AD/R22/12 Amdt 2 - Upper Steel Tube Frames

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by Legislative Instrument F2006B06419, address the safety concerns associated with the upper steel tube frames of Robinson R22 Series Helicopters. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that specific models of these helicopters, identified by their serial numbers, undergo thorough inspections to maintain airworthiness standards. The objective is to enhance safety by identifying and rectifying any potential structural weaknesses in the upper steel tube frames, thereby mitigating risks associated with their operation. Enacted by the Australian Government, this legislation is instrumental in maintaining the safety and reliability of the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters within the civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters, specifically targeting the upper steel tube frames of models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 0002 to 0311, inclusive. This directive applies to helicopters that have A020-2 steel tube frames with S/Nos. 0002 to 0399 installed. The scope of this legislation mandates that inspections be conducted in accordance with Robinson Service Bulletin No. 47, which supersedes previous bulletins (3, 18, and 23). Compliance with this directive is required within 50 hours of time in service after 31 May 1986, and ongoing inspections must adhere to the details outlined in the Requirement Document. This legislation forms part of the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, with its applicability and enforcement overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive is a Commonwealth regulation, thus it applies nationally across Australia, ensuring uniformity in aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, establish important safety directives concerning the airworthiness of Robinson R22 Series Helicopters, particularly those with serial numbers 0002 to 0311 and A020-2 steel tube frames serial numbers 0002 to 0399 (AD/R22/12). The main requirement of this legislation, as detailed in the amendment, mandates that these helicopters must be inspected according to Robinson Service Bulletin No. 47. This inspection must occur within 50 hours of time in service after 31 May 1986 and subsequently as outlined in the requirement document. The Act imposes a stringent obligation on helicopter operators to ensure that these inspections are conducted correctly and in a timely manner. This includes adhering to the procedures specified in Service Bulletin No. 47, which supersedes previous bulletins such as S.B.’s 3, 18, and 23, and mandates a thorough examination of all welded areas of the A020-2 frame. Failure to comply with these directives could lead to significant safety risks and potential non-compliance with aviation safety standards. The regulations also outline severe consequences for non-compliance. Any breach of these airworthiness directives could result in significant penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators found in violation of these safety directives could face substantial fines and other regulatory actions. The specific penalties for such breaches can vary, but they may include civil penalties under the Administrative Penalties (Civil Aviation) Regulations 1990, which can be significant depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. Additionally, persistent or severe non-compliance could lead to criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act, with penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the critical importance of these safety directives in maintaining airworthiness standards.