COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 206/105
Amdt 1
Airframe Fuel Filter Assembly 3/87
Applicability: All the following model helicopters fitted with fuel filter assembly P/N 222-366-621- 003 or P/N 52-2889- 016 or 016A.
Models: 206A S/N 1 to 660 and S/N 672 to 715
206 BJR11 S/N 661 to 671 and S/N 716 to 2211
206 BJR111 S/N 2212 to 3953
206L S/N 45001 to 45153 and S/N 46601 to 46617
206L-1 S/N 45154 to 45790
206L-3 S/N 51001 to 51193
Agusta-Bell AB206A and AB206B to S/N 8703
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell Helicopter ASB 206-86-34 Rev. A, 206L-86-41 or Agusta-Bell SB 206-177.
Note: Michigan Dynamics fuel filter P/N 306001 may have been retrofitted to the 206L, it is therefore to be included in the inspection and rectification of the 206L filters.
Compliance: Part II or Part III, as applicable, of Requirement Document: At the next airframe fuel filter change or within 300 hours time in service after 31 January 1987 whichever occurs first, but no later than the 31 March 1987.
Background: An engine flame-out has occurred due to air trapped in the fuel system. This Directive provides a modification of the filter head which provides self bleeding of the bypass valve and switch chamber. This Directive has been amended to include Agusta-Bell models.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. The regulations are designed to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness, and Part 39 specifically addresses the issuance of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/BELL 206/105, targets Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters, aiming to rectify an issue with the airframe fuel filter assembly that could potentially lead to engine flame-out due to trapped air in the fuel system. This legislative instrument mandates specific actions to modify the filter head to allow self-bleeding of the bypass valve and switch chamber, enhancing safety and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The directive was issued to address a critical safety issue and has been amended to include Agusta-Bell models, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive safety measures across all affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives that apply to certain helicopter models manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) and Agusta Bell. The regulation is applicable to specific serial numbers of Bell 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters fitted with particular fuel filter assemblies. This directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and mandates actions to rectify issues related to air trapped in the fuel system, which can cause engine flame-outs. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be carried out in accordance with the specified Bell Helicopter or Agusta Bell Service Bulletins. The action is required at the next airframe fuel filter change or within 300 hours of time in service after 31 January 1987, whichever comes first, but no later than 31 March 1987. The scope of the directive includes certain serial numbers of models 206A, 206 BJR11, 206 BJR111, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and Agusta-Bell AB206A and AB206B helicopters. The directive also notes that a Michigan Dynamics fuel filter P/N 306001, if retrofitted to the 206L model, must be included in the inspection and rectification process.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters, as detailed in AD/BELL 206/105 Amendment 1 (paragraph 3/87). This AD mandates specific actions for the airframe fuel filter assembly, particularly focusing on the P/N 222-366-621-003, P/N 52-2889-016, or 016A, as well as the Michigan Dynamics fuel filter P/N 306001 which may have been retrofitted to the 206L models. The directive applies to a range of specific serial numbers across different models, including 206A, 206 BJR11, 206 BJR111, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and Agusta-Bell AB206A and AB206B. The requirement is to adhere to Bell Helicopter ASB 206-86-34 Rev. A, 206L-86-41 or Agusta-Bell SB 206-177, which includes a modification to the filter head to enable self-bleeding of the bypass valve and switch chamber, addressing the issue of air trapped in the fuel system that could lead to engine flame-outs.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific, requiring compliance at the next airframe fuel filter change or within 300 hours of service after 31 January 1987, but not later than 31 March 1987. This timeframe underscores the urgency and critical nature of the modifications, aiming to prevent potential engine failures that could compromise flight safety. Compliance must be achieved in accordance with either Part II or Part III of the requirement document, ensuring that all specified models and serial numbers are inspected and, where necessary, rectified to meet the outlined safety standards.
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive could result in significant civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, penalties, and in severe cases, grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The potential ramifications underscore the importance of adhering to the mandated timelines and procedures to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the affected helicopters.