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 28/29 Rotor Head Hub 12/86 TX
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the upper and lower rotor head hub plates in accordance with Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. 0072 Paragraph A.
2. Inspect the upper and lower hub plates and other hub components in accordance with Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. 0072 Paragraph C.
Compliance: For Para 1: Within 25 hours time in service after 31 October 1986 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service.
For Para 2: Within 25 hours time in service after 31 October 1986 for helicopters known to have experienced blade strikes, sudden stoppages or heavy landings.
Background: The manufacturer has received three reports of cracking in the upper and lower hub plates.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B09585, introduced specific safety directives to address issues related to the rotor head hubs of Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters. This legislation was enacted to enhance aviation safety by responding to reports of cracking in the upper and lower hub plates of these helicopters. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for the enactment of these regulations, with the clear policy objective of mitigating the risks associated with structural integrity in helicopter operations. By mandating rigorous inspection protocols, CASA aims to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby protecting both passengers and crew from potential hazards.
The directives outlined in this legislation require inspections of the upper and lower rotor head hub plates in accordance with specific service bulletins, particularly those addressing known incidents of blade strikes, sudden stoppages, or heavy landings. These measures are intended to be enforced within specific timeframes post-service intervals, ensuring that any potential issues are identified and rectified promptly. The overarching goal is to maintain a high standard of safety within the aviation industry by addressing and preventing structural failures before they can lead to serious incidents.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters. The regulation mandates thorough inspections of the upper and lower rotor head hub plates as outlined in Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. 0072. This requirement is intended to address safety concerns following reports of cracking in the hub plates, which has been linked to incidents such as blade strikes, sudden stoppages, or heavy landings. The inspections are to be conducted within 25 hours of time in service after 31 October 1986 and must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service. For helicopters known to have experienced blade strikes, sudden stoppages or heavy landings, the inspections must also be completed within 25 hours time in service after 31 October 1986. This regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The scope is limited to the specified helicopter models and does not extend to other aircraft or industries. Any deviations or additional measures may be introduced through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, Section 105, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters, includes specific provisions regarding the rotor head hub. Section AD/ENST 28/29 (12/86 TX) mandates that all models of the Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters must undergo a detailed inspection of the upper and lower rotor head hub plates. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. 0072, specifically Paragraph A (1). Additionally, the upper and lower hub plates and other hub components must be inspected in accordance with Enstrom Service Directive Bulletin No. 0072, Paragraph C (2). The inspections are required to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the helicopters, given the reported incidents of cracking in the hub plates.
The obligations under these provisions are clear and specific. Operators of Enstrom F-28 Series Helicopters must ensure that the inspections are carried out diligently and in adherence to the detailed procedures outlined in the Enstrom Service Directive Bulletins. For the initial inspection, it must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 31 October 1986, with subsequent inspections not exceeding intervals of 50 hours of time in service (1). For helicopters known to have experienced blade strikes, sudden stoppages, or heavy landings, an inspection must be conducted within 25 hours of time in service after 31 October 1986 (2). These inspections are critical to maintaining the structural integrity of the rotor head hub and preventing potential catastrophic failures.
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with the mandated inspections. Specifically, operators found in breach of these requirements may face civil penalties, which can include fines and other sanctions as determined by CASA. In more serious cases, persistent non-compliance could lead to criminal charges against the operator or responsible individuals, with penalties that could include imprisonment. The exact penalties will depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but the potential consequences are significant, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety directives.