COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters
AD/S-76/27 Main Rotor Blade Spar Tip End - Inspection 5/83
Applicability: All models with main rotor blade assemblies P/N 76150-09000 and P/N 76150- 09100-041 thru -050, unless the blade assemblies are marked as RS-004E-II or RS- 004F-II.
Document: Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-65-34.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 May 1983 and thereafter at each scheduled tip cap removal.
Background: Cracks were detected at the spar tip end in one blade undergoing repair at Sikorsky Aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. One such regulation, AD/S-76/27, addresses the issue of cracks detected in the main rotor blade spar tip end of Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters. This Airworthiness Directive was introduced to address the identified problem of structural integrity in the main rotor blade assemblies, ensuring that all applicable models are inspected to prevent potential safety hazards. The enactment of this regulation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to maintain the highest safety standards in the aviation industry, directly contributing to the overarching policy objective of protecting public safety in air travel.
The regulation applies to all Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters with specific main rotor blade assemblies unless they are marked as RS-004E-II or RS-004F-II. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring inspections within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1983, and subsequently at each scheduled tip cap removal, as detailed in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-65-34. This directive underscores the commitment of the Commonwealth of Australia to proactive safety measures in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandate specific safety directives applicable to certain models of Sikorsky S-76 Series helicopters. This legislation requires the inspection of the main rotor blade spar tip end for models equipped with particular main rotor blade assemblies, namely P/N 76150-09000 and P/N 76150-09100-041 through -050, unless these assemblies are marked as RS-004E-II or RS-004F-II. These inspections must occur within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1983, and subsequently at each scheduled tip cap removal, as referenced in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-65-34. The directive aims to ensure the airworthiness of these helicopters by preventing structural failures that could arise from undetected cracks at the spar tip end. This regulation applies specifically to the specified helicopter models and blade assemblies, ensuring that any potential safety issues are identified and addressed promptly.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directive (AD) S-76/27, focus on the inspection requirements for Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters. Section 39-105 mandates that all Sikorsky S-76 helicopters with certain main rotor blade assemblies, identified by part numbers 76150-09000 and 76150-09100-041 through -050, must undergo inspections for cracks at the main rotor blade spar tip end. These inspections are necessary unless the blade assemblies are specifically marked as RS-004E-II or RS-004F-II, as indicated in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-65-34. The inspections must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1983 and subsequently at each scheduled tip cap removal.
The obligations imposed by this legislation are clear and direct. Operators of the affected Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters must ensure that the specified main rotor blade assemblies are inspected for cracks at the spar tip end. These inspections are to be carried out in accordance with the guidelines provided by Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-65-34. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in the helicopter being considered unairworthy, thereby affecting its operational status and safety.
The consequences of non-compliance with the AD S-76/27 are significant. Although the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives, any breach of these safety requirements can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include directives to ground the aircraft, suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and potential fines or other sanctions. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet these safety standards can result in criminal charges, civil liability for any resulting accidents, and a risk of severe financial penalties. The overarching goal of these provisions is to ensure that the specified Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters maintain their airworthiness and safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the public.