COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Robinson R22 Series Helicopters
AD/R22/4
Amdt 7
Retirement Lives - Fatigue Critical Components 7/95
Applicability: All Models.
Requirement: Retire from service all components listed in Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Maintenance Manual (MM), Revision 14, Section 3, Table 3-1, Fatigue Limited Parts, at or before the times specified therein. Time in service shall be computed in accordance with Paragraph 3.002 of the MM.
Note: Main rotor blades P/N A016-1 S/N 1 to 810 are not eligible for service.
Compliance: This Amendment is effective 22 June 1995.
Background: This Directive requires compliance with the manufacturer’s life limitation schedule for the aircraft. This Amendment reflects the latest revision of the R22 Maintenance Manual.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B06444, were enacted to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations within Australia. Specifically, the 1998 Regulations introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at addressing gaps in aviation safety standards and ensuring that all civil aviation activities conform to rigorous safety requirements. This particular legislative instrument, which pertains to the Robinson R22 Series Helicopters, was introduced to mandate the retirement of fatigue-critical components in line with the manufacturer's life limitation schedule, as specified in the Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Maintenance Manual. The policy objective is to enhance safety by ensuring that all components are maintained or replaced before they reach the end of their service life, thereby preventing potential failures that could compromise flight safety. Enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, this regulation underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Robinson R22 Series Helicopters and mandates adherence to Airworthiness Directives, including AD/R22/4 Amendment 7 concerning the retirement of fatigue-critical components. This legislative instrument extends its reach to all models of the specified helicopters, ensuring that they comply with the manufacturer’s life limitation schedule detailed in the Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Maintenance Manual, Revision 14. The requirement to retire certain components at or before the times specified in the manual is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft, and it applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia. Notably, this amendment does not affect main rotor blades with part numbers A016-1 and serial numbers 1 to 810, which are not eligible for continued service. The Amendment 7 came into effect on 22 June 1995, ensuring that all applicable helicopters are subject to these stringent safety regulations.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically AD/R22/4 Amendment 7, pertain to the retirement of fatigue critical components for Robinson R22 Series Helicopters (section 1). The primary requirement is to retire from service all components listed in the Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Maintenance Manual, Revision 14, Section 3, Table 3-1, which identifies the fatigue-limited parts (section 1). These components must be retired at or before the specified times as outlined in the Maintenance Manual. It is crucial that the time in service for these components is computed according to Paragraph 3.002 of the Maintenance Manual (section 1).
The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities it governs. It mandates that all Robinson R22 Series Helicopter operators must adhere to the manufacturer’s life limitation schedule for the aircraft as detailed in the referenced maintenance manual (section 1). The operators are responsible for ensuring that all fatigue critical components are retired at the specified times to maintain airworthiness and safety standards. This includes maintaining accurate records of the service time for these components, as per the guidelines in the Maintenance Manual, to ensure compliance with the stipulated requirements (section 1).
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in significant consequences. The Act does not explicitly state the penalties or offences for non-compliance within the provided text. However, it is well-established within civil aviation law that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe penalties. These may include fines, revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges for individuals or corporations found in breach of safety regulations. The maximum penalties for such offences can vary, but they often include substantial fines and imprisonment for corporate entities, reflecting the serious nature of aviation safety compliance (section 1).