Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B04383, address issues related to the airworthiness of specific models of Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters, particularly focusing on the hydraulic servo cylinder assembly and spanner link assembly. This amendment was introduced to ensure the safety and reliability of these helicopters by mandating inspections and necessary rework to prevent adverse effects on the dual hydraulic servo system. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Commonwealth Parliament, enacted this regulation with the policy objective of maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting both the operators and the passengers of these aircraft. The specific directive, AD/BELL 205/47, applies to Model 205A-1 helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 30128 to 30287, and from 30289 to 30296, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1980. The requirement stems from identified potential issues with the spanner link assembly that could compromise the redundant feature of the dual hydraulic system, as outlined in Bell Alert SB No. 205-79-11. This regulation ensures that any interference or malfunction in the hydraulic servo system is identified and rectified promptly, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the specified Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters, particularly those within the Model 205A-1 series with serial numbers ranging from 30128 to 30287, and 30289 to 30296. The regulations mandate that these aircraft undergo an inspection and rework of the hydraulic servo cylinder assembly's spanner link assembly within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1980, in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 205-79-11. This directive is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and ensures that the redundant feature of the dual hydraulic servo system is not adversely affected by any interference to the spanner link assembly, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a national standard for compliance and safety in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, PART 39 - 105, specifically AD/BELL 205/47, focus on the inspection and rework of the hydraulic servo cylinder assembly, particularly the spanner link assembly in the Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters. This directive applies to Model 205A-1 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 30128 to 30287, and 30289 to 30296. Compliance with this directive is mandated within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1980, as outlined in Bell Alert SB No. 205-79-11. The regulation aims to address potential issues with the redundant feature of the dual hydraulic servo system, which may be adversely affected by interference to the spanner link assembly. Under this legislation, the primary obligation imposed on the relevant parties or entities is to conduct a thorough inspection and, if necessary, rework the hydraulic servo cylinder assembly, specifically the spanner link assembly, on the specified Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters. This requirement ensures that the aircraft remain safe and operational by mitigating any risks associated with the identified issue. The inspection and rework must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to ensure compliance with the directive. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties on the operators or owners of the non-compliant aircraft. These penalties can include fines and other enforcement actions. Additionally, non-compliance may result in the grounding of the aircraft, which can severely impact the operational capabilities of the airline or individual operator. Furthermore, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft could lead to more severe civil or criminal liabilities, including potential prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent of the breach.