AD/S-PUMA/9 - Electrical Power System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to regulate and ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific piece of legislation under this act is PART 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced to address the problem of potential failures in the electrical power system due to interference with a wire harness, which could perforate a pressurisation system hydraulic line. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the specified helicopter models by mandating compliance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin AS 332 No 24.20 dated 2 June 1992. Compliance with this directive is required within 300 hours of time in service or three calendar months from 15 October 1992, whichever occurs first, to mitigate the risk of hydraulic line failure. The AD/S-PUMA/9 directive specifically targets all AS 332 helicopters, versions C, C1, L, and L1, that have not been modified according to AMS 332A07.26.044 or kit No 332A.08.8133. The requirement is for actions to be taken in accordance with the aforementioned service bulletin to prevent the wire harness from interfering with and subsequently failing the hydraulic line. This measure is supported by the French Civil Aviation Authority's AD 92-143-048(B) dated 8 July 1992, reinforcing the directive's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation applies to all Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) series helicopters, including versions C, C1, L and L1, unless they have been modified in accordance with certain specifications. The regulation requires adherence to Eurocopter France Service Bulletin AS 332 No 24.20 dated 2 June 1992, which addresses an issue of a pressurisation system hydraulic line being perforated due to continued interference with a wire harness. Compliance with the directive is necessary to prevent the wire harness from interfering with and subsequently causing the failure of the hydraulic line. The directive stipulates that compliance must be achieved within 300 hours of time in service or three calendar months from 15 October 1992, whichever is earlier. The regulation extends its application nationally across Australia and is supported by reference to the French civil aviation authority's directive, DGAC AD 92-143-048(B) dated 8 July 1992.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes provisions for ensuring the safety of certain helicopter models. For Eurocopter AS 332 (Super Puma) series helicopters, there is a directive (AD/S-PUMA/9) addressing the Electrical Power System (section 11/92). This directive applies to all AS 332 helicopters, versions C, C1, L and L1, unless they have already been modified as per AMS 332A07.26.044 or kit No 332A.08.8133. The directive mandates compliance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin AS 332 No 24.20 dated 2 June 1992 and references DGAC AD 92-143-048(B) dated 8 July 1992. The requirements outlined in section 11/92 mandate that operators of the affected helicopters must adhere to the specified service bulletin to ensure the integrity of the electrical power system. This involves taking specific actions to prevent issues arising from interference with a wire harness that could perforate a pressurisation system hydraulic line. The directive mandates that compliance must be achieved within 300 hours of time in service or three calendar months from 15 October 1992, whichever comes first. This timeline is intended to ensure that all operators of these helicopters address the potential safety issue promptly. Operators of AS 332 (Super Puma) series helicopters must ensure that the electrical power system modifications are performed in accordance with the specified service bulletin. This involves detailed steps and checks to prevent wire harness interference, which could lead to hydraulic line failure. The onus is on the operators to verify that their aircraft meet the regulatory requirements within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to serious safety issues, potentially resulting in the grounding of non-compliant aircraft. The legislation imposes strict obligations on operators of the affected helicopters. They must ensure that the required modifications are implemented within the specified timeframe, and they must maintain records of compliance. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directive can result in severe consequences, including the potential grounding of the aircraft. Additionally, CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to meet the requirements, which could include fines, legal action, and further safety audits. The regulations are designed to ensure the highest standards of safety in the operation of these helicopters. Failure to comply with the provisions of the airworthiness directive can result in significant penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, which may include substantial fines. Additionally, operators who fail to adhere to the directive may face criminal charges, especially if their non-compliance results in safety incidents or accidents. The potential maximum penalties for such offences can include fines up to $210,000 for individuals and $1,050,000 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment terms. These severe consequences underscore the importance of strict adherence to the airworthiness directives.