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 117/5 Electrical Bonding and Static Dischargers 2/94
Applicability: Kawasaki Heavy Industries BK 117 series helicopters serial numbers 1001 through 1066 inclusive, except 1007 and 1036.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Service Bulletin KSB-117-077 dated 1 February 1991.
Note: JCAB AD TCB-3432-91 refers.
Compliance: If not previously accomplished, then prior to 3 August 1994.
Background: The JCAB has received reports of electrostatic discharge igniting fires at fuel vent line outlet ports. Compliance with this directive will decrease the likelihood of electrostatic discharge causing a fire hazard.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and to set out detailed regulations for the maintenance and operation of aircraft to ensure public safety. Among these regulations, AD/BK 117/5 pertains to Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters, addressing the critical issue of electrical bonding and static dischargers to mitigate fire risks. This directive applies to Kawasaki BK 117 series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 1001 to 1066, excluding serial numbers 1007 and 1036, and mandates compliance with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Service Bulletin KSB-117-077 dated 1 February 1991. The policy objective behind this directive is to reduce the likelihood of electrostatic discharge causing a fire hazard, a concern highlighted by reports of such incidents at fuel vent line outlet ports as documented by the JCAB. Compliance with this directive is required before 3 August 1994, ensuring that the specified measures are implemented to enhance safety in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all aviation activities within the Commonwealth of Australia, regulating aspects such as the airworthiness of aircraft, the qualifications of pilots, and operational procedures to ensure safety and compliance with international standards. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable instructions that must be complied with to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. AD/BK 117/5 applies to Kawasaki Heavy Industries BK 117 series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 1001 to 1066, excluding serial numbers 1007 and 1036. This airworthiness directive mandates compliance with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Service Bulletin KSB-117-077 dated 1 February 1991, to address the issue of electrostatic discharge that has been reported to ignite fires at fuel vent line outlet ports. Compliance with this directive is required before 3 August 1994 if the action has not been previously completed, aiming to mitigate the risk of electrostatic discharge causing fire hazards. The directive references JCAB AD TCB-3432-91, indicating alignment with broader safety standards set by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Kawasaki BK 117 series helicopters. Section AD/BK 117/5 pertains to the electrical bonding and static dischargers of these helicopters, specifically targeting those with serial numbers ranging from 1001 to 1066, excluding 1007 and 1036. This directive mandates that helicopter operators comply with the instructions provided in Kawasaki Heavy Industries Service Bulletin KSB-117-077 dated 1 February 1991, and it references JCAB AD TCB-3432-91 for additional context. The directive is designed to address a known issue of electrostatic discharge potentially igniting fires at fuel vent line outlet ports, thereby reducing the risk of fire hazards.
Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, operators of Kawasaki BK 117 series helicopters must adhere to the requirements outlined in the AD. This includes ensuring that the electrical bonding and static dischargers are configured in accordance with the specified service bulletin. Operators must complete the necessary actions if they have not already done so, with the compliance deadline being prior to 3 August 1994. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to grounding and potential legal ramifications.
The legislation imposes clear obligations on helicopter operators, requiring them to take specific actions to mitigate fire risks related to electrostatic discharge. Operators must ensure that the aircraft's electrical systems are correctly bonded and that static dischargers are properly installed and functioning. This involves detailed technical work that must be performed by qualified personnel. The AD requires operators to maintain records of compliance and to ensure that all modifications are documented and approved by the relevant authorities.
Non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations and the specific AD for Kawasaki BK 117 series helicopters can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, violations of airworthiness directives can result in substantial fines and potential criminal charges. Operators found in breach of these regulations may face civil penalties, including fines up to several thousand dollars, and in more severe cases, criminal charges could be pursued, leading to imprisonment. Additionally, the aircraft may be grounded until compliance is achieved, disrupting operations and potentially incurring further financial losses.