COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 205/33 Synchronised Elevator - Inspection,
Modification and Retirement Applicability: All mode 204-A1 with synchronised elevator P/N 205-030-056-35 and -37. Document: Bell SB No. 205-76-5, Rev. “A”.
Compliance: As detailed in requirement document.
7/76
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, is a comprehensive legislative instrument governing civil aviation in Australia. Part 39, specifically, addresses airworthiness directives, ensuring that aircraft maintain safe operational standards. One such directive, AD/BELL 205/33, pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters, specifically targeting mode 204-A1 helicopters equipped with a synchronised elevator P/N 205-030-056-35 and -37. This directive was introduced to address the identified need for regular inspection, modification, and potential retirement of the synchronised elevator components to prevent operational hazards. The directive mandates compliance with the requirements outlined in Bell SB No. 205-76-5, Rev. “A”, ensuring that these helicopters remain safe and airworthy. The objective of these regulations, established by the Australian Parliament, is to maintain the highest safety standards within the civil aviation sector, thereby protecting both passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters that are operating under mode 204-A1 with a synchronised elevator bearing part numbers 205-030-056-35 and -37. This regulation mandates the inspection, modification, and potential retirement of the synchronised elevator as outlined in Bell Service Bulletin No. 205-76-5, Revision "A". The directive ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of these helicopters by enforcing compliance with the detailed requirements stipulated in the specified service bulletin. The scope of this regulation is geographically extensive, covering all operations within the Commonwealth of Australia, and it applies to any entity or individual operating the specified models of Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text provided, implying that the directive applies universally to the specified aircraft models within the Australian jurisdiction. Additionally, the regulation’s application can be extended or further defined through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters (section 7/76). One of these directives, AD/BELL 205/33, pertains to the synchronised elevator of the Bell 204-A1 helicopter with certain parts numbers (section 7/76). This directive mandates that all helicopters within this category must undergo inspection, modification, or retirement of their synchronised elevators, as specified in the requirement document Bell SB No. 205-76-5, Rev. "A" (section 7/76).
The obligations imposed by AD/BELL 205/33 are quite clear. Operators of Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters must ensure that the helicopters in question are inspected according to the specifications outlined in the Bell SB No. 205-76-5, Rev. "A" requirement document. If any issues are found, the required modifications must be carried out. In cases where the elevator is beyond repair, it must be retired and replaced with an approved part (section 7/76). Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious safety risks, including potential in-flight failures, which could endanger the lives of passengers and crew.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, CASA can take several actions if an operator fails to adhere to AD/BELL 205/33. Civil penalties may be imposed, which can include fines. Furthermore, if the non-compliance leads to a safety incident or accident, criminal charges may be brought against the operator or responsible individuals. The severity of the penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure strict adherence to airworthiness directives to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation. In extreme cases, CASA may also suspend or revoke an operator's licence, effectively grounding their fleet until compliance is achieved.