AD/S-76/55 Amdt 1 - Retention Bolt for Stationary Swashplate Expandable Pin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B06731, addresses specific safety concerns related to the Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters. This legislation was enacted to ensure the safety of these aircraft through the implementation of Airworthiness Directives, specifically targeting the stationary swashplate expandable pin retention bolt issue. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Government, introduced this amendment to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's requirements as outlined in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No 76-67-38. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of the expandable pin assembly migrating from its intended location, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the aircraft in question. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all model S-76A and S-76B series helicopters prior to and including serial numbers 760356 and 760367.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the maintenance and operation of Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters within Australia. This regulation applies to all model S-76A and S-76B series helicopters, both prior to and including serial numbers 760356 and 760367, ensuring that they comply with the requirements outlined in the directive. The primary objective of this legislation is to mandate the installation of a nut and bolt assembly in the stationary swashplate to prevent the migration of the expandable pin assembly, as detailed in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No 76-67-38. This directive is to be implemented before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. The scope of the legislation is national, extending to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, and any amendments or additional requirements are to be communicated through subordinate instruments or manufacturer bulletins.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains several key provisions pertaining to the Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters. Section AD/S-76/55 Amendment 1 pertains to the retention bolt for the stationary swashplate expandable pin in the Sikorsky S-76A and S-76B series helicopters, specifically those with serial numbers prior to and including 760356 and 760367. This section mandates compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No 76-67-38 (section 39-105(1)). Essentially, this requires the installation of a nut and bolt assembly in the stationary swashplate to prevent the expandable pin assembly from migrating from its designated location. The obligations imposed by this regulation are stringent and clear. Owners and operators of affected Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters must adhere to the specifications outlined in the Alert Service Bulletin No 76-67-38. This involves the installation of the required nut and bolt assembly in the stationary swashplate to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Furthermore, these modifications must be completed before the aircraft is issued an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness (section 39-105(2)). The directive explicitly states that compliance with these requirements is mandatory before any airworthiness certification can be granted or maintained. Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to significant legal and safety consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The maximum penalties for such violations can include substantial fines, potentially up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance (section 39-105(3)). Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment for individuals who knowingly or recklessly fail to adhere to these safety mandates. These consequences underscore the importance of strict compliance to ensure the safety of all aviation operations.