COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Robinson R44 Series Helicopters
AD/R44/12 Auxiliary Fuel Tank Sump Drain - Shut Off Clamp 9/99
Applicability: Robinson R44 Helicopters Serial Numbers 0002 through 0529 except 0440, 0485,
0512, 0515, 0519, 0526, 0527 and 0528.
Requirement: Install a shutoff clamp, part number (P/N) D663-1, to the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain, by sliding it on to the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube, P/N A729-7, as shown in the attached figure. Install placard decal P/N A654-93 as shown in the diagram.
Note: US FAA AD 99-13-11 Amendment 39-11204 dated July 29 1999 refers.
Compliance: Within 100 flight hours or 3 calendar months from the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 September 1999.
Background: A report has been received of fuel leaking from the auxiliary fuel tank drain tube, in flight, in the vicinity of the horizontal and vertical firewalls. This condition, if not rectified could lead to a catastrophic in-flight fire. This Directive introduces a modification to prevent leakage of the drain tube in flight.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide the legal framework for the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39, Subpart 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, outlines various airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft. One such directive, AD/R44/12, was introduced to address a safety concern with the Robinson R44 Series helicopters. This directive was implemented following reports of fuel leakage from the auxiliary fuel tank drain tube during flight, which could potentially lead to in-flight fires and catastrophic consequences. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate the installation of a shutoff clamp on the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain to prevent such leakage, thereby enhancing flight safety. The directive applies to Robinson R44 helicopters with specific serial numbers and requires compliance within 100 flight hours or three calendar months from the effective date of the directive, which was 9 September 1999.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to Robinson R44 series helicopters with specific serial numbers, excluding certain exceptions. This regulation mandates that a shutoff clamp must be installed on the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain to prevent potential in-flight fuel leakage, which could otherwise lead to a catastrophic fire. The compliance timeframe requires the installation to be completed within 100 flight hours or three calendar months from the directive's effective date of 9 September 1999. This directive underscores the importance of safety in civil aviation and applies to the specified helicopter models, ensuring that all relevant entities adhere to the prescribed safety modifications. The directive's reach is national, enforcing stringent safety standards across the Commonwealth of Australia, with no exclusions or exemptions specified in this particular directive.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this legislation pertain to the mandatory modification of specific Robinson R44 Series Helicopters to address a safety issue. Section (9/99) details the applicability of the directive, which covers Robinson R44 helicopters with specific serial numbers, excluding certain serial numbers listed. The requirement, as outlined in section 9/99, is to install a shutoff clamp, part number D663-1, onto the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube, part number A729-7. Additionally, a placard decal, part number A654-93, must be installed as shown in the accompanying diagram. This directive references the US FAA AD 99-13-11 Amendment 39-11204 dated July 29, 1999. Compliance with these modifications must occur within 100 flight hours or within 3 calendar months from the effective date of the directive, which is 9 September 1999.
The obligations imposed by this legislation require helicopter operators to ensure that the specified modifications are completed on their Robinson R44 Series Helicopters within the stipulated timeframe. Operators must obtain the necessary parts, including the shutoff clamp and placard decal, and have them installed by qualified personnel. It is also crucial for operators to maintain records of compliance to demonstrate adherence to the directive. The modifications are aimed at preventing the leakage of fuel from the auxiliary fuel tank drain tube during flight, which could potentially lead to a catastrophic in-flight fire.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose significant consequences for non-compliance with this Airworthiness Directive. Operators who fail to adhere to the directive may face civil penalties under section 39-105 of the regulations. The exact penalties are not specified in the text but can include fines and other enforcement actions. Additionally, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft may result in severe safety risks, including potential in-flight incidents. It is imperative for operators to understand and comply with the directive to avoid these consequences and ensure the continued airworthiness of their helicopters.