AD/HILLER 12/38 - Engine Mount Clevises

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through F2006B10363, were enacted to address the specific issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia, including the oversight of compliance with airworthiness directives. This legislative instrument is part of the broader framework that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority implements to maintain safety standards in aviation. The problem it addresses is the need to respond swiftly to identified safety issues in aircraft components, such as the engine mount clevises in the Hiller UH-12 series helicopters, to prevent potential failures and ensure the safety of flight operations. The policy objective, as implied, is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by enforcing timely compliance with safety directives and rectifying known defects in aircraft parts.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all UH-12D/E and E-4 turbine converted models in accordance with STC SH177WE and SH178WE, manufactured by Hiller and operated within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulatory directive mandates adherence to the action specified in Soloy Conversions LTD Service Bulletin 19-560 concerning the engine mount clevises. The directive requires compliance within 10 hours of time in service following 26 September 1985, and subsequently as outlined in the Requirement Document. This legislative instrument ensures that all specified helicopter models maintain safety standards as identified by the manufacturer's reported failures of the engine mount clevises, and any subsequent modifications or checks are to be performed in accordance with the specified timelines.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (Section 11/85TX) outlines a specific Airworthiness Directive for Hiller UH-12 Series Helicopters, particularly focusing on the engine mount clevises. This directive applies to all models of the UH-12D/E and E-4 turbine converted under STC SH177WE and SH178WE (Section 1). The directive requires compliance with the action specified in the Soloy conversions LTD SB 19-560. Compliance must be achieved within 10 hours of time in service after 26 September 1985, and subsequently as outlined in the Requirement Document (Section 2). The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the Hiller UH-12 Series Helicopters must ensure that the engine mount clevises are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced in accordance with the instructions provided by Soloy conversions LTD SB 19-560. This involves a detailed inspection within the specified timeframe and ongoing maintenance as directed by the Requirement Document. Operators must also keep records of any actions taken to comply with this directive, ensuring that they can demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. Breach of this directive is considered a violation of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Under Section 105 of the Regulations, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for non-compliance may include fines and other regulatory sanctions. In severe cases, the continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft could result in the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. It is important for operators to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid these penalties and ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft.