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 369/56 Auxiliary Fuel System - Modification 3/83
Applicability: All models with Chadwick C-20 auxiliary fuel system installed per supplemental type certificate SH129WE.
Requirement: Part 1: Install placard readily visible to the pilot in the cabin with the following annotation:-
WARNING “USABLE AUX. FUEL LIMITED TO HALF AVAILABLE QTY. AT T/O”
Part 2: Install Chadwick C-20-FM flow monitor kit.
Note: FAA AD 82-14-01 and Chadwick SB20-81-01 refer.
Compliance: Part 1: Within 10 hours time in service after 22 February 1983.
Part 2: Within 300 hours time in service, or 6 months after 31 March 1983.
The placard installed as per Part 1 above, may be removed, provided the revised flight manual supplement, Chadwick Auxiliary Fuel System C-20 dated 21 October 1981, is incorporated into the rotorcraft flight manual.
Background: Tests conducted by the auxiliary fuel system manufacturer have shown that the loss of one auxiliary tank fuel pump will result in only half the usable auxiliary fuel being available in flight. When such a failure occurs, no warning is provided.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. One part of these regulations, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislative instrument addresses issues related to the airworthiness of specific aircraft types, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The Airworthiness Directive AD/HU 369/56, applicable to McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, was introduced to tackle problems related to the auxiliary fuel system in these aircraft models. The directive mandates modifications to ensure that pilots are adequately informed of the available fuel capacity and installs a necessary flow monitor kit to enhance safety during flight operations. The policy objective behind these directives is to mitigate risks associated with inadequate fuel management and to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/HU 369/56, pertains to all McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters equipped with the Chadwick C-20 auxiliary fuel system, as confirmed by supplemental type certificate SH129WE. This legislation mandates safety modifications to ensure the safe operation of these helicopters by addressing the issue of limited auxiliary fuel availability without proper warning. The directive applies to all helicopters within the specified series and configuration, ensuring compliance with civil aviation safety standards across the Commonwealth of Australia. The modifications outlined in the directive must be implemented within specified timeframes: the installation of a placard visible to the pilot within 10 hours of service after 22 February 1983, and the installation of the Chadwick C-20-FM flow monitor kit within 300 hours of service or six months after 31 March 1983. These measures are critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and ensuring safe operational practices.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, section 105, mandate specific modifications for McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters equipped with a Chadwick C-20 auxiliary fuel system, as outlined in AD/HU 369/56. This airworthiness directive addresses the auxiliary fuel system to ensure safety during flight operations. According to the directive, operators must install a placard in the cabin that is readily visible to the pilot, bearing the warning "USABLE AUX. FUEL LIMITED TO HALF AVAILABLE QTY. AT T/O" (section 105(1)). Additionally, operators must install a Chadwick C-20-FM flow monitor kit (section 105(2)). Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and must be achieved within specific time frames; the placard must be installed within 10 hours of the directive's effective date, and the flow monitor kit within 300 hours or six months, whichever comes first.
Operators of the affected helicopters must adhere to these requirements to ensure the safe operation of their aircraft. The installation of the placard and flow monitor kit is critical to preventing potential hazards related to the auxiliary fuel system. Failure to comply with these directives could lead to serious safety risks, as tests have shown that a failure of one auxiliary tank fuel pump can result in only half the usable auxiliary fuel being available, without any warning to the pilot. The incorporation of the revised flight manual supplement, Chadwick Auxiliary Fuel System C-20 dated 21 October 1981, into the rotorcraft flight manual is an alternative to the placard removal, ensuring that pilots are adequately informed about the fuel system limitations.
Failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in relation to the airworthiness directives concerning the auxiliary fuel system, can result in severe consequences. Non-compliance may be considered a breach of the regulations, leading to potential enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such breaches may result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which can include fines and other regulatory sanctions. In extreme cases, where non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents, there may be additional criminal penalties for individuals or corporate entities involved. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, but they can be significant, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety mandates.