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-76/46 Electrical DC Power System 4/87 TX
Applicability: All S-76A/S-76B Helicopters.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-24-8. Compliance: (i) For aircraft operated in IFR category: Before next IFR flight.
(ii) For aircraft operated in VFR category: Prior to or concurrent with next 25 flight hour inspection.
Background: Telex from manufacturer indicates that total loss of electrical power is possible due to problems that have been occurring with ground path connections.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. A specific provision within these regulations, AD/S-76/46, addresses the safety of Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters by issuing an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the electrical DC power system. This AD was introduced to mitigate the risk of total loss of electrical power due to issues with ground path connections, as communicated by the manufacturer through a telex. The policy objective of this AD is to ensure that operators of S-76A/S-76B helicopters comply with the specified requirements, thereby enhancing the safety of flights by mandating timely action based on the aircraft's operational category.
The AD stipulates that for helicopters operated under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), compliance must be achieved before the next IFR flight, while for those operated under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), compliance must occur prior to or concurrently with the next 25-hour flight inspection. This structured approach ensures that all Sikorsky S-76 Series helicopters maintain a high standard of airworthiness, aligning with the overarching goal of the Civil Aviation Regulations to safeguard the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all S-76A and S-76B helicopters, which are within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislation mandates compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-24-8 concerning the electrical DC power system, specifically addressing issues with ground path connections that could result in total loss of electrical power. The directive requires that for aircraft operated under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the specified action must be completed before the next IFR flight. Conversely, for aircraft operated under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the compliance must occur prior to or concurrently with the next 25 flight hour inspection. This regulatory requirement ensures that all affected helicopters maintain operational safety standards as dictated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with no exclusions or exemptions specified in the directive itself.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outline the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters. One such directive, AD/S-76/46, addresses the electrical DC power system, specifically issue 4/87 TX (paragraph 1). This directive applies to all S-76A/S-76B helicopters, highlighting a critical safety concern related to potential total loss of electrical power due to ground path connection problems (paragraph 2).
In terms of compliance, the regulation stipulates that for helicopters operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the required action must be taken before the next IFR flight (subsection (i)). For those operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the compliance must occur either prior to or concurrently with the next 25-hour flight inspection (subsection (ii)). The directive mandates adherence to Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-24-8, which provides detailed guidance on addressing the identified electrical issues to ensure airworthiness (paragraph 3).
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear: helicopter operators must ensure that their S-76A/S-76B aircraft are inspected and any necessary repairs or modifications are made to prevent the risk of total electrical power loss. This involves reviewing and acting on the recommendations provided by the manufacturer's service bulletin to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft (paragraph 4). Failure to comply with these directives can lead to serious safety risks, as the potential for complete electrical failure could compromise the ability to safely operate the aircraft, particularly in critical flight conditions (paragraph 5).
Breaching these requirements can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Under the regulatory framework, operators found to be in breach of these directives may face significant fines and potential criminal charges. The maximum penalties can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aircraft safety and the potential risks associated with electrical system failures (paragraph 6). The regulations underscore the importance of adhering to these directives to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all personnel on board and those on the ground (paragraph 7).