COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Hiller UH-12 Series Helicopters
AD/HILLER 12/9
Amdt 1
Horizontal Stabiliser Spar - Inspection 3/78
Applicability: All models UH-12, UH-12A, UH-12B and UH-12C.
Requirement: Remove the horizontal stabiliser, and with the aid of a lens of not less than 8X power, inspect the spar tube for cracking in the vicinity of the stabiliser attachment bolt holes.
Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 300 hours’ time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the F2006B10371 legislative instrument, introduces specific Airworthiness Directives to address safety issues in civil aviation. The legislation aims to ensure the safe operation of aircraft by requiring detailed inspections and maintenance procedures. This specific directive, AD/HILLER 12/9 Amendment 1, pertains to the horizontal stabiliser spar of Hiller UH-12 Series helicopters, models UH-12, UH-12A, UH-12B and UH-12C, focusing on the need for regular inspection to prevent structural failure. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the directive seeks to mitigate risks associated with fatigue and cracking in the horizontal stabiliser spar near the attachment bolt holes, ensuring continued airworthiness and passenger safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including AD/HILLER 12/9 Amendment 1. This particular directive applies to all models of the Hiller UH-12 Series Helicopters, namely the UH-12, UH-12A, UH-12B, and UH-12C. The directive mandates that these helicopters undergo an inspection of the horizontal stabiliser spar for any signs of cracking around the stabiliser attachment bolt holes. This inspection must be conducted using a lens with a magnification of at least 8X, and it must be performed at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service. The regulations are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a standardised approach to aviation safety. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying that the directive applies universally to the specified helicopter models within the Australian jurisdiction. The scope of the directive may be further defined or expanded through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments and clarifications as necessary.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Regulations), particularly Part 39 - 105, include specific requirements under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which mandate regular inspections for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/HILLER 12/9 Amendment 1, applies to all models of the Hiller UH-12 series helicopters, including UH-12, UH-12A, UH-12B, and UH-12C (section 1). This directive necessitates a detailed inspection of the horizontal stabiliser spar, specifically focusing on the spar tube in the vicinity of the stabiliser attachment bolt holes (section 2). Operators must remove the horizontal stabiliser and conduct the inspection using a lens with a magnification of no less than 8X power to detect any signs of cracking (section 3).
Compliance with AD/HILLER 12/9 Amendment 1 is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected helicopters. Operators are required to perform these inspections at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service, ensuring that the structural integrity of the horizontal stabiliser is regularly assessed (section 4). The regulations emphasise the importance of adhering to these intervals to prevent potential safety risks associated with undetected structural damage.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives as specified by CASA can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. Operators who neglect to perform the required inspections within the stipulated intervals risk non-compliance with the Regulations. This non-compliance could result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections are conducted and any issues are rectified. The severity of the penalties reflects the critical nature of these inspections for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
In terms of civil and criminal consequences, CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with airworthiness directives. This may include issuing compliance orders, imposing financial penalties, or pursuing legal action against the operator. The maximum penalties for such breaches can be substantial, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the inspection requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.