AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PC-12/42 Passenger Oxygen System Pipes 8/2004
Applicability: Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 aeroplanes with the following Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSN), fitted with an executive interior and a six, seven or eight-seat oxygen system installed:
124 | 417 thru 424 | 441 | 492 |
166 | 427 | 443 thru 444 | 494 thru 496 |
401 | 429 thru 430 | 446 thru 465 | 498 thru 516 |
405 | 432 thru 433 | 468 thru 470 | 518 thru 522 |
407 | 435 thru 437 | 472 thru 475 | 524 |
411 thru 414 | 439 | 478 thru 490 | |
Requirement: Accomplish the following, as applicable to each aircraft configuration, in accordance with Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 35-004 dated 19 December 2003:
- Remove and discard the forward oxygen pipe part number (P/N) 535.21.12.076 and install new forward oxygen pipe P/N 535.21.12.125.
2. Carry out the following inspections:
- Inspect the overhead panel for damage. If damage is found; contact PILATUS for repair procedures.
b. Inspect the interior-lighting power-supply units for damage.
c. For aeroplanes with the eight-seat oxygen system installed; inspect the aft oxygen pipe P/N 535.21.12.054 for damage.
3. Carry out the following Modifications:
- For aeroplanes with the TCAS antenna and the eight-seat oxygen system installed; modify the TCAS antenna cable routing in accordance with paragraph (3) (E) and (Fig. 2) of SB No. 35-004.
b. For aeroplanes with the eight-seat oxygen system installed; modify the attachment of the aft oxygen pipe routing in accordance with paragraph (3)
(F) and (Fig. 1) of SB No. 35-004.
Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PC-12/42 (continued)
4. If damaged interior-lighting power-supply unit(s) is found during the Requirement 2.b. inspection, replace the damaged unit (s).
5. If a damaged aft oxygen pipe is found during the Requirement 2.c. inspection, replace the pipe.
Note: Swiss FOCA AD HB-2004-182 refers.
Compliance: For Requirements 1, 2 and 3:
Aircraft
Total Hours Time in Service (TIS)
Compliance
Less than 1500 hours TIS At the next annual inspection after the
effective date of this Directive, but not later than 31 December 2004
Greater than 1500 hrs TIS At the next 100 hrs inspection after the
effective date of this Directive, but not later than 31 December 2004
For Requirements 4 and 5 - Prior to further flight after the inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 August 2004.
Background: The Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) has advised that it is possible for chaffing damage to occur which could result in the leakage of the passenger oxygen pipe assembly. The chaffing is due insufficient clearance between the passenger oxygen pipe assemblies and some of the cabin lighting components in the headliner in aeroplanes with executive interiors.
This Directive requires inspection of the installation for damage, modification of the pipe assembly to increase the clearance distance between the oxygen pipes and lighting components, and replacement of parts and/or components as required.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 23 June 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 July 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 addresses the issue of potential chaffing damage to passenger oxygen pipes in Pilatus PC-12 Series aeroplanes, which could lead to leakage. This Airworthiness Directive, AD/PC-12/42, was introduced to mitigate safety risks associated with the insufficient clearance between passenger oxygen pipes and cabin lighting components, particularly in aircraft with executive interiors. The directive applies to specific Pilatus PC-12 and PC-12/45 aeroplanes equipped with executive interiors and certain seat configurations, as outlined in the applicability section. The CASA delegate has mandated the removal and replacement of certain oxygen pipes, inspections for damage to various components, and modifications to improve clearance distances, all in accordance with Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 35-004. The directive aims to ensure the airworthiness of affected aircraft by requiring these actions to be completed within specified timeframes based on the aircraft's total hours time in service.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 pertains specifically to Pilatus PC-12 Series aeroplanes with certain Manufacturer Serial Numbers, those fitted with an executive interior and a six, seven or eight-seat oxygen system installed. This legislation applies to aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel who must ensure compliance with the directive's requirements to address identified safety issues. The directive is national in scope, extending across Australia as it is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), a Commonwealth authority. The directive includes specific exclusions based on the aircraft's Total Hours Time in Service (TIS), stipulating different compliance timelines depending on whether the TIS is less than or greater than 1500 hours. The directive can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although none are mentioned in the directive itself. The directive mandates the removal and replacement of specific parts, inspections for damage, and modifications to prevent future damage, all to be carried out in accordance with specified service bulletins.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under section 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) applies to specific Pilatus PC-12 Series aeroplanes with particular Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSNs) that are equipped with an executive interior and a six, seven, or eight-seat oxygen system. The AD mandates certain actions to rectify the unsafe condition identified, which involves potential chaffing damage that could lead to the leakage of the passenger oxygen pipe assembly (section 1). These actions include removing and replacing specific oxygen pipes, conducting inspections for damage, and modifying certain components to prevent further damage (section 2). The AD specifies precise instructions and timelines for compliance, contingent upon the aircraft's total hours time in service (TIS) and type of inspection due (section 3).
Entities governed by this AD, primarily aircraft operators and maintenance providers, are required to follow the outlined procedures meticulously. This includes adhering to the inspection and modification schedules as per the AD, using the specified parts and instructions from Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 35-004 dated 19 December 2003 (section 2). Operators must ensure compliance with the timeline stipulated for inspections and modifications, which varies depending on whether the aircraft has less than 1500 hours TIS or more than 1500 hours TIS (section 3). Any replacement of damaged parts must be done prior to further flight, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy at all times (section 4 and 5).
Failure to comply with the AD's requirements can result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD, non-compliance with CASA directives can typically result in enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines and legal actions. The severity of the penalty can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, with potential maximum penalties as prescribed by the relevant legislation. Ensuring adherence to this AD is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the specified Pilatus PC-12 Series aeroplanes.