AD/HU 369/21 - Stabiliser Strut Damper Plunger - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were established to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Among the various parts of these regulations, Part 39 is dedicated to airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules regarding the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft to ensure they meet safety standards. A specific airworthiness directive, AD/HU 369/21, focuses on the inspection and replacement of stabiliser strut damper plungers for McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, aiming to address potential safety issues associated with the specified part number. This directive was introduced to rectify a problem identified in the stabiliser strut assembly of certain helicopter models, ensuring these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers and crew. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation through proactive and regulatory measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, apply to all aircraft operations within the Commonwealth of Australia, with the legislation enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular legislation, AD/HU 369/21, pertains to the inspection and replacement of the stabiliser strut damper plunger on McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. The regulation applies to all models that are fitted with a P/N 369A2001-601 shock-mounted stabiliser strut assembly, as identified in either Hughes SIN HN-102.1 or FAA AD 76-19-03. The compliance requirements mandate that Part 1, concerning the inspection of the stabiliser strut damper plunger, must be completed within 25 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 25 November 1976. If a replacement is necessary, Part 2 must be undertaken within 100 hours of the same time in service. The geographic reach of this legislation is nationwide, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within Australian jurisdiction adhere to these safety directives. The application of these directives is not subject to exclusions or exemptions as specified in the text, though it may be extended or restricted by subordinate instruments as necessary for enforcement and compliance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 and more specifically in section 105, outlines an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that applies to the McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. This AD, known as AD/HU 369/21, pertains to the stabiliser strut damper plunger and mandates both inspection and replacement (105.01). The directive applies to all models that are fitted with the P/N 369A2001-601 shock-mounted stabiliser strut assembly. The documentation required for compliance includes either Hughes SIN HN-102.1 or FAA AD 76-19-03 (105.02). The primary obligations under this AD involve conducting a thorough inspection and, if necessary, replacing the stabiliser strut damper plunger. For Part 1 of the directive, the inspection must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 25 November 1976. If a replacement is necessary, as indicated in Part 2, this must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service following the same date (105.03). The entities governed by this directive, such as helicopter operators and maintenance organisations, must ensure that these timelines are strictly adhered to in order to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/HU 369/21 could result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence (105.04). The penalties for such breaches may include substantial fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the non-compliance and any resultant safety risks. The exact penalties are not specified within the text of the AD but would be determined under the broader legislative framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other relevant laws. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.