AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/ECUREUIL/77 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/ECUREUIL/77
Amdt 1
Horizontal Situation Indicator 5/2004
Applicability: AS 350 helicopters Versions B, BA, B1, B2, B3, BB and D equipped with Bendix/King KI 525A Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI).
Requirement: 1. Check the part number (P/N) of the KI 525A HSI installed on the helicopter.
Initially, no further action is necessary if the P/N is not 066-3046-07.
2. If the P/N is 066-3046-07, modify the HSI installation in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Telex 34.00.13 paragraph 2.A.1, for helicopters with the HSI connected to a single navigation system, or paragraph 2.A.2, for helicopters with the HSI connected to at least two navigation systems.
Note 1: Modification in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
34.00.13 is considered acceptable for compliance with Requirement 2.
3. Before installing a KI 525A HSI P/N 066-3046-07 in place of a KI 525A HSI with P/Ns 066-3046-00, -01, -04 or -05 ensure that the HSI installation is modified in accordance with Requirement 2.
Note 2: DGAC AD F-2002-281-091 R1 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Remains unchanged as ‘Either within 100 hours time in service after the effective date of the original issue of this Directive or before 10 August 2003, whichever occurs first’.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 check. For Requirement 3 - As of the effective date of this Amendment.
This Amendment becomes effective on 13 May 2004.
Background: Eurocopter has advised the French Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile that KI 525A HSIs P/N 066-3046-07 may have been incorrectly installed on some helicopters. The incorrect installation may result in navigation errors.
The original issue of this Directive introduced measures to ensure that the affected HSIs were correctly installed.
Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/ECUREUIL/77 Amdt 1 (continued)
This Amendment contains some minor editorial amendments, together with allowing credit for modifications carried out in accordance with the ASB and introduces measures to ensure that the helicopter is modified prior to the installation of a
KI 525A HSI P/N 066-3046-07.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 5 June 2002.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 2 April 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 21 April 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. This legislative instrument, F2006B09380, was introduced to address a specific safety concern with the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, particularly those equipped with a certain model of Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI). The problem identified was the potential for navigation errors due to the incorrect installation of the KI 525A HSI P/N 066-3046-07, which could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this Airworthiness Directive (AD) to mandate corrective actions to ensure that these helicopters meet the necessary safety standards. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by enforcing precise installation procedures for the HSI, thus preventing potential navigation errors and ensuring the safe operation of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, namely versions B, BA, B1, B2, B3, BB, and D that are equipped with a Bendix/King KI 525A Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI). The AD mandates particular actions to address a safety concern identified in certain HSIs, specifically those with part number 066-3046-07. Operators and owners of the specified helicopter models are required to follow the directive to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards. The AD's geographic reach is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as it is issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The AD does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all relevant aircraft must comply with its stipulations. Additionally, the AD can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, although this particular directive does not indicate any such amendments.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/ECUREUIL/77 Amdt 1, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR), pertains specifically to Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) series helicopters equipped with a Bendix/King KI 525A Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI). This AD applies to AS 350 helicopters of versions B, BA, B1, B2, B3, BB, and D that have the KI 525A HSI with part number (P/N) 066-3046-07 installed. The primary requirement is to ensure the HSI is correctly installed to avoid potential navigation errors. For helicopters not equipped with the specific P/N 066-3046-07 HSI, no further action is necessary. However, if the P/N 066-3046-07 is present, the HSI installation must be modified in line with Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 34.00.13. The modifications depend on whether the HSI is connected to a single or multiple navigation systems. Additionally, if a KI 525A HSI P/N 066-3046-07 is to replace an HSI with P/Ns 066-3046-00, -01, -04, or -05, the installation must also be modified as per the directive.
The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and specific. Operators of the affected helicopters must first verify the part number of the installed HSI. If the P/N 066-3046-07 is identified, they must modify the installation as per the instructions in Eurocopter ASB 34.00.13. This compliance must occur before further flight after the initial check, and the modifications must be completed by the effective date of this amendment, which is 13 May 2004. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in unsafe conditions that could compromise the aircraft's airworthiness.
Breaches of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the directive itself, non-compliance with ADs generally results in severe penalties under aviation regulations. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to accidents or incidents. The exact penalties would be determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in accordance with applicable aviation laws and regulations. Ensuring compliance is crucial not only for legal reasons but also to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.