AD/S-PUMA/26 - Single Pole Circuit Breaker

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, which includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This legislative instrument is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to maintain and enhance aviation safety standards by issuing directives that aircraft operators must comply with. One such directive, AD/S-PUMA/26, pertains to the single pole circuit breakers in Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced to address a specific safety issue identified with circuit breakers manufactured by CROUZET, which could experience a loss of electrical continuity due to excessive torque loading during installation. The directive mandates checks, tests, and the prohibition of using certain circuit breakers to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued safe operation of the affected aircraft. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that all civil aircraft, including helicopters such as the Eurocopter AS 332, meet stringent safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. By issuing detailed airworthiness directives, CASA enforces compliance with specific maintenance and operational requirements, thereby preventing accidents and enhancing overall aviation safety. The AD/S-PUMA/26 directive is a clear example of how the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are applied to address identified safety concerns, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Eurocopter AS 332 C, C1, L, and L1 helicopters that are fitted with single pole circuit breakers manufactured by CROUZET and bearing specific part numbers. This includes aircraft delivered new between 24 April 1995 and 31 August 1996, as well as any other aircraft that have had these circuit breakers replaced since the aforementioned date. The directive is aimed at ensuring the electrical integrity of these circuit breakers to prevent any loss of continuity due to identified issues. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with checks and testing to be conducted within specified timeframes, and the use of the affected circuit breakers is prohibited from 31 December 1999. The regulations apply nationally, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and extend to enforcing the prescribed compliance periods and testing procedures through CASA.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters, specifically AD/S-PUMA/26, mandate actions regarding single pole circuit breakers. Section 1 details the requirement to check all circuit breakers with part numbers 84 400 XXX that are fitted to installations listed in paragraph 1D1 of EUROCOPTER AS 332 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 01.00.49 dated 30 June 1997. Section 2 instructs the application of the procedure detailed in paragraph 2B of the SB to all circuit breakers for the remaining installations. Section 3 requires testing of each circuit breaker held as a spare and bearing a part number listed in this airworthiness directive by applying a torque load and checking the circuit breaker in accordance with the directives given in paragraphs 2B(1) and 2B(2) of the SB. Section 4 prohibits the use of the circuit breakers bearing the part numbers listed in this Airworthiness Directive. The obligations imposed by these sections on the parties or entities governed by the Act include conducting thorough checks and tests on the specified circuit breakers to ensure they meet the required standards. Operators of the affected helicopters must comply with the deadlines set forth for these checks and tests, which are within 100 hours time in service but no later than 6 February 1998, within 500 hours time in service but no later than 6 May 1998, prior to and after installation, and from 31 December 1999 onwards. The prohibition on the use of the specified circuit breakers necessitates the replacement or removal of these components to maintain airworthiness. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences. Section 4 explicitly prohibits the use of the affected circuit breakers from 31 December 1999, and non-compliance with the testing and replacement requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy. This non-compliance can incur civil penalties as per the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which includes fines up to a maximum of $100,000 for corporations and $20,000 for individuals. Additionally, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft poses significant safety risks and can lead to criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act, resulting in potential imprisonment. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions, including grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved.