Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), specifically Part 39 - 105, contains an Airworthiness Directive issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns related to the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. The directive, AD/ECUREUIL/76, was enacted to address a potential unsafe condition identified with certain AS 350 version B3 helicopters. The directive was issued on 3 May 2002 and became effective on 13 June 2002, requiring the removal of a shunt from connector 38 Delta b in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 24.00.09 dated 18 March 2002. This action was necessitated by the potential for wiring errors that could lead to an overload of the electrical power generating system and subsequent disconnection of the generator. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of AS 350 version B3 helicopters and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the effective date of the directive.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/ECUREUIL/76 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, namely the AS 350 version B3 helicopters that do not have Modification 073146 embodied and possess specific serial numbers as listed in the applicability section. This AD is issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address an identified unsafe condition related to the electrical power system of the specified helicopters. The requirement mandates that the shunt be removed from connector 38 Delta b in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 24.00.09 dated 18 March 2002. The compliance period stipulates that this action must be undertaken within 100 hours of time in service after the effective date of the directive, which is 13 June 2002. This directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforceable under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, with any notifications or changes published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) require the removal of a shunt from connector 38 Delta b on specified Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters. This action is mandated to correct an unsafe condition identified in the electrical power generating system of the affected aircraft, specifically where the basic 150 Amp system is fitted with a cable loom designed for the optional 200 Amp system. This wiring anomaly can lead to an overload of the electrical power generating system, potentially resulting in the generator disconnecting. The requirement to remove the shunt from connector 38 Delta b is detailed in the requirement section and must be performed in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 24.00.09 dated 18 March 2002. The AD specifies that this action must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after the effective date of the directive, which is 13 June 2002. The obligations imposed by this AD are stringent and clearly defined. Operators of the specified Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters must ensure that the identified wiring issue is addressed promptly and in accordance with the instructions provided in the Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin. This involves the physical removal of the shunt from connector 38 Delta b, which is a precise and technical task that must be performed by qualified personnel. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious safety implications, including the potential for generator disconnection during flight, which poses a risk to the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Operators must maintain records of the compliance with this AD to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD can lead to serious consequences. Under the CAR 1998, non-compliance with an AD can be considered a breach of civil aviation regulations, potentially leading to enforcement actions. The maximum penalties for contravening ADs can include fines and other civil or administrative sanctions. In more severe cases, repeated non-compliance or failure to rectify the unsafe condition could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required action is taken, thereby preventing the aircraft from being operated until it meets the safety standards prescribed by CASA. Such actions are taken to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained across all operations within Australia's airspace.