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 269/94 Main Rotor Pitch Bearing Snap Ring Lockwasher 13/89
DM
Applicability: Model 269C series with serial numbers 1166 through 1336.
Requirement: Unless already accomplished; inspect in accordance with Schweizer SIN No. N-227. Compliance: Within 50 hours time in service after 8 November 1989 or prior to 31 December
1989, whichever occurs first.
Background: The manufacturer has determined that there may be a possibility that the main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher (SL61W9F) is missing from the bearing stackup. This condition could result in separation of the main rotor pitch bearing housing assembly and rotor blade.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, establish comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation operations within Australia, including the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. The specific legislative instrument F2006B10652, part of the broader framework established by the Civil Aviation Regulations, addresses a critical safety concern for Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters. This regulation was introduced to mitigate the risk of main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher failure, which could lead to catastrophic separation of the main rotor pitch bearing housing assembly and rotor blade. The enacting body is the Australian Government, with a clear policy objective to enhance aviation safety by enforcing stringent airworthiness directives for specified aircraft models and components.
This regulation targets Schweizer (Hughes) 269C series helicopters with serial numbers between 1166 and 1336, requiring mandatory inspections to ensure the presence of the main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher. The directive mandates compliance within 50 hours of time in service after 8 November 1989 or before 31 December 1989, whichever comes first. The urgency of this requirement underscores the potential severity of the identified safety issue, aiming to prevent in-flight failures and ensure the continued safe operation of these aircraft within the Australian aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, particularly those within the model 269C series with serial numbers ranging from 1166 to 1336. This regulation mandates that unless the required inspection has already been completed, the main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher must be inspected in accordance with Schweizer SIN No. N-227. The inspection must be carried out within 50 hours of time in service after 8 November 1989 or before 31 December 1989, whichever comes first. The legislation is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and pertains to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the specified maintenance requirements are met to prevent potential safety issues related to the main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher. The directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, and it is expected that compliance will be overseen through the regulatory framework established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address airworthiness directives for particular aircraft models. Within this context, AD/HU 269/94 targets Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters, focusing on a critical component: the main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher. This directive applies to Model 269C series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 1166 to 1336 (section 13/89). The requirement is straightforward: unless already addressed, the relevant aircraft must be inspected in accordance with Schweizer Service Instruction No. N-227. This inspection must be carried out within 50 hours of time in service after 8 November 1989, or by 31 December 1989, whichever comes first.
The obligation imposed by this directive is clear and specific. Operators of the affected Schweizer (Hughes) 269 Series Helicopters must ensure that the main rotor pitch bearing snap ring lockwasher (SL61W9F) is present and correctly installed. This involves a thorough inspection process as outlined in the referenced service instruction, aiming to prevent potential catastrophic failures such as separation of the main rotor pitch bearing housing assembly and the rotor blade. The directive mandates compliance within a precise timeframe, ensuring that the safety checks are not delayed and that the risk of such a serious failure is mitigated.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/HU 269/94 can have significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against operators who do not adhere to the airworthiness directive. The potential penalties for non-compliance could include fines, legal action, and even grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight, further compounding the repercussions for the non-compliant party. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.