AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/HU 269/35 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters
AD/HU 269/35
Amdt 1
Main Roto r Drive Shaft - Inspection for Corrosion
13/2002
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Inspect the Main Rotor Drive Shaft for corrosion in accordance with Schweizer 269 HMI, Section 10, paragraph 10-8 “Inspection of Main Rotor Drive Shaft” parts (d),
(e) and (f).
Note: This requirement was formerly called out in Hughes SIN No. N-69. This SIN is now cancelled and the requirements contained in it are now referenced in the Schweizer model 269 HMI, Section 10, paragraph 10-8.
Compliance: Within 150 hours time in service after 30 June 1970 or at the next scheduled inspection or retirement of the main rotor thrust bearing, (AD DCA/HU 269/28 refers), whichever occurs first.
The compliance times of the original issue of this Airworthiness Directive remain unchanged by this amendment.
This Amendment becomes effective on 26 December 2002.
Background: This inspection is required to detect corrosion in the Main Rotor Drive Shaft, which if left undetected, may result in drive shaft failure.
This amendment changes the requirement document from Hughes SIN No. N-69 (now cancelled) to Section 10-8 of the Hughes 269 HMI.
The requirement to inspect the drive shaft for corrosion was originally contained in Service Information Note No.N-69. This document has now been cancelled and its requirements are now contained in Section 10 of the Hughes 269 HMI.
Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters
AD/HU 269/35 Amdt 1 (continued)
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 30 June 1970.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 November 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 December 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998 were enacted to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework ensuring that aircraft and aeronautical products operated within Australia meet safety standards. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the critical need for maintaining airworthiness, thereby preventing unsafe conditions that could lead to accidents or failures in the aviation sector. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to protect public safety by ensuring that aircraft are maintained and operated in a manner that complies with stringent safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the delegate of the Australian Government, issues Airworthiness Directives to enforce these standards and ensure that operators and manufacturers adhere to safety requirements. The Airworthiness Directive in question, which concerns the inspection for corrosion of the Main Rotor Drive Shaft in Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, exemplifies this commitment to safety by mandating regular inspections to detect and mitigate potential hazards.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), applies to all Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters. The AD mandates an inspection of the Main Rotor Drive Shaft for corrosion as detailed in the Schweizer 269 HMI, Section 10, paragraph 10-8, specifically parts (d), (e) and (f). This inspection must be conducted within 150 hours of time in service after 30 June 1970 or at the next scheduled inspection or retirement of the main rotor thrust bearing, whichever comes first. The AD was initially issued on 30 June 1970, and this amendment, effective from 26 December 2002, revises the requirement document from Hughes SIN No. N-69 (now cancelled) to the Hughes 269 HMI, Section 10-8. The purpose of this inspection is to detect and prevent potential drive shaft failure due to corrosion. The AD is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/HU 269/35 Amdt 1, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, specifically targets Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, mandating a crucial inspection of the Main Rotor Drive Shaft for corrosion. According to section (a) of the applicability, all models of Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters are subject to this directive. The requirement, detailed in section (b), mandates that the Main Rotor Drive Shaft be inspected for corrosion in accordance with Schweizer 269 HMI, Section 10, paragraph 10-8 parts (d), (e), and (f). This inspection is essential to ensure the safety of the aircraft, as corrosion in the Main Rotor Drive Shaft, if left undetected, could lead to catastrophic failure.
The obligations under this AD are clear and specific. Operators of Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters must comply with the inspection requirements within 150 hours of time in service after 30 June 1970 or at the next scheduled inspection or retirement of the main rotor thrust bearing, as referenced in AD DCA/HU 269/28. This compliance is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to these requirements could compromise the integrity and safety of the flight operations.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this AD can lead to severe consequences. The AD specifies that any breach of the outlined requirements could result in significant civil or criminal penalties. While the exact penalties are not detailed within the text of the AD, it is well established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations that non-compliance with ADs can result in fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the safety and compliance of the aircraft in question.