COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) Series Helicopters
AD/GAZELLE/14 Landing Gear - Inspection 7/83
Applicability: All models SA341 and SA342 fitted with landing gear 341A41.5200 and 341A41.5300 all dash-numbers.
Document: Aerospatiale Gazelle SB No. 32.02.
Compliance: Unless previously accomplished, within 30 days after 6th June 1983. Background: The manufacturer reports a failure of the rear cross tube/rear arch tube junction.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B10233, introduce specific Airworthiness Directives to address safety issues associated with the operation of Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) Series Helicopters. Enacted by the Australian Government, these regulations were introduced to ensure that the civil aviation sector maintains high safety standards by responding to identified mechanical failures. The directive AD/GAZELLE/14 specifically targets the inspection of the landing gear on all SA341 and SA342 models fitted with landing gear versions 341A41.5200 and 341A41.5300. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate the risk of failure at the rear cross tube/rear arch tube junction, as reported by the manufacturer, thereby enhancing overall aircraft safety and reliability. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring affected aircraft to undergo inspection within 30 days of 6th June 1983, unless previously completed.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has established specific requirements under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 – 105, concerning the airworthiness directives for Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters. This legislation applies to all models of SA341 and SA342 helicopters equipped with landing gear types 341A41.5200 and 341A41.5300, covering all dash numbers. The directive mandates that these aircraft must comply with the manufacturer's specified maintenance and inspection requirements, particularly those outlined in Aerospatiale Gazelle Service Bulletin No. 32.02. The directive necessitates that compliance be achieved within 30 days from 6th June 1983, unless the inspection has already been performed. The application of these regulations extends throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of safety and maintenance for the specified helicopter models across the nation. The regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions, thus applying to all relevant operators and entities within the designated scope.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directives concerning the Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters, mandate thorough inspections and compliance with the manufacturer's specified procedures to ensure safety (Section 39-105). The directive AD/GAZELLE/14 focuses on the landing gear of these helicopters, particularly those fitted with landing gear models 341A41.5200 and 341A41.5300 (Section 7/83). Operators must comply with these directives to maintain airworthiness and safety standards, as per the regulations outlined in Aerospatiale Gazelle Service Bulletin No. 32.02. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 30 days of 6th June 1983, or if the inspection has already been completed, operators must ensure adherence to the specified procedures.
Operators of the SA341 and SA342 helicopters are required to conduct a detailed inspection of the landing gear as per the instructions in Aerospatiale Gazelle Service Bulletin No. 32.02. This includes examining the rear cross tube/rear arch tube junction for any signs of failure, as reported by the manufacturer. The directive necessitates that these inspections be carried out diligently and within the stipulated timeframe to prevent any potential safety hazards. Operators must also maintain records of the inspections and any corrective actions taken to demonstrate compliance with the regulations (Section 7/83).
Failure to comply with the provisions set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directives, can lead to significant consequences. Operators who do not adhere to the mandated inspections and corrective measures may face enforcement actions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other civil or administrative sanctions, which are intended to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. In severe cases, CASA may take action to ground non-compliant aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed (Section 39-105). The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations can be substantial, reflecting the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety standards.