AD/ELECT/39 - Bendix Starting Vibrator - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a key regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations aim to ensure that all civil aviation activities within Australian territory are conducted in a safe and efficient manner. One specific area addressed by these regulations is the maintenance and safety of electrical equipment in aircraft, particularly as it pertains to starting vibrators. The legislation includes detailed directives and requirements to maintain airworthiness standards and prevent potential safety hazards. For instance, Airworthiness Directive AD/ELECT/39 focuses on the inspection and modification of Bendix starting vibrators in certain helicopters, to mitigate the risk of detachment and consequent safety issues. The policy objective is clear: to safeguard air safety by ensuring that all aircraft electrical equipment adheres to stringent safety standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, establish comprehensive safety protocols for electrical equipment in aircraft, including specific directives for Bendix starting vibrators. The regulations mandate inspections and modifications to certain vibrators to prevent detachment and potential grounding of the magneto, which could compromise air safety. This particular directive applies to various helicopter models and is intended to be complied with within 100 hours of service following a specified date. The underlying policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by proactively addressing potential hazards through detailed regulatory requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, addresses the maintenance and safety of electrical equipment used in aviation. The legislative instrument AD/ELECT/39 pertains to Bendix starting vibrators with particular part numbers and manufacturing dates installed in certain aircraft models powered by reciprocating engines. This regulation applies to the specified vibrators installed in Bell, Brantley, Enstrom, Hughes, Hiller, and Robinson helicopters. The regulation mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1981, following the discovery that certain manufacturing tolerances may lead to detachment of the connector from the plate, potentially compromising air safety. The scope of the regulation is limited to the mentioned vibrators and aircraft models, ensuring that these components are inspected and modified to prevent safety issues. The regulation does not extend to other aircraft or electrical equipment unless similarly identified in other legislative instruments or amendments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 (Section 39.107), establish a schedule of airworthiness directives which include AD/ELECT/39 concerning the Bendix Starting Vibrator. This directive applies to all starting vibrators with specific part numbers (10-176485-121, 10-176485-122, 10-176485-241, 10-176485-242, 10-382780-12, and 10-38270-24) and manufacturing dates (901 through 101, or 8010 through 8101) that are installed in certain aircraft models, such as the Bell Model 47 series helicopters, Brantley Model B2 series helicopters, Enstrom Models F28, F28A, F28F, 280, 280F, F28C, and 280C (with Lycoming H10-360-E1BD engines), Hughes Model 269 series helicopters, and Hiller Model UH12 series helicopters, as well as Robinson Model R-22 series helicopters. The Bendix SB No. 614, referenced by FAA AD 81-17-01, mandates that compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1981. The directive addresses a safety concern where the combination connector lock tab-plate tolerance in some vibrators may lead to the detachment of the connector from the plate, potentially causing the grounding and loss of the magneto. This situation could compromise air safety by jeopardising the operation of the aircraft's engine. Entities governed by this Act must ensure that all applicable starting vibrators are inspected and modified as required. This includes conducting thorough checks to identify any instances where the connector may have detached from the plate. If such issues are found, immediate corrective actions must be taken to secure the connector and prevent any potential safety risks. Failure to comply with this directive may result in serious consequences, including the grounding of affected aircraft until the required modifications are completed. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe penalties. Under Section 16 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, individuals or entities found in breach of these regulations may face civil penalties, including fines of up to $21,000 per offence for individuals and $105,000 for bodies corporate. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, with potential imprisonment for up to two years for individuals and fines for bodies corporate that can be substantial, depending on the severity and impact of the breach. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the specified directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.