COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Supplementary Equipment
AD/SUPP/5
Amdt 1
Air Equipment Hoists - "Up Limit" Micro Switches - Inspection and Modification
3/85
Applicability: All Air Equipment hoists P/No. 76370, 76370-010, -011, -020 and -030 fitted to helicopters.
Requirement: 1. Model 76370-010 hoist : Gain access to "Up Limit" micro switches by removing cover from micro switch enclosure. Inspect micro switches and interior of enclosure for evidence of moisture ingress and/or corrosion. If either is detected replace micro switches before further use of the hoist
2. Model 76370, 76370-010, -011, -020 and -030 hoists: Modify the hoist according to the instructions contained in Air Equipment Service Information Letter No. 25.62.0E.
Compliance: For Para 1: Before further use of the hoist after 5 July 1984 and thereafter at periods not exceeding 3 months. The inspection requirements are terminated after the hoist has been modified.
For Para 2: Before further use of the hoist after 31 August 1985.
Background: A dual "up limit" micro switch failure attributed to water ingress has occurred. The hoist cable and hook assembly continued past the normal up limit position until cable failure occurred approximately 200mm from the hook.
This Directive is raised in issue to reflect the manufacturers maintenance requirements.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, addresses the safety requirements for supplementary equipment used in aviation, including air equipment hoists. This legislative instrument, F2006B07150, was enacted to ensure the safety and reliability of air equipment hoists used in helicopters, addressing the risk of moisture ingress and corrosion in the "up limit" micro switches. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia, introduced this directive to prevent potential failures that could compromise the safety of helicopter operations. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and modifications to these hoists, ensuring they meet specified safety standards and reducing the risk of catastrophic equipment failure.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the safety standards for air equipment, including hoists used in helicopters. AD/SUPP/5 Amendment 1 applies to all Air Equipment hoists with specific part numbers (76370, 76370-010, -011, -020, and -030) installed on helicopters. The directive mandates inspections and modifications to the "up limit" micro switches of these hoists to prevent failures due to moisture ingress and corrosion, as highlighted by a previous incident. Compliance with this directive is crucial, requiring inspections before further use of the hoist after specific dates: inspections must be completed before using the hoist after 5 July 1984 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding three months, with these inspections ceasing once the hoist has been modified. For the modification requirements, compliance must occur before using the hoist after 31 August 1985, following the instructions provided in Air Equipment Service Information Letter No. 25.62.0E. This directive applies nationally across Australia, ensuring uniform safety standards for civil aviation operations.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that govern the safety and operational standards of various aviation components. Within this, AD/SUPP/5 Amendment 1 pertains to air equipment hoists, detailing specific requirements and modifications for "Up Limit" micro switches on certain hoist models. The directive applies to air equipment hoists with part numbers 76370, 76370-010, -011, -020, and -030 that are fitted to helicopters (Section 1).
The directive mandates that operators must inspect and, if necessary, replace the "Up Limit" micro switches on model 76370-010 hoists. This involves removing the cover from the micro switch enclosure to inspect for moisture ingress and corrosion, replacing the switches if any such issues are found (Section 1.1). For all specified hoist models, operators must modify the equipment according to the instructions provided in Air Equipment Service Information Letter No. 25.62.0E (Section 1.2). The directive stipulates that these inspections and modifications must occur before further use of the hoist after 5 July 1984, with subsequent inspections not exceeding three months apart. These inspection requirements cease once the hoist has been modified (Section 2).
Operators of these air equipment hoists are obligated to ensure compliance with the directive's requirements. For model 76370-010 hoists, inspections must be carried out before further use after 5 July 1984 and then at intervals not exceeding three months until the hoist is modified. For all specified hoist models, modifications must be completed before further use after 31 August 1985 (Section 2). Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the hoist not meeting airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety issues during operation.
Non-compliance with the provisions of this directive can lead to serious safety implications. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline potential consequences for breaches, which could include the enforcement of civil penalties or criminal charges. The specific penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach but can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. Operators are advised to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid these potential consequences and to ensure the continued airworthiness of their equipment.