COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/S-PUMA/35 Amdt 1 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/S-PUMA/35
Amdt 2
Horizontal Stabiliser Spar Tube 9/2000
Applicability: AS 332 helicopters, versions C, C1, L, and L1 equipped with spar tubes, part numbers 330A13-2024-01/02/03/04 installed on metal stabilisers, part numbers:
a. 332A13-1000-000-00/-01/-02/-03; and
b. 332A13-1040-00/-01.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Eurocopter AS332 SB 01.00.57 R2.
Note: DGAC AD 1999-039-073(A) R2 refers.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document, except that the "Compliance" paragraphs 1.b), and 2.b) will be with respect to effective date of the initial issue of this Directive.
This Amendment becomes effective on 7 September 2000.
Background: The DGAC received a report of an in-flight loss of a horizontal stabiliser due to spar tube failure. As a consequence, checks are required for corrosion at the laminate bush, a hardness test of the spar tube, and for scratches on the spar tube.
Amendment 1 is issued following the loss of another stabiliser after spar failure; and also clarifies the Applicability.
Amendment 2 excludes certain spar tubes and stabilisers inspected prior to delivery. Amendment 1 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 23 March 2000. The initial issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 20 May 1999.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 21 July 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 August 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted to regulate the safety and operational standards of civil aviation in Australia, addressing a need for comprehensive legislation to manage the risks associated with civil aviation. This Act empowers the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure that aircraft and aeronautical products meet the necessary safety standards. The ADs are designed to correct unsafe conditions and ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. For example, AD/S-PUMA/35 Amdt 2, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998, mandates specific actions for certain Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters to address issues such as corrosion, hardness tests, and scratches on the spar tubes. The policy objective behind these directives is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained according to stringent requirements.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 governs the inspection and maintenance requirements for specific parts of AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters. It applies to AS 332 helicopters with certain versions and part numbers, specifically those equipped with spar tubes installed on designated metal stabilisers. The directive mandates actions such as corrosion checks, hardness tests, and inspections for scratches on the spar tubes, following specific guidelines and schedules. This applies nationally, as it is issued under Commonwealth regulations. There are exclusions for certain spar tubes and stabilisers that were inspected before delivery. This directive is effective from 7 September 2000, and compliance is required according to the specified timelines and conditions outlined in the requirement section. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority delegate has the authority to amend and update the directive as necessary to ensure safety standards are met.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters, which is codified as AD/S-PUMA/35 Amdt 2. This directive mandates specific actions to rectify identified safety concerns related to the horizontal stabiliser spar tubes of certain AS 332 helicopter models. The applicability of this directive is confined to AS 332 helicopters, versions C, C1, L, and L1, equipped with spar tubes bearing part numbers 330A13-2024-01/02/03/04, which are installed on metal stabilisers with part numbers 332A13-1000-000-00/-01/-02/-03 and 332A13-1040-00/-01 (Applicability). The directive stipulates that the required actions must be taken in accordance with Eurocopter AS332 SB 01.00.57 R2, with specific compliance timelines delineated in the requirement document (Requirement). This directive became effective on 7 September 2000.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Firstly, it mandates that the specified actions must be undertaken by the operators of the AS 332 helicopters that fall within the directive's scope. These actions include detailed inspections and potential repairs or replacements of the spar tubes to prevent failure and ensure airworthiness. Operators must follow the specific instructions provided in Eurocopter AS332 SB 01.00.57 R2, which detail the necessary procedures and standards for inspections and maintenance. Additionally, the directive specifies particular compliance timelines, such as the effective date of the initial issue of this Directive, and any subsequent amendments, which operators must adhere to in order to maintain compliance with the regulations.
Breach of the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive can result in severe consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance, violations of such safety directives typically incur significant civil or criminal penalties under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Non-compliance could potentially lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory sanctions. The seriousness of the safety issues addressed by this directive underscores the importance of strict adherence to the mandated actions to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.