Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, contain numerous provisions aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations addresses the issuance of airworthiness directives to maintain and ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for issuing these directives, which serve to address identified safety issues in aircraft operation. The airworthiness directive AD/R22/20, pertaining to the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters, was introduced to address the problem of excessive wear in the vertical push pull tubes of certain models, which could lead to safety issues if not properly managed. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure the structural integrity of the push pull tubes and their associated components, thus maintaining the overall airworthiness of the affected helicopters. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with specific timelines set for inspections and necessary modifications to prevent operational risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, applies to all Robinson R22 series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 0002 to 0369.2/84. This regulation mandates a stringent inspection and, if necessary, modification of the A121-7 vertical push pull tubes and guides to ensure safety and operational integrity. The requirement entails a visual inspection using a small mirror and high-intensity light to check for wear in the area of the blue guide bushings, as well as evidence of movement causing fretting and deterioration of the guides. If wear exceeds 0.015 inch per side or if the blue bushing wears through the housing, the affected tubes, guides, and bushings must be replaced before further flight. Additionally, protective sleeves and guides must be installed in accordance with Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin No. 36. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within specified timeframes: Part 1 within 25 hours of time in service after 28 December 1983, and Part 2 within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984. These measures are in response to manufacturer reports of excessive wear on the vertical push pull tubes, which have been mitigated through the development of protective sleeves and adjustable guides.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters. A key provision, AD/R22/20, pertains to the push pull tubes and guides inspection and modification for all R22 models with serial numbers 0002 through 0369.2/84. This directive (AD/R22/20) is divided into two parts, each with distinct requirements and compliance timelines. Part 1 mandates a visual inspection of the A121-7 vertical push pull tubes using a small mirror and high-intensity light to detect wear in the area of the blue guide bushings. It also requires a check for any movement of the blue bushings in their mount that may cause fretting and deterioration of the guides. If the wear is between 0.005 and 0.015 inch per side, it is acceptable; however, if the wear exceeds 0.015 inch per side or if the blue bushing is wearing through the housing, the tube, guide, and bushings must be replaced before further flight. Part 2 requires the installation of protective sleeves and guides as per RHC SB No. 36. The obligations imposed by the AD/R22/20 are clear and precise. Operators of the affected Robinson R22 Series Helicopters must ensure that the specified inspections and modifications are conducted within the stipulated time frames. For Part 1, inspections must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 28 December 1983. For Part 2, the installation of protective sleeves and guides must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984. These timelines are critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the helicopters and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in the AD/R22/20 can result in serious consequences. Although the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance within this specific directive, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to severe repercussions. These may include the grounding of the aircraft, fines, and potential criminal charges for operators and maintenance personnel. The maximum penalties for such violations can vary, but they may include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of compromising aviation safety. Therefore, it is imperative for operators and maintenance personnel to strictly follow the directives to avoid these severe outcomes.