COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell UH-1 Series Helicopters
AD/UH-1/2 Tail Rotor Slider 4/97 DM
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Measure the outside diameter of the splined shaft (barrel) of the slider Part Number 204-010-720-3, or Part Number 204-010-720-003 at two points that are 90 apart on the outside circumference, at ½” to 1” from either end of the slider. Replace any slider which measures less than 1.300”.
Note: FAA AD 97-01-06 refers.
Compliance: Within 5 hours time in service after 12 February 1997.
Background: US Army “Breakout” spares of this item have been discovered with less than the minimum wall thickness. This Directive is to prevent a possible fatigue failure of a defective slider which would result in the loss of the tail rotor.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B07531, contain Part 39 - 105, which addresses airworthiness directives concerning various aircraft, including the Bell UH-1 Series Helicopters. This particular legislative instrument was introduced to address a safety concern identified with tail rotor sliders in Bell UH-1 helicopters. The problem it aimed to resolve involved US Army spares of the slider part, which were found to have wall thicknesses below the minimum acceptable level, posing a risk of fatigue failure and potential loss of the tail rotor. This risk could severely compromise the aircraft’s safety and operational integrity.
The policy objective of this legislative measure is to ensure the airworthiness of Bell UH-1 Series helicopters by mandating the inspection and replacement of tail rotor sliders that do not meet the specified dimensional requirements. The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) established this directive to align with similar safety measures issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, thereby reinforcing safety standards across international aviation operations. Compliance with these airworthiness directives is mandatory, requiring that affected helicopters undergo the necessary inspections and repairs within a specified timeframe following the directive’s issuance.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandate that all operators of Bell UH-1 series helicopters must comply with the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislation applies to all models of Bell UH-1 helicopters, ensuring that these aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The geographic reach of this directive is national, as it pertains to all helicopters registered and operated within Australia, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia. This directive requires operators to measure the outside diameter of the splined shaft of the tail rotor slider at two points 90 degrees apart and replace any slider measuring less than 1.300 inches to prevent potential fatigue failure. Compliance must be achieved within 5 hours of time in service after 12 February 1997. The directive references FAA AD 97-01-06, highlighting the international collaboration in aviation safety standards. This Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying a broad application to all relevant aircraft within its jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that applies to all models of Bell UH-1 Series Helicopters. The directive, identified as AD/UH-1/2, pertains to the tail rotor slider and requires specific measurements to ensure airworthiness (Section 4/97 DM). The main requirement is that the outside diameter of the splined shaft (barrel) of the slider, identified by Part Number 204-010-720-3 or 204-010-720-003, must be measured at two points that are 90 degrees apart on the outside circumference, at a distance of ½ inch to 1 inch from either end of the slider. If the measurement is less than 1.300 inches, the slider must be replaced.
Entities governed by the AD must ensure that the measurements are taken within five hours of the helicopter being in service after 12 February 1997. This requirement stems from instances where US Army "Breakout" spares of the tail rotor slider were discovered with less than the minimum wall thickness, which could lead to a fatigue failure and the loss of the tail rotor. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the prescribed measurements and replacement criteria could result in safety hazards.
The directive also references FAA AD 97-01-06, indicating a coordinated approach with international aviation authorities to address the same safety issue. The obligations imposed by this Act require operators and maintenance personnel to meticulously follow the measurement and replacement protocols. This involves regular inspection of the specified part, maintaining records of compliance, and ensuring that any defective parts are promptly replaced to maintain the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Failure to comply with the AD can have serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of operating certificates, and potential criminal charges for individuals or entities responsible for ensuring compliance. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to enforce stringent safety standards to prevent any risk to flight operations.