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 206/106 Float Inflation Valve 4/87
Applicability: All model 206A,B and 206B111 fitted with lightweight emergency flotation system P/N 206-706-211-101 or -103 and 206L, 206L-1 and 206L-3 fitted with float kits P/N 206-067-001,-003,-005 or -101 and 206-706-210-101,-103 or -105.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-87-35 or 206L-87-43. Compliance: 1. For valves which have been actuated:
Within 500 hours time in service after 9 April 1987 or before 30 June 1987 whichever occurs first.
2. For valves which have not been actuated: At the next valve refurbishment.
Background: Thread damage to the piston pin retaining cap, P/N 32652, on the float inflation valve could cause failure at future actuation of the valve. Replacement of the retaining cap after each actuation of the valve is required.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. The 1998 Regulations, particularly Part 39, address the safety of aircraft and equipment, including the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The AD/BELL 206/106 concerning the float inflation valve in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters was introduced to mitigate the risk of float inflation valve failure, which could occur due to thread damage to the piston pin retaining cap. This directive aims to enhance the safety of the aircraft by ensuring that the retaining cap is replaced after each actuation of the valve, or within a specified timeframe if the valve has not been actuated. The policy objective is to maintain and improve the safety standards of civil aviation through stringent oversight and compliance with safety directives.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates safety directives for certain aircraft, including Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. The regulation applies to all model 206A, B, 206B111, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters equipped with specific lightweight emergency flotation system parts numbers and float kits as identified. The requirement under this legislation is for operators to take action in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-87-35 or 206L-87-43, ensuring the replacement of the float inflation valve's piston pin retaining cap to prevent potential failure at future valve actuation. Compliance must be achieved either within 500 hours of time in service after 9 April 1987 or before 30 June 1987 for valves that have been actuated, and at the next valve refurbishment for those that have not been actuated. This regulation applies nationally across Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is enforced to maintain safety standards in the operation of the specified helicopter models.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the maintenance requirements for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters. The focus of AD/BELL 206/106 is on the float inflation valve (section 4/87). This directive applies to all model 206A, B and 206B111 helicopters equipped with lightweight emergency flotation system P/N 206-706-211-101 or -103, and 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters equipped with float kits P/N 206-067-001, -003, -005, or -101 and 206-706-210-101, -103, or -105.
The requirement outlined in this directive is that actions must be taken in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-87-35 for models 206A, B and 206B111, and No. 206L-87-43 for models 206L, 206L-1 and 206L-3. Specifically, for float inflation valves that have been actuated, the required action must be completed within 500 hours of time in service after 9 April 1987, or before 30 June 1987, whichever comes first. For valves that have not been actuated, the requirement is that the action must be taken at the next valve refurbishment. This action involves addressing potential thread damage to the piston pin retaining cap, P/N 32652, which could lead to valve failure upon future actuation. Therefore, replacement of the retaining cap after each actuation of the valve is mandated.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties, including operators and maintenance providers, are clear. They must ensure that the float inflation valves are inspected and serviced in accordance with the specified timeframes and conditions. This includes replacing the piston pin retaining cap as necessary to prevent potential failures. Compliance with the Bell Alert Service Bulletins is essential, and failure to adhere to these requirements may result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.
Failure to comply with the AD/BELL 206/106 directive may lead to serious consequences. The primary risk is the potential for float inflation valve failure during an emergency, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. From a regulatory standpoint, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalty for an individual is a fine of up to $21,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. For a body corporate, the maximum penalty is up to $105,000. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected helicopters.