Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/S-PUMA/42 Amendment 1 in 2003 to address a problem identified in the Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters. The issue stemmed from a discrepancy in the D.E.R.H. computer system, which led to incorrect completion of some Equipment Log Cards, resulting in parts being dispatched with incorrect operating hours. The AD was issued to ensure the safety of the aircraft by correcting the identified unsafe condition. The directive requires specific actions to be taken on dynamic components following overhaul or repair, with compliance times set for different stages of the corrective process. This legislative instrument aims to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and prevent potential safety hazards.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, applies specifically to the Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters, namely the AS 332C, C1, L and L1 models, which have undergone overhaul or repair at the Eurocopter Helicopter Maintenance and Overhaul Facility (D.E.R.H.). This directive mandates certain actions to address unsafe conditions identified in dynamic components of the aircraft. The directive is applicable to any Eurocopter AS 332C, C1, L, and L1 helicopters that have had their dynamic components overhauled or repaired at the D.E.R.H. as listed in Tables 1 and 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 62.00.58. The required actions include checking the Equipment Log Cards to determine if any parts are affected by this directive and, if necessary, following the instructions specified in the bulletin for correction, removal, and reinstallation of the affected parts. The directive further specifies compliance timelines, including actions to be taken within 10 flight hours after 11 September 2002, within 50 flight hours after determining that a part's life limit has been exceeded, and at each check after the last flight of the day until the time limit of the dynamic component is reached. This directive is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) specifically applies to Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters, models AS 332C, C1, L, and L1, that have had their dynamic components overhauled or repaired at the Eurocopter Helicopter Maintenance and Overhaul Facility (D.E.R.H). The AD mandates certain actions to rectify any unsafe conditions identified in these components. To ascertain whether a part is affected by the AD, operators must first use the Equipment Log Cards (FMEs) of the dynamic components and verify against the instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 62.00.58. If any affected parts are identified, further instructions specified in paragraph 2.B.2 of the same bulletin must be followed. If the number of operating hours of a part exceeds its life limit after correction, the part or the assembly that embodies the part must be removed in accordance with the instructions in paragraph 2.B.2.2. Additionally, any dynamic components that have been stored following repair or overhaul must comply with the instructions in paragraph 2.B. of Alert Service Bulletin No. 62.00.58 before being installed on the aircraft. For specific main rotor sleeves part numbers, operators must follow the instructions in paragraph 2.B.3 and the appended Table 1 of the same bulletin. The AD imposes several obligations on operators. Firstly, they must ensure that the Equipment Log Cards (FMEs) of dynamic components are checked within 10 flight hours after 11 September 2002, unless already accomplished. If it is determined that the life limit of any part has been exceeded, this check must be performed within 50 flight hours. Secondly, operators must comply with the instructions for dynamic components stored following repair or overhaul before installation. Thirdly, operators must adhere to the specific instructions for main rotor sleeves part numbers 330A31-1376-00, -04, -12, -16, and -19 as outlined in paragraph 2.B.3 and Table 1 of Alert Service Bulletin No. 62.00.58. These checks must be conducted from 6 August 2003 at each check after the last flight of the day until the TBO limit of the dynamic component concerned is reached. Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant consequences. Non-compliance with the requirements for checking Equipment Log Cards or removing parts exceeding their life limit could lead to the continued operation of potentially unsafe aircraft, risking passenger safety and the integrity of the aircraft. Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 may impose penalties for non-compliance, although specific penalties are not detailed in the AD. The severity of penalties could include fines or other administrative actions that are commensurate with the breach, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring airworthiness and public safety.