COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters
AD/HU 269/81 Main Transmission Assembly 6/86
Applicability: All Model 269A, 269B and 269C Helicopters fitted with main transmission P/No. 269A5175-11, -13, -15 and -17 equipped with P/No. 269A5103-21 or -31 pinion assembly.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Schweizer Service Information No. N195. Compliance: 1. At the next 300 or 400 hour inspection after 30 June 1986.
2. For spares, prior to installation in an aircraft.
Background: A wrong lock washer may have been used on assembly of a number of main transmission assemblies upper pulley nut. This may lead to loss of torque on the aft pinion nut and possible premature wear of the input pinion shaft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B10640, address a specific safety concern related to Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, particularly those fitted with certain main transmission components. This regulation was enacted to rectify a potential defect identified in the assembly of the main transmission upper pulley nut, which could lead to a wrong lock washer being used. Such an error might result in a loss of torque on the aft pinion nut, causing premature wear of the input pinion shaft, thereby posing a significant safety risk. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, introduced this directive to ensure that the identified issue is addressed promptly, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the affected aircraft models.
The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate corrective actions for the specified helicopter models to prevent the aforementioned defect from compromising flight safety. The directive requires compliance with Schweizer Service Information No. N195, which outlines the necessary steps to rectify the issue. Specifically, the corrective action must be carried out at the next 300 or 400-hour inspection following 30 June 1986, and for any spare parts, before they are installed in an aircraft. This regulation underscores the commitment of the Australian Government to maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Model 269A, 269B, and 269C Schweizer (Hughes) helicopters that are equipped with specified main transmission parts and pinion assemblies. This regulation mandates that these aircraft undergo a specific action concerning the main transmission assembly, as outlined in Schweizer Service Information No. N195, to address potential issues arising from the use of an incorrect lock washer. The requirement for compliance includes actions to be taken at the next scheduled inspection of the aircraft, which must occur after a set number of flight hours post 30 June 1986, and for any spare parts intended for installation in an aircraft, they must adhere to the same directive prior to being installed. This regulation is applicable nationally under the Commonwealth of Australia and ensures that the specified helicopters maintain safety standards by rectifying any potential assembly issues.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, include detailed directives for ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft. This particular legislative instrument focuses on Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters and mandates actions regarding the main transmission assembly (AD/HU 269/81). According to section 6/86, the directive applies to all Model 269A, 269B, and 269C helicopters equipped with specific main transmission parts (P/No. 269A5175-11, -13, -15, and -17) and P/No. 269A5103-21 or -31 pinion assemblies. The requirement is to follow Schweizer Service Information No. N195, which likely details the necessary inspection and corrective actions for these components.
The directive specifies that the required action must be taken during the next 300 or 400-hour inspection following 30 June 1986, ensuring ongoing safety and compliance with airworthiness standards. Additionally, for any spare parts, compliance must be verified before installation in an aircraft, highlighting the importance of meticulous checks at every stage of maintenance and assembly. This regulation is crucial to prevent potential safety issues, such as the incorrect use of a lock washer on the upper pulley nut, which could lead to significant mechanical failures, including the loss of torque on the aft pinion nut and premature wear of the input pinion shaft.
Entities and individuals governed by these regulations bear the responsibility of adhering strictly to the outlined procedures and timelines. This includes conducting the necessary inspections and implementing corrective actions as specified in Schweizer Service Information No. N195. Ensuring that all components are correctly assembled and functioning is vital for maintaining the safety and reliability of the Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters. Failure to comply with these directives can result in severe consequences, as the regulations are designed to prevent mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety.
In terms of consequences, failure to adhere to the provisions of this legislative instrument can lead to significant penalties. While specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally result in substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of non-compliant aircraft. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of these safety measures, emphasising the high stakes involved in ensuring that all aircraft maintain their airworthiness standards. The overarching goal is to protect both the operators and the public by enforcing rigorous compliance with airworthiness directives.