AD/HU 369/58 - Main Rotor Swashplate Bearing - Inspection - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) aimed at addressing the safety of McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this legislation was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by mandating inspections and, where necessary, the replacement of the main rotor swashplate bearing. The problem it addresses is the potential for improper assembly of the swashplate bearing, which could compromise the integrity of the helicopter’s main rotor system. The policy objective behind this directive is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by requiring timely and specific actions to rectify identified safety concerns. The AD/HU 369/58 applies to all 500 model 369 Series Aircraft equipped with certain swashplate bearing assemblies and main rotor installations, with specific exclusions for certain serial numbers or markings. The directive mandates compliance before further flight after 5th January 1984, referencing manufacturer reports and service information notices to guide the required inspections and replacements. This legislative measure underscores the commitment to proactive safety management within the aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all operators of McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters that are equipped with certain swashplate bearing assemblies and main rotor installations. These regulations mandate an inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of the main rotor swashplate bearing as outlined in the Airworthiness Directive AD/HU 369/58. The directive applies to all 500 model 369 Series Aircraft with the specified swashplate bearing assembly and main rotor installation types, excluding those with 9xxx series serial numbers or marked with a blue lacquered dot on the bearing seal retention snap ring. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring adherence before further flight after 5th January 1984, to ensure the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The regulations extend their application through the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which enforces compliance with the outlined safety directives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39, Section 105, establish the authority and requirements for issuing Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Section 39.105, specifically AD/HU 369/58, pertains to the inspection and replacement of the main rotor swashplate bearing for certain McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. This directive applies to all 500 model 369 Series Aircraft equipped with specific swashplate bearing assemblies and main rotor installations, installed after 1 June 1983, except those marked with certain serial numbers or a blue lacquered dot (Section 39.105(1)). The requirement is to ensure these components are correctly assembled to prevent safety issues (Section 39.105(2)). Operators of these helicopters must comply with the directive by conducting an inspection before further flight after 5 January 1984 to ensure the main rotor swashplate bearing is correctly assembled (Section 39.105(3)). This includes verifying that the ball bearing cages are installed as specified. Operators must refer to Hughes Service Information Notices HN 191, EN12, and DN-125 for guidance on the correct procedures and requirements (Section 39.105(4)). Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed (Section 39.105(5)). Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/HU 369/58 may result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence. Such offences can lead to civil penalties, including fines up to a maximum of $500,000 for corporations and $100,000 for individuals, as well as potential criminal charges. Additionally, operators may face enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which could include the issuance of a Direction to rectify the non-compliance or other regulatory actions deemed necessary to ensure aviation safety (Section 9.6 and 9.7 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988).