COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Robinson R22 Series Helicopters
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/R22/48 Sprag Clutch 7/2000
Applicability: Model R22 helicopters serial number 0002 through 2862 fitted with S/N sprag clutch as detailed in Robinson SB-85.
Requirement: 1. Replace sprag clutch P/N 188-2 in accordance with the procedures detailed in Robinson Service Bulletin SB-85.
2. Remove the pink page Special Pilot Caution covering autorotation with a possible defective sprag clutch from the Normal Procedures Section of the R22 flight manual.
Note : FAA AD 2000-08-09 Amendment 39-11695 and FAA AD 99-07-17 refers.
Compliance: 1. Unless previously carried out, within 30 calendar days or 50 hours time in service, whichever occurs first, from the effective date of this Directive.
2. Upon accomplishment of Requirement 1.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 July 2000.
Background: Robinson Helicopter Co has advised that several sprag clutches have been returned from service with cracked sprag ends. To prevent sprag clutch failure with possible loss of main rotor RPM this Directive mandates replacement of the sprag clutch assembly.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 19 May 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 June 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted by the Australian Parliament to provide a comprehensive legal framework for civil aviation safety in Australia, addressing the need for stringent and uniform safety standards in the aviation industry. One particular legislative instrument under this act is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aimed at ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft. AD/R22/48, issued on 13 July 2000, specifically addresses safety concerns with sprag clutches in Robinson R22 series helicopters. This directive mandates the replacement of specific sprag clutches to prevent failures that could compromise flight safety. The directive reflects CASA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards by requiring timely compliance to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 specifically applies to Robinson R22 Series helicopters, particularly those with serial numbers ranging from 0002 to 2862 and equipped with a sprag clutch serial number as detailed in Robinson Service Bulletin SB-85. This directive mandates the replacement of the sprag clutch part number 188-2 and the removal of a specific pilot caution regarding autorotation in the event of a possible defective sprag clutch, as detailed in the Normal Procedures Section of the R22 flight manual. The directive is issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reflecting the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) responsibility for ensuring the safety of civil aviation. The directive must be complied with within 30 calendar days or 50 hours of time in service, whichever comes first, from the effective date of 13 July 2000. This Airworthiness Directive is applicable on a national level within the Commonwealth of Australia and is effective as of its publication in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 June 2000.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/R22/48 pertains specifically to Robinson R22 series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 0002 to 2862 that are equipped with a specific type of sprag clutch. The main operative sections of this AD include the applicability (identifying the specific aircraft models affected), the requirement (specifying the actions needed to address the safety concern), and the compliance (detailing the timeframe within which the requirements must be met). The AD requires that the sprag clutch P/N 188-2 be replaced following the procedures outlined in Robinson Service Bulletin SB-85, and that the pink page Special Pilot Caution regarding autorotation with a possible defective sprag clutch be removed from the Normal Procedures Section of the R22 flight manual.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Operators and owners of the specified Robinson R22 series helicopters must ensure that the sprag clutch replacement and the removal of the special pilot caution page are carried out within the specified timeframes. This involves adhering to the procedures detailed in the referenced service bulletin and ensuring that the changes are made to the flight manual as directed. The AD also mandates that these actions be completed within 30 calendar days or 50 hours of time in service from the effective date of the directive, whichever occurs first.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, but generally, such failures can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory measures. The AD serves as a critical safety measure to prevent potential failures of the sprag clutch, which could lead to a loss of main rotor RPM and resultant safety hazards.