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-76/52 | Power Turbine Speed Trim Control Actuators | 7/88 DM |
Applicability: Requirement: | All model S-76A helicopters fitted with Allison Model 250-C30 engines. Action in accordance with Sikorsky Alert SB No 76-76-3. | |
Compliance: 1. Within 25 hours time in service or by 10 June 1988, whichever occurs first, inspect in accordance with para E2 of Requirement Document.
2. At next inspection for issue of a Maintenance Release after 10 June 1988 or within 100 hours time in service after 10 June 1988, whichever occurs first, or if vertical movement in the power turbine control torque shaft is detected, inspect in accordance with Para E3 of Requirement Document.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that a power turbine speed trim actuator has disengaged from the power turbine control torque shaft causing a loss of engine power.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which form part of the broader legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B06728, addresses specific safety concerns associated with the Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters. More specifically, it introduces an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the power turbine speed trim control actuators for the Sikorsky S-76A helicopters equipped with Allison Model 250-C30 engines. The directive was introduced in response to a reported incident where a power turbine speed trim actuator disengaged from the power turbine control torque shaft, resulting in a loss of engine power. The objective of this directive is to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's Service Bulletin SB No 76-76-3, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the affected aircraft. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the relevant authority responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation safety in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the scope and application of the Airworthiness Directives for Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters. This legislation applies to all model S-76A helicopters equipped with Allison Model 250-C30 engines, imposing stringent safety requirements on their operation and maintenance. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure the integrity of the power turbine speed trim control actuators, as per Sikorsky Alert SB No 76-76-3, to prevent incidents of disengagement and resultant loss of engine power. The directive's compliance measures include mandatory inspections within 25 hours of time in service or by a specified date, and subsequent inspections at the next maintenance release or within a set period post the initial inspection. This regulatory framework is designed to maintain high safety standards within the aviation industry, ensuring the reliability and safety of the specified helicopter models.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters, identified as AD/S-76/52, focusing on the power turbine speed trim control actuators (Section 1). This directive is applicable to all model S-76A helicopters equipped with Allison Model 250-C30 engines. The directive mandates compliance with the Sikorsky Alert SB No 76-76-3, which outlines specific inspection procedures to ensure airworthiness and safety.
The key provisions of this AD require that the inspection of the power turbine speed trim control actuators be carried out within 25 hours of time in service or by 10 June 1988, whichever comes first (Section 2). This initial inspection must follow the procedures detailed in paragraph E2 of the Requirement Document. Additionally, a subsequent inspection must occur at the next scheduled maintenance release after 10 June 1988, or within 100 hours of time in service after this date, whichever is sooner. If vertical movement in the power turbine control torque shaft is detected at any time, an immediate inspection in accordance with paragraph E3 of the Requirement Document is mandated (Section 3).
Operators of the affected S-76A helicopters must ensure that these inspections are performed as specified. This involves adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines, as detailed in the Requirement Document, to mitigate the risk of power turbine speed trim actuator disengagement, which can lead to a loss of engine power (Section 4). Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious safety issues and potential breaches of airworthiness standards. The AD aims to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent such failures, thus maintaining the safety and reliability of the aircraft.
Breaching the requirements of this AD can have significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with the specified inspection and maintenance procedures. Potential penalties for non-compliance can include fines, enforcement actions, and in severe cases, grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety (Section 5).