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/4
Amdt 5
Retirement Lives - Fatigue Critical Components
3/84
Applicability: All models SA 341 and SA 342.
Requirement: All Service Life Limited components shall be retired from service at or before the times shown in the SA341/SA342 Master Servicing Recommendations, Section 5.99 (Issue 1, Amendment 4).
Note 1. The Issue and Amendment quoted above refer to the Airworthiness Limitations section only, rather than the M.S.R. as a whole.
Note 2. Operators of aircraft engaged in operations which involve unusual manoeuvres, such as agricultural, or cattle mustering, of operations where consistently more than five rotor full stop flights per hour are achieved must consult the manufacturer giving full details including previous history of all operations for possible life revision and must advise the Department accordingly. For the purposes of notification two flights concluding with rotors turning while on the ground and the engine at idle or greater power setting shall be counted as equivalent to one flight with rotors to a full stop.
Effective: Forthwith.
Background: This Directive has been amended to alter base for Service Life Limits to Section 5.99 (was 5.11) of the M.S.R. as approved by the French airworthiness authority (D.G.A.C.).
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly focusing on the Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters. This legislation, enacted by the Australian Parliament, was introduced to ensure the safety of air operations by enforcing strict airworthiness directives, particularly regarding the retirement of fatigue critical components. The policy objective is to mandate that all service life limited components be retired from service according to the specified times in the SA341/SA342 Master Servicing Recommendations, Section 5.99. This requirement aims to prevent potential failures due to material fatigue, ensuring the continued safety of aircraft in operation. Operators involved in high-stress operations, such as agricultural or cattle mustering, must consult with the manufacturer for possible life revisions and notify the Department accordingly. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of adhering to stringent safety standards to mitigate risks associated with aviation operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates the adherence of all operators of Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive AD/GAZELLE/4. This directive outlines the requirements for the retirement of fatigue critical components for these helicopter models, ensuring they are withdrawn from service before or at the times specified in the SA341/SA342 Master Servicing Recommendations, Section 5.99 (Issue 1, Amendment 4). The directive applies to all SA 341 and SA 342 models, ensuring uniformity in maintenance practices across the fleet. Operators conducting operations that involve unusual manoeuvres, such as agricultural or cattle mustering, or those achieving more than five rotor full stop flights per hour, must consult with the manufacturer for potential service life revisions and notify the Department of the changes. This regulation is enforced nationwide, impacting all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia. Notably, this directive does not exclude any entities or specific operational contexts but rather provides a comprehensive framework for maintaining the airworthiness of these helicopter models through stringent component management.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) specifically address the safety of Eurocopter SA341 and SA342 (Gazelle) series helicopters under Part 39, particularly in Section 105, which outlines the airworthiness directives (AD/GAZELLE/4Amdt 5). This section mandates that all service life limited components of these helicopter models must be retired from service at or before the specified times as detailed in the SA341/SA342 Master Servicing Recommendations, Section 5.99 (Issue 1, Amendment 4). It is crucial to note that these references pertain to the airworthiness limitations section and not the entire Master Servicing Recommendations document.
The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Operators of these helicopters must adhere to the retirement timelines for service life limited components as outlined in the Master Servicing Recommendations. Additionally, operators involved in activities such as agricultural work, cattle mustering, or any operations that exceed five rotor full stop flights per hour must consult with the manufacturer. This consultation must include detailed information on the nature of the operations and the previous flight history of the aircraft. The operator is also required to inform the Department of the consultation outcome.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this directive, breaches of civil aviation regulations generally can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include fines, suspension or revocation of an operator's certificate, and potential legal proceedings which could lead to further penalties. The seriousness of the violation and the potential impact on aviation safety will be key factors in determining the extent of the penalties imposed.