AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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/91 Air Intake Cowling 11/2003 TX
Applicability: Eurocopter EC 130 B4 model helicopters fitted with cowling attachment fittings P/N 350A25-0405-00, -01, -02, -03, -04 and -05.
Requirement: 1. Perform a visual inspection of the two forward air intake cowling attachment fittings in accordance with the instructions contained in Section 2.B. of Eurocopter EC130 Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A004.
2. If the two forward cowling attachment fittings are neither failed nor cracked, re-inspect in accordance with the instructions contained in Section 2.B. of Eurocopter EC130 Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A004.
3. If one or both of the forward cowling attachment fittings have failed or are cracked, also check the condition the centre and aft fittings.
4. If one or more of the forward, centre or aft fittings have failed, replace them.
5. If one or more of the forward, centre or aft fittings are cracked:
(i). Replace each cracked fitting which has more than 2 cracks or any fitting in which the longest crack is more than 10mm.
(ii). Stop drill cracks in fittings which have 2 cracks or less and any fitting in which the longest crack is equal to or less than 10mm. Re-inspect in accordance with compliance 5(ii).
Note: DGAC AD U2003-358(A) refers.
Compliance: 1. For helicopters that have less than 100 flight hours, accomplish before 110 flight hours TTIS.
For helicopters that have accumulated 100 hours or more at the effective date of this Directive, accomplish within 10 flight hours after 18 September 2003.
2. Repeat at intervals not to exceed 110 flight hours.
3. Before further flight.
Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters
AD/ECUREUIL/91 (continued)
4. Before further flight.
5. (i) Before further flight.
(ii) Re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 20 flight hours.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on the 18 September 2003.
Background: This Airworthiness Directive is issued following reports of cracks and failures of air intake cowling attachment fittings. Failure of one or more of the fittings may result in the loss of the air intake cowling in flight.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 17 September 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 18 September 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive 2003/91, issued in 2003, addresses safety concerns associated with cracks and failures of air intake cowling attachment fittings in Eurocopter AS 350 (Ecureuil) Series Helicopters, specifically those equipped with certain cowling attachment fittings. This directive was enacted by David Villiers, a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, following reports of potential safety hazards. The directive mandates visual inspections, replacements, and specific actions for the affected fittings to prevent the loss of the air intake cowling during flight, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. This AD became effective on 18 September 2003, with compliance required within specified flight hour intervals to maintain the safety and integrity of the helicopters in operation.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 is specifically applicable to Eurocopter EC 130 B4 model helicopters that are fitted with certain cowling attachment fittings (P/N 350A25-0405-00, -01, -02, -03, -04, and -05). The directive mandates a visual inspection of the forward air intake cowling attachment fittings, as detailed in Section 2.B of Eurocopter EC130 Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A004, to ensure they are not failed or cracked. If any of the fittings are found to be failed or cracked, further inspection and action must be taken, which may include replacement or stop drilling of the cracks. Compliance with this directive is contingent on the flight hours of the helicopter; for those with less than 100 flight hours, inspections must be conducted before reaching 110 flight hours, while those with 100 hours or more must comply within 10 flight hours after the directive's effective date. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 110 flight hours and before further flight, with additional re-inspections required for certain conditions within 20 flight hours. The directive was issued following reports of cracks and failures in the air intake cowling attachment fittings, which could lead to the loss of the air intake cowling in flight.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD/ECUREUIL/91) applies to Eurocopter EC 130 B4 model helicopters that are fitted with specific cowling attachment fittings (section 1). The requirements outlined in the AD mandate a visual inspection of the forward air intake cowling attachment fittings, with detailed instructions provided in Section 2.B of Eurocopter EC130 Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A004 (section 1.1). If the fittings are not failed or cracked, a re-inspection is required (section 1.2). If one or both of the forward fittings are found to have failed or are cracked, the centre and aft fittings must also be inspected (section 1.3). Any failed fittings must be replaced (section 1.4), and cracked fittings with more than two cracks or with a longest crack exceeding 10mm must also be replaced (section 1.5(i)). For fittings with two cracks or less and a longest crack of 10mm or less, the cracks should be stop-drilled, and a re-inspection must be conducted (section 1.5(ii)).
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected helicopters. These obligations include performing the required inspections and maintenance actions as specified in the AD (section 1). Operators must ensure that the inspections and any necessary repairs or replacements are carried out in accordance with the instructions provided (section 1). Additionally, operators must comply with the prescribed timeframes for inspections and maintenance, which depend on the number of flight hours accumulated by the helicopter at the time the AD becomes effective (section 3).
Failure to comply with the AD can result in serious safety implications, as the AD is designed to address the unsafe condition of cracks and failures in the air intake cowling attachment fittings. The AD does not explicitly state penalties or consequences for non-compliance, but non-compliance with ADs is generally considered a breach of aviation safety regulations. Such breaches may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including potential fines, penalties, or other regulatory measures that could affect the airworthiness certification of the helicopter. The severity of the consequences would depend on the specific circumstances of non-compliance and the impact on the safety of the aircraft (section 4).