COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters
AD/ENST 28/10 Tail Cone Attachment Bolts - Inspection
and Replacement
1/76
Applicability: All model F-28A with S/Nos. 03 to 347, and Model 280 with S/Nos. 1001 to 1030. Document: Enstrom Service Note No. 0029.
Compliance: 1. Inspect within 50 hours time in service after 15 January 1976 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service until replaced.
2. Replace within 300 hours time in service after 15 January 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a crucial piece of legislation governing the safety and operation of civil aircraft in Australia, enacted by the Australian Parliament to ensure that all civil aviation activities comply with international safety standards. One specific regulation within this body of law is the Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters, known as AD/ENST 28/10. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns specifically related to the tail cone attachment bolts of certain Enstrom F-28A and F-280 model helicopters. The policy objective of AD/ENST 28/10 is to mitigate potential risks associated with the structural integrity of these bolts, which could compromise the overall safety of the aircraft. By mandating regular inspections and replacements of the specified bolts, CASA aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, apply specifically to the Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters, detailing Airworthiness Directives (AD) for particular models. This legislation mandates inspections and replacement of tail cone attachment bolts for certain serial numbers, specifically all model F-28A helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 03 to 347, and model 280 helicopters with serial numbers between 1001 and 1030. Compliance with these directives is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of these helicopters. Operators must inspect the tail cone attachment bolts within 50 hours after 15 January 1976 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 50 hours, until the bolts are replaced. Replacement must occur within 300 hours after 15 January 1976, as outlined in Enstrom Service Note No. 0029. This regulation ensures the safety and compliance of these specific helicopter models within the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting the stringent standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters, with the directive number AD/ENST 28/10. This directive pertains to the inspection and replacement of tail cone attachment bolts (Section 1). The AD applies to all model F-28A helicopters with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 03 to 347, and model 280 helicopters with S/Nos. 1001 to 1030. The compliance requirements are outlined in Enstrom Service Note No. 0029. According to these provisions, inspections of the tail cone attachment bolts must be conducted within 50 hours of time in service following 15 January 1976 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service until the bolts are replaced (Section 1(1)). Additionally, these bolts must be replaced within 300 hours of time in service after 15 January 1976 (Section 1(2)).
The obligations imposed by this AD on the relevant helicopter operators and maintenance personnel are significant. Operators must ensure that the specified inspections and replacements are conducted within the stipulated timeframes to maintain the airworthiness of the helicopters. This includes maintaining accurate records of the time in service and ensuring that any identified issues are addressed promptly. Maintenance personnel are required to carry out the inspections and replacements to the standards set out in Enstrom Service Note No. 0029, which provides detailed instructions on how to perform these tasks safely and effectively.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this AD can result in serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance with this particular AD, general principles under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 apply. Non-compliance with ADs can be considered a breach of airworthiness standards, potentially leading to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, the grounding of non-compliant aircraft, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties will depend on the specific circumstances of the breach and the discretion of the enforcing authority, but they can be significant given the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives in ensuring aviation safety.