COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron 204 Series Helicopters
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/BELL 204/28 Float Kit and Cross Tubes 8/2000
Applicability: Model 204B with float kit P/N 204-706-053 or P/N 205-706-050 installed. Requirement: Comply with the technical requirements of FAA AD 69-15-7.
Compliance: From the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 10 August 2000.
Background: This directive is raised to prevent possible failure of the aft cross tube due to fatigue.
It also follows the re-introduction of the AD Series after sixteen years.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 6 July 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 July 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, addresses the safety of civil aviation by ensuring aircraft and aeronautical products meet certain safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues Airworthiness Directives (AD) under the authority granted by subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. These directives are a critical tool for CASA to mandate safety measures and address any unsafe conditions that could compromise the airworthiness of aircraft. The problem or gap this legislation addresses is the need for continuous oversight and rectification of safety issues that might not be covered under the standard regulations. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by requiring specific actions to be taken on identified aircraft to prevent potential hazards. The Bell Helicopter Textron 204 Series Helicopters AD/BELL 204/28 is an example of such measures, specifically targeting potential failure of the aft cross tube due to fatigue.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all aircraft and aeronautical products within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulations encompass a wide range of entities, including aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance service providers, ensuring that all relevant parties comply with safety directives issued by CASA. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) targets the Bell Helicopter Textron 204 Series helicopters equipped with a float kit, specifically Model 204B with float kit P/N 204-706-053 or P/N 205-706-050. The directive is designed to address potential safety issues related to the aft cross tube, mandating compliance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 69-15-7 to prevent possible failure due to fatigue. The directive's applicability is immediate from its effective date, which is 10 August 2000, as notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 July 2000. This AD underscores CASA's commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards and ensuring the operational integrity of aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) are found within the applicability and requirement sections. The AD applies specifically to Bell Helicopter Textron 204 Series helicopters that are equipped with a float kit, either with part number 204-706-053 or 205-706-050. The requirement section mandates compliance with the technical specifications outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 69-15-7. This means that the specified aircraft must meet certain standards to ensure the safety of the aft cross tube, which is susceptible to fatigue-related failure. The compliance section stipulates that these requirements must be met from the effective date of this directive, which is 10 August 2000.
This Act imposes obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft to ensure they adhere to the specified requirements. These obligations include conducting necessary inspections and maintenance to meet the standards set forth in FAA AD 69-15-7. Operators must ensure that the aft cross tubes are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced to prevent any potential failure due to fatigue. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby prohibiting its operation until the necessary actions have been taken.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance can lead to the grounding of the aircraft in question. Additionally, operators and owners may face civil penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 for operating an aircraft that does not meet the required safety standards. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. It is crucial for all parties involved to adhere to these directives to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.