COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Robinson R44 Series Helicopters
AD/R44/8 Lateral Cyclic Trim Spring Shaft 4/98 TX
Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0420, 0425, 0426, and 0427, with a C056-1 Rev. A through G spring assembly installed.
Requirement: (a) Measure the diameter of the lateral cyclic trim spring shaft in accordance with the Compliance Procedure contained in Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-26, dated 31 January 1998.
(b) If the shaft diameter varies more than 0.004 inch in any 0.50 inch of length, in the measurement area shown in Figure 1 of SB-26, replace the C056-1 Rev. A through G spring assembly with a C056-1 Rev. H spring assembly before further flight.
(c) Replacing the C056-1 Rev. A through G spring assembly with a C056-1 Rev. H spring assembly in accordance with above referenced service bulletin is considered terminating action for the requirements of this Directive.
Note: FAA Priority Letter AD 98-04-12 refers.
Compliance: Within 10 hours time in service after 13 February 1998, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 13 February 1998.
Background: The FAA received a report of an incident in which a pilot felt binding in the cyclic control when attempting to move it to the left. A precautionary landing was made using only right-hand turns. Subsequent inspection revealed that a notch was worn in the lateral cyclic trim spring shaft, which caused the shaft and spring to move from the lower mount and interfere with the lateral control. Inspection of a second Model R44 helicopter revealed similar wear.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide comprehensive regulations to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. One of the specific legislative instruments under this act, F2006B06476, was introduced to address a particular safety concern related to the Robinson R44 Series Helicopters. This legislative instrument aims to rectify issues related to the lateral cyclic trim spring shaft, which could potentially lead to control difficulties and compromise flight safety. By mandating precise measurements and replacement of certain spring assemblies if they do not meet specified tolerances, the regulation seeks to prevent mechanical failures that might endanger aircraft and passengers. Compliance with this directive is crucial, as it directly impacts the operational safety of the affected helicopter models, ensuring that they meet the stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons, entities, and industries involved in the operation of Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0420, 0425, 0426, and 0427, that have a C056-1 Rev. A through G spring assembly installed. This regulation is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a national reach within Australia, as it pertains to compliance with international standards and directives, including those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The directive requires the measurement of the lateral cyclic trim spring shaft diameter and its replacement if it varies more than 0.004 inch in any 0.50 inch of length, ensuring the safety of the aircraft. Compliance must be achieved within 10 hours of service after 13 February 1998 and then at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of service. The directive is effective from 13 February 1998, and no exclusions or exemptions are specified within this particular airworthiness directive.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include an airworthiness directive (AD/R44/8) for Robinson R44 Series Helicopters. This directive mandates that Robinson R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0420, 0425, 0426, and 0427, equipped with a C056-1 Rev. A through G spring assembly, must undergo certain checks and potential repairs (section 105). The directive requires the measurement of the lateral cyclic trim spring shaft diameter and, if the diameter varies by more than 0.004 inches over any 0.50 inch length, the spring assembly must be replaced with a C056-1 Rev. H spring assembly before further flight. This replacement action is considered the terminating action for the requirements of this directive (section 105(b)).
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Robinson R44 helicopters must measure the diameter of the lateral cyclic trim spring shaft in accordance with the Compliance Procedure detailed in Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-26, dated 31 January 1998. This must be done within 10 hours of time in service after 13 February 1998, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service. The directive stipulates that the airworthiness directive becomes effective immediately on 13 February 1998 (section 105). Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to safety issues, as highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) incident report of binding in the cyclic control, leading to an emergency landing.
The consequences of non-compliance with the airworthiness directive are significant. Although the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance in this instance, failure to adhere to airworthiness directives can result in severe civil and criminal consequences under broader aviation safety laws. This includes potential grounding of the aircraft, enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and possible criminal charges if non-compliance leads to an aviation accident or incident. The FAA incident report mentioned in the directive underscores the critical nature of these requirements, indicating that non-compliance can lead to hazardous conditions and endanger flight safety.