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 206/11 Main Rotor Blade Retention Bolt - Inspection 2/69
Applicability: All model 206A prior to S/Nos. 175 and AB-206A prior to S/No. 8080, plus spare blade retention bolts P/N | 206-010-152-1.
Document: Bell SL No. 206A-55.
Note: Agusta SB No. BT206-21 refers.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 14 Feb. 1969 for installed bolts, and before installation in an aircraft for replacement bolts.
Background: AD/Agusta 206/3 equivalent.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to regulate civil aviation safety and provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring safe and efficient air operations. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B04423, introduced to address the need for enhanced safety standards, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This directive, aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of these helicopter models, was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and seeks to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the main rotor blade retention bolt. The policy objective is to maintain a high standard of aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and timely replacements of the specified components, thereby protecting both the crew and passengers from potential hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters, with the directive AD/BELL 206/11 focusing on the inspection of main rotor blade retention bolts. This regulation is applicable to all model 206A helicopters prior to serial numbers 175 and AB-206A prior to serial number 8080, as well as spare blade retention bolts with part number 206-010-152-1. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 14 February 1969 for installed bolts and requires inspection before installation for replacement bolts. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this directive, and it is applicable nationally, ensuring that all relevant aircraft and components meet the specified safety standards. The application of this directive may be further extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include specific airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive is AD/BELL 206/11, which mandates inspections for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters (Section 2/69). This directive applies to all model 206A helicopters prior to serial number (S/No) 175 and AB-206A helicopters prior to S/No 8080, as well as spare blade retention bolts with part number (P/N) 206-010-152-1. The directive references specific service letters and serial numbers to ensure clarity and accuracy in compliance (Bell SL No. 206A-55 and Agusta SB No. BT206-21).
The primary requirement of AD/BELL 206/11 is that inspections must be carried out on the main rotor blade retention bolts. For installed bolts, this inspection must occur within 100 hours of time in service following 14 February 1969. For replacement bolts, inspections must be conducted before they are installed in an aircraft. The directive aims to ensure that these critical components are in good condition and safe for continued operation, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the helicopters involved. Compliance with this directive is essential to prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety.
Entities and individuals governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 must adhere to the obligations set forth in AD/BELL 206/11. This includes helicopter operators, maintenance personnel, and any other relevant parties responsible for the upkeep and inspection of the specified helicopter models. They are required to perform the mandated inspections within the specified timeframes and ensure that any replacement bolts meet the necessary safety standards before installation. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in severe consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are completed.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BELL 206/11 can lead to significant legal and operational repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include both civil and criminal consequences. The specific penalties depend on the severity of the breach and can result in fines or other financial penalties. In severe cases, non-compliance may also lead to criminal charges, with potential imprisonment for individuals found guilty of failing to adhere to airworthiness directives. It is imperative that all stakeholders understand and fulfil their obligations to avoid these serious repercussions.