Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/ECUREUIL/87 on 30 May 2003, aiming to address the unsafe condition identified in the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters equipped with specific STARFLEX stars. The directive is intended to correct the bonding failure of the metal bushes installed in the STARFLEX star arm ends, which can lead to significant 1 omega main rotor vibrations in the cabin. This directive was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) and became effective on 4 June 2003, requiring specific maintenance actions to be undertaken by operators of the affected helicopters. The directive outlines the necessary checks and installations to mitigate the risk, ensuring compliance with the safety standards set by CASA.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to the Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, particularly those of model EC 130 version B4 that are equipped with STARFLEX stars part number 350A31.1916.00. This directive applies to these helicopters only when they have main rotor hubs with a pre-modification number 076221. The directive is aimed at addressing a reported issue of bonding failure of the metal bush installed in the STARFLEX star arm ends, which can lead to severe vibrations in the cabin if not corrected. The AD requires specific actions to be taken by the operators of these helicopters, such as checking the adhesive bead of the metal bushes and installing a stop stud at the bottom of each frequency adapter as per specified modifications and service bulletins. The directive applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is effective from 4 June 2003, with compliance required before 30 June 2003 unless the required actions have already been completed. This AD was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 June 2003, indicating its official status and the expectation of compliance by all relevant operators within the specified timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/ECUREUIL/87 applies specifically to Model EC 130 version B4 helicopters equipped with STARFLEX stars part number 350A31.1916.00 installed on main rotor hubs prior to modification 076221. The directive mandates two primary actions to be taken by the operators of these helicopters. Firstly, it requires a check of the adhesive bead of the metal bushes bonded on the STARFLEX star arm end in accordance with paragraph 2 of Eurocopter EC 130 Alert Telex No.05A001 R2. Secondly, it requires the installation of a stop stud at the bottom of each frequency adapter per modification 076221, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Eurocopter EC 130 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 62A001. The directive also stipulates that before installing main rotor heads held as spares on a helicopter, a stop stud must be installed at the bottom of each frequency adapter per modification 076221, again in accordance with paragraph 2 of ASB No. 62A001. Operators of Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters must ensure compliance with the AD AD/ECUREUIL/87 by performing the specified actions. The AD requires that after each flight following a main rotor stoppage, a visual inspection of the adhesive bead must be conducted. This inspection may be carried out by the Pilot in Command if they have been trained to do so by a suitably qualified person. If the Pilot in Command is performing the inspection, a copy of the requirement document and this directive must be carried in the aircraft. Additionally, these actions must be completed before 30 June 2003, unless they have already been accomplished. The directive becomes effective on 4 June 2003. Failure to comply with the AD AD/ECUREUIL/87 could result in significant safety risks, as the directive is issued due to reports of bonding failure of the metal bush installed in the STARFLEX star arm ends. Such failures can lead to wear on the star arm, generating strong 1 omega main rotor vibrations in the cabin. While the legislation does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, the potential consequences could include aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions could include fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory measures designed to ensure compliance and maintain air safety standards.