be replaced or removed from service to mitigate any potential safety hazards.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/ECUREUIL/58 can result in significant consequences. Operators and owners who do not adhere to the airworthiness directive may face legal repercussions, including potential fines and penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The non-compliance could lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary inspections and replacements are carried out. The severity of the penalties can vary, but the overarching aim is to ensure that the safety and airworthiness standards are maintained to prevent any risk to flight operations.