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 206/136 Hydraulic Servo Actuator Shoulder Bolt 12/95
Applicability: Bell Model 206A and 206B helicopters fitted with servos which have been overhauled or repaired by a facility not approved by HR Textron.
Requirement: Unless previously carried out action in accordance with Bell ASB 206-95-84.
Note 1. Transport Canada AD CF-95-11 refers.
Note 2. The shoulder bolts called up in the Requirement Document were manufactured without undercut by HR Textron until February 1975. For this reason the absence of undercut should not result in rejection if other inspection criteria are met.
Compliance: Within 50 hours time in service from 15 November 1995 or by 31 December 1995, whichever occurs first.
Background: Bell Textron has advised that unauthorised rework/repair of the shoulder bolts may have been carried out. An inspection of the shoulder bolts for possible hydrogen embrittlement is also required.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39, specifically the 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses safety concerns and establishes regulatory standards for aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/BELL 206/136, focuses on the hydraulic servo actuator shoulder bolt for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters. This directive was introduced to address the potential risk of hydrogen embrittlement in shoulder bolts that have been overhauled or repaired by unapproved facilities. The objective is to ensure that the specified inspections and actions are carried out to maintain the airworthiness of these helicopters, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
The directive requires compliance within a specific timeframe, emphasising the urgency and importance of addressing the issue. Bell Textron has highlighted the risk of unauthorised rework or repairs of the shoulder bolts, which could compromise their integrity. As a result, the policy objective of this legislative instrument is to mandate thorough inspections and necessary actions to prevent any potential safety hazards arising from such defects.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters, and mandates the inspection and replacement of hydraulic servo actuator shoulder bolts. This directive is pertinent to Bell Model 206A and 206B helicopters that have been serviced by facilities not approved by HR Textron unless such service has already been conducted in accordance with Bell ASB 206-95-84. The directive necessitates that the action be taken within 50 hours of time in service from 15 November 1995, or by 31 December 1995, whichever comes first. The directive is in response to potential issues arising from unauthorised rework or repair of the shoulder bolts, which may have led to hydrogen embrittlement. Compliance with the directive ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected helicopters within Australian airspace, aligning with international standards such as Transport Canada AD CF-95-11. Notably, shoulder bolts manufactured without undercut by HR Textron before February 1975 should not be rejected if other inspection criteria are met.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety of aircraft in Australian airspace. Section 39-105 focuses on the AD issued for the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters, identifying a critical safety concern related to the hydraulic servo actuator shoulder bolt. The regulation, identified as AD/BELL 206/136, outlines a requirement for inspection and potential replacement of the shoulder bolts (section 12/95).
These regulations apply to Bell Model 206A and 206B helicopters that have undergone repairs or overhauls by facilities not approved by HR Textron, unless such action has already been performed in line with Bell ASB 206-95-84. Compliance with this directive is crucial to prevent issues that may arise from unauthorised rework or repair of these critical components. The directive also references Transport Canada AD CF-95-11, indicating alignment with international safety standards and best practices.
The obligations under this directive include ensuring that the shoulder bolts are inspected within 50 hours of service from 15 November 1995 or by 31 December 1995, whichever is earlier. The inspection must identify whether the bolts have been manufactured without undercut by HR Textron prior to February 1975. This exception exists to account for variations in manufacturing processes, provided that other inspection criteria are met.
Failure to comply with the AD/BELL 206/136 can result in severe consequences. Section 12/95 highlights the potential for hydrogen embrittlement, which poses significant risks to the integrity and safety of the helicopter's operation. In the event of non-compliance, operators may face civil penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the affected aircraft. Additionally, criminal liability may be imposed on those responsible for overseeing the maintenance and compliance of these aircraft, further underscoring the critical nature of adhering to the directive.