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/2 Main Gearbox Oil/Pump/Hydraulic
Unit - Inspection
9/76
Applicability: All models SA341. Document: Gazelle SB 05.09a.
Compliance: In accordance with the requirement document.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One of the legislative instruments within this framework is F2006B10239, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft models. This instrument addresses the need to maintain the airworthiness of the Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters through specific maintenance and inspection requirements. The problem this legislation aims to address is ensuring that these helicopters are operated safely by mandating regular inspections and maintenance of the main gearbox oil/pump/hydraulic unit, as specified in Gazelle SB 05.09a. The policy objective behind this legislative instrument is to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting the lives of passengers and crew and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, specifically Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, mandate that all operators of Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters must comply with Airworthiness Directive AD/GAZELLE/2, which concerns the inspection of the main gearbox oil/pump/hydraulic unit. This directive applies to all models of SA341 helicopters and is intended to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The directive is applicable nationwide, encompassing all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia, and extends to both commercial and private operators. The requirements outlined in AD/GAZELLE/2 must be adhered to in accordance with the specific compliance documents provided, namely Gazelle SB 05.09a. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all relevant operators must comply without exception. The enforcement and detailed procedural aspects of this directive may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) Series Helicopters. The directive, identified as AD/GAZELLE/2, pertains to the inspection of the main gearbox oil/pump/hydraulic unit (Section 9/76). This directive applies to all models of the SA341 series. The requirement document, Gazelle SB 05.09a, outlines the necessary compliance procedures.
Compliance with AD/GAZELLE/2 mandates that operators and owners of SA341 helicopters must ensure the main gearbox oil/pump/hydraulic unit is inspected according to the specified requirements in Gazelle SB 05.09a. This involves detailed checks to ensure that the components are in safe working order and free from any defects or wear that could compromise the helicopter's airworthiness. Operators must maintain records of all inspections and any corrective actions taken to demonstrate compliance with the directive.
Failure to comply with AD/GAZELLE/2 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are completed and documented. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure that operators maintain the highest safety standards in accordance with the regulations.
In summary, AD/GAZELLE/2 requires that all SA341 series helicopters undergo regular inspections of the main gearbox oil/pump/hydraulic unit as outlined in Gazelle SB 05.09a. Operators must adhere to these inspection requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft. Non-compliance with these provisions can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Therefore, it is imperative for operators to meticulously follow the outlined procedures to avoid legal repercussions.