COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Supplementary Equipment
AD/SUPP/7
Amdt 1
Conversion of Breeze Hoist P/N BL-16600 to P/N BL-16600-110 or -120
1/87
Applicability: All Breeze Hoists P/N BL-16600 not modified in accordance with the Requirement Document.
Note: These hoists are used with supplementary equipment kits for Bell, Agusta Bell and Hughes helicopters, and may be used by other manufacturers. Requirement Document: Breeze-Eastern SB CAB100-22 Rev. B and Bell ASB 206-85-30 ) 206L- 85-37 ) Rev. B 222-85-34 ) 222U-85-9 ) also refer.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, before installation in an aircraft after 31 March 1987.
Background: Hoist failure has been reported due to extreme cable fleet angles introducing excessive loading through the cable level wind mechanism, resulting in level wind system component failure which may allow the cable to become wrapped around one area of the drum causing the hoist to stall during operation.
The Requirement Document incorporates product improvement changes in the level wind mechanism. This amendment extends the compliance date and reflects the latest revision to the Requirement Documents.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations in Australia. Part 39 of these regulations specifically addresses airworthiness directives for supplementary equipment, including the amendment related to Breeze Hoist P/N BL-16600. This legislation was introduced to address the problem of hoist failures caused by extreme cable fleet angles, which can lead to level wind system component failure and subsequent operational risks such as cable wrapping around the drum and hoist stalling. The objective of this amendment is to mandate compliance with the latest revisions to the Requirement Documents, ensuring that all Breeze Hoists P/N BL-16600 are modified before installation in an aircraft after 31 March 1987. This is to maintain the safety and reliability of hoists used in various helicopter models, as specified in the applicable requirement documents.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Supplementary Equipment, Amendment 1, concerning the conversion of Breeze Hoist P/N BL-16600 to P/N BL-16600-110 or -120, applies to all Breeze Hoists P/N BL-16600 that have not yet been modified according to the specified Requirement Document. These hoists are integral to supplementary equipment kits for Bell, Agusta Bell, and Hughes helicopters and may also be utilised by other helicopter manufacturers. The amendment mandates that the conversion must be completed before any installation in an aircraft after 31 March 1987. This requirement is in response to reported hoist failures due to extreme cable fleet angles, which can lead to excessive loading and subsequent level wind system component failure, potentially causing the hoist to stall during operation. The Requirement Document referenced, namely Breeze-Eastern SB CAB100-22 Rev. B and Bell ASB 206-85-30, among others, includes product improvement changes to the level wind mechanism, thereby addressing the identified safety issues. This amendment extends the compliance date and incorporates the latest revisions to the Requirement Documents, ensuring ongoing safety and operational integrity of the hoists within the specified aviation industry.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the modification of supplementary equipment, such as the Breeze Hoist P/N BL-16600. Section (AD/SUPP/7Amdt 1) mandates the conversion of Breeze Hoist P/N BL-16600 to either P/N BL-16600-110 or -120 for all units that have not yet been modified according to the specified Requirement Document. This directive applies to hoists used with supplementary equipment kits for Bell, Agusta Bell, and Hughes helicopters, and may also be relevant for other manufacturers. The Requirement Document referenced includes Breeze-Eastern SB CAB100-22 Rev. B and Bell ASB 206-85-30, 206L-85-37, 222-85-34, and 222U-85-9 Rev. B.
Entities and individuals governed by these regulations are required to ensure that all Breeze Hoists P/N BL-16600 are converted to P/N BL-16600-110 or -120 before they are installed in an aircraft after the compliance date of 31 March 1987. This conversion is necessary to mitigate the risk of hoist failure due to extreme cable fleet angles, which can cause excessive loading and subsequent failure of the level wind system components. The conversion includes product improvements in the level wind mechanism, which are detailed in the Requirement Document.
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives may result in significant safety risks, including the potential for the hoist to stall during operation. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance in this section, the overarching regulations provide for enforcement actions, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of an operator's certificate. The seriousness of such non-compliance cannot be understated, as it directly affects the safety of aviation operations.
Additionally, any person or entity responsible for the maintenance or modification of aircraft equipment, including the conversion of the Breeze Hoist P/N BL-16600, must ensure that all modifications are performed in accordance with the approved Requirement Documents. This involves following detailed technical instructions and maintaining records of compliance. Non-compliance with these requirements could lead to enforcement actions under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988, which includes potential civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the breach.