AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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.
Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters
AD/S-PUMA/47 Fuel Governor 3/2003 DM
Applicability: AS 332 helicopters, version C, C1, L, and L1 equipped with Turbomeca Makila 1A and 1A1 engines that are fitted with fuel governors with part numbers and serial numbers listed in paragraph 1.A. (1) of Turbomeca Service Bulletin (SB) 298 73 0802.
Requirement: 1. Carry out the Accomplishment Instructions of Turbomeca Alert Telex 73.00.01.
2. Incorporate the recalculated limitations into the Aircraft Flight Manual.
3. Carry out a Fuel Control Unit (FCU) maximum fuel flow check in accordance with Turbomeca SB 298 73 0802.
Note: DGAC 2002-551(A) refers.
Compliance: 1. Prior to further flight.
2. Prior to further flight, and until compliance is met with Turbomeca SB 298 73 0802.
3. a. Within one month or 120 flight hours of an acceptable FCU becoming available, but no later than 30 September 2004.
b. Prior to installing any spare FCU’s.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 February 2003.
Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters
AD/S-PUMA/47 (Continued)
Background: This Directive is in response to fuel flow problems with certain fuel control units fitted to the Turbomeca Makila engine. The fuel flow can be limited to flows below the maximum fuel adjustment. This can lead to helicopter performance problems in single engine operation. This Directive requires a temporary flight manual amendment to be made citing revised data, until the fuel control unit is replaced.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 31 January 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 February 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive AD/S-PUMA/47 on 31 January 2003 to address fuel flow problems identified in certain Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters equipped with Turbomeca Makila 1A and 1A1 engines. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these specific helicopters by mandating corrective actions to be taken by operators. The directive was introduced to prevent potential helicopter performance issues in single engine operation due to limited fuel flow. CASA issued this directive under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The key requirement is for operators to implement the instructions set out in Turbomeca Alert Telex 73.00.01, incorporate recalculated limitations into the Aircraft Flight Manual, and conduct a Fuel Control Unit maximum fuel flow check in accordance with Turbomeca Service Bulletin 298 73 0802. Compliance with these requirements must be met before further flight and within specific timeframes to maintain operational safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Eurocopter AS 332 helicopters of versions C, C1, L, and L1 that are equipped with Turbomeca Makila 1A and 1A1 engines and have fuel governors with specific part numbers and serial numbers as detailed in Turbomeca Service Bulletin (SB) 298 73 0802. The AD mandates certain actions to address identified unsafe conditions related to fuel flow problems with the fuel control units, which can adversely affect helicopter performance during single engine operation. Compliance with the AD is mandatory for the specified aircraft to ensure airworthiness and safety standards are met. The AD is effective from 12 February 2003 and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Subordinate instruments may extend or detail the AD's application further.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) mandates specific actions to address a safety concern with certain fuel control units on Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) helicopters. The AD applies to AS 332 helicopters, versions C, C1, L, and L1, that are equipped with Turbomeca Makila 1A and 1A1 engines and have fuel governors with specific part numbers and serial numbers as outlined in Turbomeca Service Bulletin (SB) 298 73 0802. The main requirements are outlined in the directive and must be carried out under specific conditions. Firstly, operators must follow the Accomplishment Instructions of Turbomeca Alert Telex 73.00.01, which includes necessary modifications and updates to ensure the safety of the aircraft (Requirement 1). Secondly, they must incorporate the recalculated limitations into the Aircraft Flight Manual to ensure pilots are aware of any changes in operational parameters (Requirement 2). Lastly, operators must perform a Fuel Control Unit (FCU) maximum fuel flow check in accordance with Turbomeca SB 298 73 0802, and this check must be completed within a specified timeframe or prior to installing any new FCUs (Requirement 3).
Operators of affected helicopters must adhere to strict compliance timelines and procedural requirements to ensure the safety of their operations. These requirements include performing the necessary actions before further flight, ensuring that any changes to the Aircraft Flight Manual are completed prior to subsequent flights, and conducting the FCU maximum fuel flow check within the stipulated timeframe. These obligations are critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and preventing potential safety hazards.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious consequences, including potential penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. Non-compliance could lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft, which in turn could result in significant operational disruptions and financial losses for the operator. Additionally, operators may face civil penalties, including fines and potential legal action, if they are found to be in breach of the AD requirements. It is imperative that operators take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and address any safety concerns promptly to avoid these potential consequences.