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/18 Lucas Air Equipment Hoist - Explosive Squib 12/92
Applicability: All Gazelle helicopters, listed in the Requirement Document, fitted with Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370 (all models) with serial numbers up to and including 494.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.06 dated 25 May 1992.
Compliance: Installed Hoists - Prior to the first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992, where a pyrotechnic squib is installed (AD/SUPP/12 refers), but no later than 31 December 1992.
Spare Hoists - Prior to installation.
Background: Eurocopter have advised that the possibility exists that the hoist squib may be incorrectly connected. Compliance with this Directive is necessary to ensure that the pyrotechnic squib will fire correctly when required.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), encompass a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these Regulations pertains to Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory orders issued by CASA to address safety concerns in aircraft operation. The directive AD/GAZELLE/18, issued under this Act, targets the Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters, addressing a potential safety risk associated with the Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370. The directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of an explosive squib in the hoist system being incorrectly connected, which could compromise the safe operation of the hoist. The policy objective is to ensure that all affected helicopters comply with the specified requirements to prevent any potential hazards that could arise from the improper installation of the pyrotechnic squib.
This legislative instrument aims to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that all aircraft meet specific airworthiness criteria. The directive mandates that any hoists already installed must be checked and complied with before their next hoisting mission following 12 November 1992, and no later than 31 December 1992. Spare hoists must also be inspected before installation. By enforcing these measures, CASA seeks to uphold stringent safety protocols and prevent incidents that could endanger lives and property.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandates the Airworthiness Directives for the Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) Series Helicopters. This legislation applies to all Gazelle helicopters with Lucas Air Equipment hoist part number 76370, which includes models with serial numbers up to and including 494. The requirement set forth by this directive is to adhere to the instructions outlined in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.06 dated 25 May 1992. This directive necessitates the correct installation of pyrotechnic squibs to prevent incorrect connections that could lead to malfunctions during hoisting operations. The directive stipulates that for installed hoists, compliance must be achieved prior to the first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992, but no later than 31 December 1992. For spare hoists, compliance must be achieved before installation. This regulation is intended to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the hoisting equipment on the specified helicopters, thereby maintaining airworthiness standards as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislative instrument are the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. The directive in focus is AD/GAZELLE/18, which concerns the Lucas Air Equipment hoist and its explosive squib for Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) Series Helicopters (section 39-105). The directive mandates compliance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.06 dated 25 May 1992, which provides specific instructions on the correct installation and usage of the hoist squib. The directive applies to all Gazelle helicopters with specific serial numbers and hoist part numbers, ensuring these aircraft meet safety standards by a specified deadline (section 39-105(1)).
This Act imposes obligations on the operators of the affected helicopters to ensure that they adhere to the specified requirements. Operators must ensure that any installed hoists comply with the directive before the first hoisting mission after 12 November 1992, but no later than 31 December 1992 (section 39-105(2)). For spare hoists, compliance must occur prior to their installation. The directive necessitates that operators follow the guidance in the Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No 25.06 to avoid potential malfunctions of the hoist squib, which could compromise safety (section 39-105(3)).
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the directive may result in serious safety implications and potential legal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within this legislative instrument, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can result in enforcement actions, including fines or other penalties as determined by the relevant authorities. Such breaches not only risk the safety of the aircraft and its occupants but also can lead to severe civil or criminal liabilities, depending on the extent and impact of the non-compliance (section 39-105(4)).