AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33 - Main Rotor Mast and Trunnion - Retirement Index Number (RIN) Recount/Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) were enacted to ensure the safety of air navigation in Australia, in line with the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These regulations empower the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue airworthiness directives (ADs) for various kinds of aircraft and aeronautical products, with the overarching goal of maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation. The AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33, which amends the previous AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 32, was introduced in response to an industry request to extend the retirement index number (RIN) recount/inspection for certain bolts in Bell 205 series helicopters from 500 hours to 1000 hours of Time in Service (TIS). CASA assessed the request and confirmed that a TIS of 1000 hours was adequate, as per the Bell Helicopter Textron Maintenance Manual. This amendment not only adjusts the TIS but also recognises the acceptability of an FAA approved Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC) for compliance with the equivalent requirement of this AD. The legislative instrument, which becomes effective on 2 August 2013, cancels and replaces the previous AD, ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of the updated safety requirements. The amendment was made in accordance with the power of delegation under subregulation 11.260(1) of CASR 1998 and subsection 94(1) of the Act. It was determined that no further consultation of the Australian public was necessary as the amendment is of a minor nature and does not substantially alter existing arrangements. The Office of Regulatory Review has also determined that ADs do not require a Regulatory Impact Statement. Furthermore, a statement of compatibility with human rights has been prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011, confirming that this legislative instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Act.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33, applies specifically to the Bell 205 series helicopters registered in Australia. This legislative instrument mandates that operators of these helicopters must retire bolts connecting the Drive Link to Rotating Swashplate at 1000 hours Time in Service (TIS), a change from the previous requirement of 500 hours TIS. This amendment responds to industry requests and incorporates an FAA-approved Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC), ensuring that the new requirements are practical and internationally recognised. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), as Australia’s national airworthiness authority, has the power to issue such airworthiness directives under regulation 39.001 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, and this specific amendment is effective from 2 August 2013, replacing the previous directive. The AD does not impose any additional consultation requirements beyond the industry stakeholders directly involved and is deemed to be compatible with human rights as it does not engage any applicable rights or freedoms.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33, primarily revise the retirement index number (RIN) recount or inspection requirements for the main rotor mast and trunnion of Bell 205 series helicopters. Specifically, section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 authorises the Governor-General to make regulations concerning air navigation safety, while regulation 39.001 of the CASR 1998 empowers the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue airworthiness directives (ADs). AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33 modifies the previous AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 32, allowing operators to retire the bolts connecting the Drive Link to the Rotating Swashplate at 1000 hours of Time in Service (TIS) instead of the previous 500 hours TIS, based on the Bell Helicopter Textron Maintenance Manual BHT-205A1-MM-1. Furthermore, the amendment acknowledges the acceptability of an FAA-approved Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC) for adhering to the equivalent requirement of this AD. This AD will take effect on 2 August 2013, superseding the previous issue. Operators of Bell 205 series helicopters must comply with the new TIS of 1000 hours for retiring the bolts connecting the Drive Link to the Rotating Swashplate, as specified in AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33. Additionally, operators may utilise an FAA-approved AMOC to meet the equivalent requirement of this AD. Compliance with these regulations is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all personnel involved. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy and unable to operate. Breaching the requirements outlined in AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33 may result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. CASA, as the national airworthiness authority, has the power to enforce these regulations and may take action against operators who fail to comply. Potential consequences may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and legal action. It is crucial for operators to ensure they adhere to the amended AD to avoid any potential penalties or negative consequences. AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33, as part of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, is a legislative instrument that complies with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. This amendment does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms, and no human rights issues have been raised. Consequently, the AD is compatible with human rights, and no further scrutiny is required in this regard. The AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 33 became effective on 2 August 2013, replacing the previous AD/BELL 205/1 Amdt 32. The AD has been made by a delegate of CASA relying on the power of delegation under subregulation 11.260(1) of CASR 1998 and subsection 94(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The AD is a legislative instrument, as per subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, and is subject to disallowance under section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.