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 206/138 Turbine Outlet Temperature Indicator 12/96
Applicability: This Directive is applicable to all Bell Model 206L-1 helicopters equipped with Kratos turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicators part number (P/N) 124.444-6 and 124.444-20.
Requirement: Remove Kratos TOT indicator P/N 124.444-6 or 124.444-20 and replace it with any other TOT indicator approved for use on the Bell Model 206L-1 helicopter. (Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 206L-94-94 Revision A dated 11 July 1994 refers.)
Note: Transport Canada AD CF-96-13 also refers.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 7 November 1996, but not later than 28 February 1997.
Background: Transport Canada has advised that during engine starts with a depleted battery, the Kratos TOT indicators listed above, can display an erroneous low temperature. The erroneous low temperature indications can result in an overtemperature condition of the engine turbine and subsequent thermal damage to engine components.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, establish and regulate the safety standards for civil aviation, including the operation of aircraft and the certification of aviation personnel. This legislation is part of a broader effort to ensure that aviation activities within Australia meet stringent safety and operational standards. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses issues related to the airworthiness of specific aircraft models. One such directive, AD/BELL 206/138, pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, requiring the replacement of certain turbine outlet temperature indicators to prevent erroneous readings that could lead to engine damage. This directive aims to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by addressing a known issue with the Kratos TOT indicators. Compliance with such directives is mandatory to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and apply to the Bell Model 206L-1 helicopters equipped with Kratos turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicators part numbers 124.444-6 and 124.444-20. These regulations are applicable nationwide across Australia, ensuring a consistent standard of airworthiness for the specified aircraft. The directive requires the removal and replacement of the identified Kratos TOT indicators with other approved alternatives to mitigate the risk of erroneous low temperature readings, which can lead to engine overtemperature and potential damage. The directive is effective within 100 hours of the helicopter's time in service after 7 November 1996, with a compliance deadline set for 28 February 1997. This requirement aligns with similar directives issued by Transport Canada, underscoring a coordinated international approach to aviation safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) governing the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft. Under this schedule, AD/BELL 206/138 pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This directive applies to all Bell Model 206L-1 helicopters equipped with Kratos turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicators with part numbers 124.444-6 and 124.444-20 (section 1). The primary requirement of this directive is the removal and replacement of the Kratos TOT indicator with any other TOT indicator that has been approved for use on the Bell Model 206L-1 helicopter (section 2). This directive references Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 206L-94-94 Revision A dated 11 July 1994 and Transport Canada AD CF-96-13 for further information.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the operators of affected helicopters include ensuring compliance within a specified timeframe. Operators must complete the removal and replacement of the Kratos TOT indicators within 100 hours of time in service after 7 November 1996, and no later than 28 February 1997 (section 3). This timeframe ensures that the identified safety issue is addressed promptly to prevent any potential engine overtemperature conditions.
The consequences of failing to comply with this directive are significant. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to severe penalties. These may include substantial fines, operational restrictions, and potential criminal charges for those responsible for the oversight or maintenance of the aircraft. The regulatory framework under which these directives are issued ensures that compliance is mandatory to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft involved.