COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Robinson R22 Series Helicopters
AD/R22/19 Vee Belt Guide - Installation 1/84
Applicability: All model R22 with S/Nos. 0002 thru 0379 having P/N A020-2 Upper frame S/Nos.
0002 thru 0500 installed.
Document: Service Bulletin Number 35.
Compliance: When the next set of NEW A190-1 bee belts are installed, but no later than 30 June 1984.
Background: Several instances of newly installed vee belts climbing out of their sheave grooves, with a resulting loss of main transmission drive, has prompted the manufacturer to introduce a guide to prevent the problem.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), form a critical framework governing the safety and operational standards of civil aviation in Australia. One specific legislative instrument within this regulation, F2006B06424, addresses the critical issue of maintaining airworthiness standards for the Robinson R22 series helicopters, particularly focusing on the installation of vee belt guides to prevent belts from climbing out of their sheave grooves, which can cause a loss of main transmission drive. This directive, known as AD/R22/19, was enacted to ensure the safety of these helicopters by mandating the installation of a new guide for the vee belts, effective by 30 June 1984. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of mechanical failures that could lead to accidents, thereby safeguarding both passengers and crew. The regulation was established by the Australian Parliament to uphold stringent safety standards across the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes guidelines for ensuring the safety of aviation operations within Australia. This regulation applies to all Robinson R22 series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 0002 to 0379 that have an upper frame with serial numbers from 0002 to 0500 installed. The directive mandates the installation of a vee belt guide to prevent newly installed vee belts from climbing out of their sheave grooves, thereby averting a loss of main transmission drive. This requirement is to be complied with when the next set of new A190-1 bee belts are installed, but no later than 30 June 1984, as specified in Service Bulletin Number 35 issued by the manufacturer. The regulation is geographically applicable across Australia, administered under the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniformity in aviation safety standards and practices across all states and territories.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, mandate the installation of a vee belt guide for the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters to prevent the occurrence of belts slipping out of their sheave grooves, which could lead to a loss of main transmission drive (AD/R22/19). This directive applies to all model R22 helicopters with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 0002 to 0379 that have the P/N A020-2 Upper frame S/Nos. 0002 to 0500 installed. The requirement for compliance is detailed in Service Bulletin Number 35 and necessitates the installation of the vee belt guide when the next set of new A190-1 bee belts is installed, but no later than 30 June 1984.
The primary obligation imposed by this legislation is on the operators of the affected helicopters to ensure that the specified vee belt guide is installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This involves not only the physical installation of the guide but also ensuring that it is done in conjunction with the replacement of the bee belts to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators must maintain records of compliance with this directive, demonstrating that the installation was carried out in accordance with the stipulated timelines and specifications.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/R22/19 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who do not adhere to these safety directives. Civil penalties for non-compliance can include fines up to a certain amount, as prescribed under the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Additionally, continued operation of a helicopter without the mandated vee belt guide could lead to further safety hazards, potentially resulting in criminal charges if such non-compliance is found to have caused an aviation incident or accident. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of strict adherence to the regulations.