AD/S-PUMA/5 - Landing Gear Actuator Fairing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, contain various provisions aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B07126, addresses the safety of Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) series helicopters by issuing an airworthiness directive related to the landing gear actuator fairing. This directive was introduced to address the potential risk of the landing gear actuator fairing becoming detached in flight, which could compromise the aircraft's safety. The policy objective is to mandate inspections and actions in accordance with the technical requirement specified by the DGAC AD 91-20-6-044(B), ensuring compliance for Australian registered aircraft by extending the effective date set by the DGAC. This legislative instrument is part of a broader regulatory framework under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, aimed at maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry. The requirement for inspections and modifications to the landing gear actuator fairings is critical in mitigating the risk of in-flight detachment, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft involved. Compliance with this directive is necessary for operators of affected Eurocopter AS 332 helicopters to ensure their aircraft meet the necessary safety criteria.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety requirements for the Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters. This regulation applies to the Model 332 helicopter in its versions C, C1, L, and L1, provided they are fitted with specific landing gear actuator fairing parts. The directive mandates adherence to the technical requirements outlined in DGAC AD 91-206-044(B), with reference to Aerospatiale AS 332 SB 05.35. Compliance is crucial and necessitates an inspection of the affected landing gear actuator fairings to prevent the potential loss of a fairing during flight. The regulation ensures that Australian registered aircraft comply with these safety directives, with a compliance deadline extended by three months from the DGAC's specified effective date of 12 January 1991. This legislation directly influences helicopter operators and maintenance personnel within Australia, ensuring that the specified models adhere to stringent safety standards set forth by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the adherence to the Airworthiness Directives concerning the Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters. Section AD/S-PUMA/5 pertains to the landing gear actuator fairings of certain model 332 helicopters, namely versions C, C1, L, and L1. These aircraft must comply with the technical requirements set forth by DGAC AD 91-206-044(B), as noted in the legislation. The affected landing gear actuator fairings are those with part numbers 332A21.1032, 332A21.1033, 332A21.1501, and all dash numbers, provided they do not incorporate modifications 332A07.23722 or 23723. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and directive: operators and owners of the specified Eurocopter AS 332 helicopters must ensure that the landing gear actuator fairings are inspected and maintained according to the technical requirements of DGAC AD 91-206-044(B). This involves conducting the inspection as specified in the requirement document, with a revised effective date of 12 January 1991 for Australian registered aircraft. The compliance period is extended by three months from the original effective date mandated by the DGAC. Additionally, reference is made to Aerospatiale AS 332 SB 05.35 for further guidance on the compliance and inspection processes. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to severe consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state penalties or offences, but non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved, or other regulatory measures deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft. The potential penalties for non-compliance are significant, as the directive is designed to prevent the possible loss of a fairing in flight, which could result in serious safety incidents.