AD/R22/18 - Actuator Drive Screw A506-1 - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation within Australia, aiming to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel. Part 39, in particular, focuses on airworthiness directives, which are regulatory measures that mandate corrective actions to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive is AD/R22/18, issued to address a specific safety issue concerning the Robinson R22 series helicopters. This directive was introduced to rectify a potential problem with faulty drive screws in the actuators of certain Robinson R22 models, specifically those with A051 series actuators and serial numbers between 152 and 346. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure that all affected helicopters are compliant with the manufacturer's service bulletin 32, mandating the replacement of the faulty actuator drive screws within a specified timeframe to prevent any potential safety risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is responsible for issuing airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring that the aviation industry adheres to stringent safety standards. The directive AD/R22/18, issued in response to concerns raised by the manufacturer, Robinson Helicopter Company, aims to mitigate the risk associated with the identified faulty actuator drive screws. By requiring compliance within 25 hours of time in service or by August 31, 1983, whichever is sooner, the directive underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this safety concern to protect the integrity and safety of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Robinson R22 series helicopters. This directive applies to all Robinson R22 models that are equipped with A051 series actuators and have serial numbers ranging from 152 to 346. The directive mandates the replacement of the actuator drive screw as per Robinson Service Bulletin 32, which addresses the issue of faulty drive screws that may be present in certain actuators. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of the helicopter's time in service, or by 31st August 1983, whichever comes first. The directive is designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified helicopter models by addressing potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. The regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by CASA, and it does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the defined serial number range and applicable model.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains provisions concerning airworthiness directives, which are mandatory orders issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety issues. Section 39.105 of the Act pertains to the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters, with a focus on the actuator drive screw issue. According to AD/R22/18, all Robinson R22 models fitted with A051 series actuators, serial numbers 152 through 346, are subject to a replacement requirement (Section 39.105(1)). This directive mandates compliance with Robinson Service Bulletin 32, which provides detailed instructions on replacing the faulty drive screws (Section 39.105(2)). The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by these provisions. Firstly, operators of the affected Robinson R22 helicopters must ensure that the actuator drive screw replacement is carried out within the specified timeframe. This timeframe is either within 25 hours of time in service or by 31st August 1983, whichever comes sooner (Section 39.105(3)). Operators must follow the guidance provided in Robinson Service Bulletin 32 meticulously to ensure that the replacement is done correctly and safely (Section 39.105(4)). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with the requirements outlined in Section 39.105 may lead to enforcement actions by CASA. These actions can include the issuance of compliance orders, the suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of air safety issues. The maximum penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and the circumstances of the case (Section 39.105(5)).