COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters
AD/HU 369/24 Tail Rotor Drive Shaft Damper - Inspection 3/77
Applicability: Model 369HS S/No. 0661S, 0662S, 0668S, 0675S, 0678S, 0680S, 0681S, 0686S, 0690S, 0693S, 0695S, 0696S, 0702S, thru 0764S, 0767S thru 0773S, 0775S thru
0794S, 0796S thru 0810S, 0812S thru 0814S, 0817S thru 0819S, 0824S, 0826S,
0845S, Model 369HM S/No. 0260M thru 0271M, 0274M, 0275M, 0278M thru
0292M.
Document: Hughes SIN No. HN-110.
Compliance: In accordance with the requirement document.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to govern and ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. As part of these regulations, the Act introduced specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address particular safety concerns associated with different aircraft models. AD/HU 369/24, enacted under these regulations, was introduced to address a specific safety issue related to the tail rotor drive shaft damper in certain McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. The policy objective of AD/HU 369/24 is to mandate regular inspections of the tail rotor drive shaft damper in specified helicopter models to prevent potential safety hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive applies to a range of serial numbers for the 369HS and 369HM models, aiming to mitigate risks associated with the damper system in these aircraft.
The enactment of these regulations by the Parliament of Australia is intended to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft operating within Australian airspace meet stringent safety requirements. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, including specific directives like AD/HU 369/24, reflect the commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety and the proactive management of potential risks associated with aircraft operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, mandates certain safety measures for aviation operations within Australia. This regulation applies to specific models of McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, namely those with the specified serial numbers. It encompasses both the Model 369HS and Model 369HM, detailing the requirement for the inspection of the tail rotor drive shaft damper. The geographic reach of this regulation is nationwide, ensuring that all operations involving the specified aircraft within Australian territory adhere to the stipulated safety measures. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions but implies that the specified aircraft models must comply with the directive to maintain their airworthiness. Any further clarification or extension of application would be addressed through subordinate instruments or amendments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, contains Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that apply to various aircraft, including the McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. The AD in focus, AD/HU 369/24, pertains to the inspection of the tail rotor drive shaft damper (section 3/77). This directive is crucial for ensuring the safety of specific helicopter models, namely the Model 369HS with serial numbers ranging from 0661S to 0845S and the Model 369HM with serial numbers from 0260M to 0292M. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be carried out in accordance with the Hughes Service Information Notice (SIN) No. HN-110.
Operators and owners of the specified helicopter models must ensure that the tail rotor drive shaft damper is inspected as per the requirements set out in the AD. This involves conducting a thorough examination to identify any wear, damage, or potential failure points in the damper. The inspection process must be documented and retained as part of the aircraft's maintenance records to demonstrate compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) regulations. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in significant safety risks, including potential in-flight failures that could compromise the helicopter's control and stability.
Failure to comply with the AD/HU 369/24 and the subsequent inspection requirements can result in severe consequences. CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who do not adhere to the specified safety directives. Penalties for non-compliance may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for serious safety breaches. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity of the non-compliance and the specific circumstances of the case, but the potential for significant financial and operational repercussions underscores the importance of adhering to these regulations.
In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate that specific McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters undergo regular inspections of their tail rotor drive shaft dampers. Non-compliance with these inspection requirements can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and possible criminal charges. Operators must ensure they follow the AD/HU 369/24 and document all inspections to maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.