AD/BELL 206/12 - Transmission Magnetic Drain Plug B-734 Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One specific regulation, AD/BELL 206/12, targets the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This regulation was introduced to address the specific safety concern associated with the transmission magnetic drain plug B-734 in these helicopter models. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating the replacement of the B-734 drain plug within a specified timeframe, thereby mitigating the risk of potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. The regulation applies to all models of these helicopters fitted with the B-734 drain plug, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 15 April 1969. This directive ensures that the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority are consistently adhered to, thus protecting both the crew and passengers on board.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, pertains specifically to the Airworthiness Directives concerning Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. The regulation applies to all models of these helicopters that are fitted with the transmission magnetic drain plug B-734. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance on 15 April 1969. The directive is equivalent to AD/Agusta 206/6, ensuring consistency in safety standards across similar helicopter models. The scope of this regulation is national, extending to all entities and individuals operating these helicopters within Australia, regardless of location. The directive does not explicitly mention exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the provided text, suggesting that it applies universally to the specified models and components. Subordinate instruments may further clarify or extend the application of this directive, but based on the provided text, the primary focus remains on ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified helicopter models.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) address the replacement of the transmission magnetic drain plug B-734 in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters (AD/BELL 206/12). Specifically, Section 1 outlines the applicability of the directive, stating it applies to all models fitted with the transmission magnetic drain plug B-734 (Section 2). Section 3 provides the compliance timeline, requiring adherence within 100 hours of time in service after 15 April 1969 (Section 4). Section 5 references the equivalent AD/Agusta 206/6 (Section 6). The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily on operators of the specified helicopter models. Operators must ensure that the transmission magnetic drain plug B-734 is replaced within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours of time in service following the effective date of the directive (Section 5). This requirement is intended to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by preventing potential issues related to the magnetic drain plug, such as the accumulation of metal particles that could lead to transmission damage. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. Operators who do not adhere to the compliance timeline may face enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Non-compliance could lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required maintenance is completed, potentially resulting in substantial financial penalties. Additionally, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft could result in serious safety hazards, leading to potential civil or criminal liability for the operator, including fines and imprisonment (Section 7). The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the text provided but would typically be outlined in the broader regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia.