AD/HU 369/65 - Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within the country. This legislative instrument is part of a broader effort to maintain high standards of airworthiness, particularly in addressing specific safety issues that may arise with certain aircraft models. One such issue is addressed in Part 39 - 105, which concerns the McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with specific service instructions and notices to mitigate the risk of leaks in the Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks, which have been identified due to improper distribution of clamping stresses during fitment leading to crack development. This directive applies to all Model 369D, 369E, and 369FF helicopters fitted with specific Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks, as well as any spares held in stock, requiring action to be taken before further flight after a specified date or before the installation of the tank in an aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate compliance with the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This particular directive, AD/HU 369/65, pertains to the Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks installed on certain McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, namely Model 369D, 369E, and 369FF, equipped with Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tank Part Number AW1066-1082 and serial numbers ranging from 101 to 220. This requirement also applies to any spares held in stock. The directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Instructions and Fargo Service Notices to address reported leaks in the fuel tanks, which have arisen due to improper distribution of clamping stresses during installation, leading to crack development. Compliance with this directive is mandatory before further flight after 31 May 1986 and before the installation of any new tank in an aircraft. This regulation underscores the importance of adhering to specific service instructions to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected helicopters.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the requirements for the airworthiness of McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters, particularly concerning the Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks. Section 1 of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifies the applicability of the directive to all Model 369D, 369E, 369FF helicopters fitted with specific Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks with serial numbers between 101 and 220, as well as any spares held in stock. Section 2 mandates that the action required is to follow McDonnell Douglas Service Instructions (SINs) DN138, EN26, FN14, and Fargo Service Notice No. 2 Revision 1. Under these regulations, operators and owners of the affected helicopters must ensure compliance with the outlined service instructions and notices. This involves inspecting and, if necessary, repairing or replacing the Fargo Auxiliary Fuel Tanks to prevent leaks, which have been reported due to improper distribution of clamping stresses during fitment, leading to crack development. Operators must adhere to these requirements before the aircraft is flown again after 31 May 1986 or before the installation of a new tank. Failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the specific Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. Section 3 of the directive indicates that non-compliance could lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential civil penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines. Additionally, if the non-compliance is found to have contributed to an aviation incident or accident, the consequences could be more severe, potentially involving both civil and criminal liabilities for the operators or owners. The specific penalties are not detailed in the text but can be severe, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft components.