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 369/33
Amdt 1
Fuselage Structure, Forward Section - Modification
6/80
Applicability: All 500D model 369D with S/Nos. 0003D to 0339D, 0341 to 0385D, 0387D to 0401D, 0403D to 0406D, 0408D to 0417D, 0419D to 0429D, 0431D to 0434D,
0436D to 0442D, 0444D to 0491D, 0493D to 0503D, 0505D to 0507D, 0509D,
0510D, 0512D to 0519D, 0521D to 0552D, 0554D to 0568D, 0572D to 0590D,
0594D to 0596D, 0599D to 0620D, 0622D to 0625D, 0627D to 0633D, 0635D,
0636D, 0638D to 0645D, 0647D, 0649D.
Document: Hughes SIN No. DN-25.1.
Compliance: At the next major or 1200 hourly inspection whichever occurs first.
Background: Overseas field reports indicate that cracking and/or damage has occurred in the area of the forward most attach nutplate assembly, for both LH and RH sides of the engine inlet fairing assemblies.
This Directive is raised in issue to extend applicability to additional serial numbered aircraft following a revision to the requirement document.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament, form a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39, specifically, addresses the safety of aircraft and their airworthiness, with the legislative instrument F2006B10695 providing detailed directives concerning the maintenance and modifications of certain aircraft models. This particular legislative instrument targets the McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, aiming to rectify identified structural issues in the forward section of the fuselage. The problem it addresses is the occurrence of cracking and damage in the area of the forward most attach nutplate assembly for both left and right sides of the engine inlet fairing assemblies, as reported in overseas field operations. The policy objective is to ensure that these specific helicopter models are maintained to a safe standard to prevent potential safety hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to all aircraft registered in Australia and operated under Commonwealth law. The particular Airworthiness Directive AD/HU 369/33 Amendment 1, which addresses the fuselage structure of the McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, applies to all 500D model 369D helicopters with specific serial numbers, detailing the requisite modifications to the forward section of the fuselage to mitigate risks of cracking or damage in the area of the forward most attach nutplate assembly. This directive applies to all aircraft within the specified serial number range and mandates compliance at the next major inspection or after 1200 flight hours, whichever occurs first. The regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards by operators of these aircraft. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, though compliance and enforcement are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The main sections of this legislation (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives) detail specific directives regarding the airworthiness of McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. This particular directive (AD/HU 369/33 Amendment 1) pertains to the fuselage structure of the forward section, specifically addressing the modification of the forward most attach nutplate assembly for both left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides of the engine inlet fairing assemblies. It applies to certain serial numbered aircraft (500D model 369D with specific serial numbers) and requires compliance at the next major or 1200 hourly inspection, whichever occurs first.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that the specified modifications are completed on the applicable helicopters. This involves inspecting the forward most attach nutplate assemblies for any signs of cracking or damage and making necessary repairs or replacements. Additionally, compliance must be achieved by the next major or 1200 hourly inspection, whichever comes first. The directive also mandates that all work be performed in accordance with the requirement document Hughes SIN No. DN-25.1 to ensure that the modifications meet the required safety standards.
Failure to comply with this airworthiness directive can result in severe civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not stated in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can generally lead to significant fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for those responsible for the non-compliance. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of adhering to such directives to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.