COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter BK 117 Series Helicopters
AD/GBK 117/3
Amdt 1
Cowling Latches 7/95
Applicability: Eurocopter BK 117 series helicopters S/N 7001 to 7201. Requirement: Action in accordance with ASB-MBB-BK 117-20-104. Compliance: Prior to the issue of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness.
This Amendment is effective 22 June 1995.
Background: Loss of a cowl resulted in the loss of an Australian aircraft.
Amendment 1 is to reference the Eurocopter (MBB) document rather than that of Kawasaki. The Eurocopter document also references the aircraft built specifically by MBB.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended under Part 39 - 105, introduces specific airworthiness directives for the Eurocopter BK 117 series helicopters, specifically addressing the cowlings of aircraft serial numbers 7001 to 7201. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the critical safety issue that arose from the loss of a cowl, leading to the crash of an Australian aircraft. The problem this Act seeks to resolve is the potential for cowl detachment, which can critically compromise flight safety. The amendment references Eurocopter (MBB) directives rather than those of Kawasaki, aligning the safety measures more closely with the aircraft's original manufacturer's specifications, thereby enhancing safety compliance and ensuring that these aircraft meet stringent airworthiness standards before being issued an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness.
This legislative amendment was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, with the policy objective of ensuring the highest safety standards for civil aviation. By updating the reference to the Eurocopter (MBB) document, the amendment aims to rectify any discrepancies in maintenance and operational procedures, ensuring that all Eurocopter BK 117 series helicopters operate within the safety parameters set by Australian civil aviation regulations. The effective date of this amendment is 22 June 1995, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing this safety concern.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety standards for civil aircraft in Australia. The legislative instrument F2006B10262 pertains to the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addressing safety concerns for the Eurocopter BK 117 series helicopters, serial numbers 7001 to 7201. This regulation applies to all operators and owners of these specific helicopters within the Australian jurisdiction, requiring them to comply with the airworthiness directives to ensure safety and airworthiness. The directive mandates action in accordance with the ASB-MBB-BK 117-20-104, focusing on cowling latches, which was necessitated by an incident involving the loss of a cowl that led to an aircraft crash. This amendment is effective from 22 June 1995 and references the Eurocopter (MBB) document, rather than the Kawasaki document, to ensure precise compliance with the safety requirements for the helicopters manufactured by MBB.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39, impose specific requirements for the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia. In the context of the Eurocopter BK 117 series helicopters, AD/GBK 117/3 Amendment 1 mandates that all aircraft within the specified serial number range (7001 to 7201) must comply with the action outlined in ASB-MBB-BK 117-20-104 (section 105). This compliance is critical and must be achieved before an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness is issued (section 105). The amendment, effective from 22 June 1995, is a direct response to a previous incident where the loss of a cowling led to the loss of an Australian aircraft. The change from referencing the Kawasaki document to the Eurocopter (MBB) document ensures that the maintenance actions are based on the specific design and manufacturing details of the MBB-built aircraft.
Compliance with the AD/GBK 117/3 Amendment 1 involves following the detailed procedures set out in ASB-MBB-BK 117-20-104. This includes ensuring that the cowling latches are correctly installed and functional, which is a crucial safety measure. The regulation demands that operators of these helicopters take the necessary steps to verify and, if required, repair or replace the cowling latches to meet the specified standards. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be fulfilled to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators must keep detailed records of the compliance actions taken, including dates, procedures followed, and personnel involved, to demonstrate adherence to the regulation.
The implications of failing to comply with AD/GBK 117/3 Amendment 1 are significant. Non-compliance with these safety directives can lead to severe consequences, including the potential denial of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. This certificate is essential for the legal operation of the aircraft within Australian airspace. Furthermore, operating a non-compliant aircraft can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals and organisations. The maximum penalties for such breaches are outlined in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reflecting the seriousness with which these safety requirements are regarded. The regulatory framework is designed to prevent accidents and ensure that all aircraft meet the highest safety standards, protecting both the operators and the public.