AD/BELL 205/6 - Cyclic Control Supports - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses airworthiness directives that ensure aircraft, including the Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters, maintain safety standards. This legislative instrument, F2006B04396, was introduced to address the need for specific maintenance requirements for the cyclic control supports of the Bell 205 and 205A-1 models to ensure continued airworthiness. The objective of this directive is to mandate regular inspections of these critical components to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all applicable models, ensuring that these helicopters meet the stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters, namely the 205A and 205A-1 models, provided they have not been modified to a standard acceptable to the Secretary. The regulation mandates that these aircraft undergo a cyclical control support inspection within 100 hours of time in service after 20 February 1970 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This legislation is applicable on a national scale, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which ensures compliance with safety directives across Australia. The regulation does not explicitly exclude any specific entities or conduct from its purview, thereby applying broadly to all relevant aircraft within the specified models and conditions. The application of these regulations can be further extended or detailed through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 and Section 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters. The directive, designated AD/BELL 205/6, pertains to the cyclic control supports of the 205A and 205A-1 models, mandating their inspection (Section 2/70). This directive applies to all 205A and 205A-1 models that have not been modified to a standard acceptable to the Secretary. Compliance with this directive is governed by Bell Service Letter No. 205A-43, requiring inspections to occur within 100 hours of time in service following 20 February 1970 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected helicopters. They are required to ensure that the cyclic control supports are inspected according to the stipulated schedule. This involves adhering to the guidelines outlined in Bell Service Letter No. 205A-43, which likely includes detailed inspection procedures and criteria to determine the airworthiness of the control supports. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements could compromise the safety of the aircraft, potentially leading to operational restrictions or grounding. Non-compliance with the AD/BELL 205/6 could result in serious consequences, both civil and criminal. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators who fail to adhere to the airworthiness directives may face penalties. These can include substantial fines, and in severe cases, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may revoke the helicopter’s Certificate of Airworthiness. Additionally, individuals or companies found in breach of these regulations could face criminal charges, with potential imprisonment depending on the severity of the violation. The specific penalties and enforcement actions are detailed within the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reflecting the high priority placed on aviation safety.