AD/HU 269/86 - Belt Drive Upper Pulley Assembly

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B10645, introduced a specific airworthiness directive to address an identified issue with Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, particularly those in the model 269C range with serial numbers from 1166 to 1259. The directive, AD/HU 269/86, was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continued safety and reliability of these aircraft by mitigating the risk of excessive bearing wear due to potential installation errors of the oil retainers in the belt drive upper pulley assembly. The directive aims to ensure compliance by requiring corrective action in line with Schweizer Service Information Notice No. N-209, mandating that the necessary actions be taken at the next 100-hourly inspection after 31 July 1987 or within three months of the aircraft coming into service after 30 June 1987, whichever comes first. This measure was introduced to maintain the safety standards and operational integrity of the affected helicopters, thereby protecting both crew and passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates particular safety measures for Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters. This legislative instrument applies to all model 269C helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 1166 to 1259, inclusive. The regulation necessitates compliance with Schweizer Service Information Notice No. N-209, which addresses a potential risk of excessive bearing wear in the belt drive upper pulley assembly due to improperly installed oil retainers. The requirement mandates that corrective action be taken during the next 100-hourly inspection following 31 July 1987, or within three months of time in service after 30 June 1987, whichever comes first. This directive ensures the airworthiness and operational safety of the specified aircraft, thereby protecting the aviation industry and the public.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, specifically identified as AD/HU 269/86. This directive applies to all model 269C helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 1166 to 1259 inclusive. The requirement outlined in this directive mandates that action be taken in accordance with Schweizer Service Information Notice No. N-209. The directive specifies that the compliance action must occur at the next 100-hourly inspection after 31 July 1987 or within three months of the helicopter entering service after 30 June 1987, whichever is earlier. The obligations imposed by this AD include ensuring that the belt drive upper pulley assembly on the specified helicopters is checked and, if necessary, corrected to prevent potential issues. The primary concern is the possibility that the forward and aft pulley assembly bearing end caps may have the oil retainers installed backwards. Such an installation could result in excessive bearing wear due to an inadequate supply of lubricating oil. The directive underscores the necessity of adhering to the Schweizer Service Information Notice No. N-209, which provides specific instructions and procedures to rectify or verify the correct installation of the oil retainers. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/HU 269/86 can result in serious consequences. Civil aviation regulations stipulate that non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant safety risks, potentially resulting in the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are completed. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to impose penalties on operators who do not adhere to these safety directives. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, the suspension or revocation of the operator's license. These stringent measures are in place to ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby safeguarding the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry.