AD/HU 269/104 - Rudder Pedal Bulkhead Gusset

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include provisions under Part 39 which address the safety of civil aviation aircraft through Airworthiness Directives. The specific legislative instrument F2006B10580, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, pertains to the Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, aiming to rectify an identified safety issue concerning the rudder pedal bulkhead gusset. This directive was introduced to address a gap where tail rotor pedal gussets were either missing or found to be structurally compromised on certain models, which could potentially lead to safety hazards during flight operations. The policy objective is to ensure compliance with the specified safety measures within a stipulated timeframe, thereby enhancing the overall airworthiness of the affected aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, specifically regarding the rudder pedal bulkhead gusset as outlined in AD/HU 269/104 from 12/94. This directive applies to models 269A, A-1, B, and C, mandating action in accordance with Schweizer Service Bulletin B-247. The requirement necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 10 November 1994, reflecting concerns over tail rotor pedal gussets that were not installed on certain aircraft models and those found to be cracked or with loose or missing rivets. The directive's scope is limited to the specified helicopter models and the particular safety concern addressed, with compliance being essential to maintain airworthiness standards. The legislation's jurisdictional reach is national, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia as governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this particular legislative instrument (F2006B10580) pertain to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, which focuses on airworthiness directives. Section 39.105 of this part is dedicated to the Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, outlining an airworthiness directive (AD) numbered 269/104. This directive mandates actions concerning the rudder pedal bulkhead gusset on specific models of the Schweizer helicopter series (sections 39.105(1)-(2)). The directive applies to Schweizer models 269A, A-1, B, and C, and requires compliance with Schweizer Service Bulletin B-247 (section 39.105(3)). Additionally, the directive notes a corresponding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 94-16-04 (section 39.105(4)). The directive requires that the specified action be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 10 November 1994 (section 39.105(5)). The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties or entities it governs are stringent and specific. Operators of Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, particularly models 269A, A-1, B, and C, are required to follow the detailed instructions outlined in Schweizer Service Bulletin B-247. This includes inspecting and, if necessary, replacing or repairing the rudder pedal bulkhead gusset. The requirement is to ensure that the gusset is properly installed and secure, particularly given the background information that some 269A aircraft did not have the gusset installed initially, while others were found with cracked gussets or loose or missing rivets. Operators must ensure that these actions are completed within 100 hours of the helicopter's time in service after 10 November 1994 (sections 39.105(1)-(5)). Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive could lead to serious consequences. Although the specific civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within this particular legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 generally can result in significant penalties. These may include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft in question. In the context of civil aviation, ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives is crucial for maintaining safety standards and preventing accidents. Therefore, operators are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the requirements set out in the directive to avoid any potential legal or safety repercussions.