COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters
AD/BK 117/4 Landing Gear Electrical Bonding 12/91
Applicability: All MBB-BK 117 aircraft serial No 7001 through 7261 inclusive. Requirement: Action in accordance with MBB Alert SB 117 -90-104.
Compliance: Within 50 hours time in service after 12 December 1991.
Background: The existing bonding of the landing gear to the helicopter has been determined by the manufacturer to be inadequate to ensure satisfactory elimination of electrostatic charges.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament, serve as the primary regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and efficiency in the sector. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues specific directives under this act, such as Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address identified safety issues. One such directive, AD/BK 117/4, targets the Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters, specifically addressing the inadequacy of the landing gear electrical bonding which could lead to electrostatic charge issues. The directive was introduced to rectify a gap identified in the safety standards of these aircraft, requiring compliance within 50 hours of service after its issuance on 12 December 1991. The policy objective is to ensure that all affected aircraft meet the manufacturer's recommended safety measures, thereby reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge and enhancing overall flight safety.
The Kawasaki BK 117 Series helicopters, serial numbers 7001 through 7261, are subject to this directive as per the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The directive mandates compliance with MBB Alert SB 117-90-104, which provides specific action steps to correct the inadequate bonding issue. This legislative measure by CASA underscores the commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft operations adhere to the highest safety protocols to protect passengers and crew. The directive exemplifies the ongoing efforts to proactively address and mitigate potential safety hazards, thereby reinforcing the integrity of Australia's aviation safety framework.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including the directive AD/BK 117/4 concerning the Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters. This legislative instrument applies to all MBB-BK 117 aircraft within the serial range from 7001 to 7261 inclusive. The directive mandates action in accordance with MBB Alert SB 117 -90-104 to rectify the inadequacies identified in the landing gear electrical bonding, which the manufacturer has determined to be insufficient for effectively eliminating electrostatic charges. Compliance with this directive is required within 50 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 12 December 1991. The scope of this legislation is specifically targeted at ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the identified helicopter models, ensuring that they meet the requisite safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness of specific aircraft models, with a focus on the Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters. Within this section, the regulations mandate compliance with Airworthiness Directive (AD) BK 117/4, which pertains to the electrical bonding of the landing gear (section 12/91). This directive applies to all MBB-BK 117 aircraft serial numbers 7001 through 7261 inclusive. The requirement is for the aircraft to adhere to the specifications outlined in the MBB Alert SB 117 -90-104, ensuring that the electrical bonding of the landing gear is sufficient to eliminate electrostatic charges effectively. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 50 hours of time in service following 12 December 1991.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily on the operators of the Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters within the specified serial number range. Operators must ensure that their aircraft comply with the AD BK 117/4 by implementing the actions detailed in the MBB Alert SB 117 -90-104. This involves ensuring that the bonding of the landing gear is upgraded or verified to meet the required standards to prevent any potential issues related to electrostatic charges. Operators must also ensure that the necessary modifications or checks are carried out by appropriately qualified personnel and documented properly to demonstrate compliance.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD BK 117/4 can lead to significant legal and safety consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the regulation, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries substantial civil and criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties could be imposed, which might involve imprisonment. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to maintain the safety of civil aviation operations.