Commonwealth legislation

AD/HU 369/45 - Tail Rotor Swashplate Bearing Locknut - Increase in Torque

RepealedCTH

This Act has been repealed and is no longer in force. It is retained for historical reference.

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Commonwealth

Collection

legislative instrument

Plain English Summary

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This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a critical safety fix for specific helicopters to prevent catastrophic loss of control.

What it requires Owners and operators of McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369H series helicopters must increase the tightening torque (tightening force) applied to the tail rotor swashplate bearing locknut — essentially, tighten this specific nut more firmly than previously specified to ensure it stays secure during flight.

Why it matters The tail rotor controls the helicopter's steering (direction/yaw). If this locknut loosens in flight, the pilot could lose control of the tail rotor, potentially causing the aircraft to spin uncontrollably and crash. The directive references Hughes Service Information Notice HN-150 for the exact technical procedure.

Who must comply All models of the 369H series helicopters.

When The modification had to be completed within 100 hours of flight time after 31 March 1980.

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AD/HU 369/45 - Tail Rotor Swashplate Bearing Locknut - Increase in Torque

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COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

View image in the official source McDonnell Douglas (Hughes) and Kawasaki 369 Series Helicopters

AD/HU 369/45 Tail Rotor Swashplate Bearing Locknut - Increase in Torque

Applicability: All models 369H series helicopters. Document: Hughes SIN No. HN-150.

Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 March 1980.

3/80

Background: To prevent loosening of the tail rotor swashplate bearing locknut and possible loss of tail rotor control, the tightening torque of the locknut is increased.

Source text

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.