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 206/141 Hydraulic Relief Valves 14/98
Applicability: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada(BHTC) Model 206L-4 helicopters Serial numbers 5201 through 52208.
Requirement: Replace hydraulic relief valve P/N 206-076-036-101 with P/N 206-076-036-105 in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206L-98-111.
Ensure proper functioning of the flight controls in accordance with BHTC ASB 206L- 98-111 dated 24 July 1998.
Note: Transport Canada AD CF-98-34 Bell refers.
Compliance: Unless previously carried out within 300 hours Time in Service from the issue of this AD but no later then 31 December 1998.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 December 1998.
Background: There was a manufacturing defect found on hydraulic relief valve P/N 206-076-036- 101 which could lead to an intermittent loss of hydraulic pressure to the flight controls.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a crucial framework governing the safety and operation of civil aviation in Australia. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B04456, issued under these regulations, addresses the critical issue of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models. This instrument was introduced to ensure that all aircraft maintain a high standard of safety and reliability, particularly in light of identified manufacturing defects or potential safety risks. The policy objective behind such directives is to mitigate risks to public safety by enforcing specific maintenance and operational requirements on affected aircraft. This particular directive, AD/BELL 206/141, mandates the replacement of faulty hydraulic relief valves in certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters to prevent potential intermittent loss of hydraulic pressure to flight controls, ensuring that these aircraft remain safe and reliable for operation.
The specific legislative instrument, F2006B04456, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L-4 helicopters, specifically those within the serial number range 5201 through 52208. It requires the replacement of a defective hydraulic relief valve, P/N 206-076-036-101, with a specified replacement part, P/N 206-076-036-105, following guidelines set forth in BHTC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206L-98-111. This directive ensures that the aircraft's flight controls function properly, as referenced in the Transport Canada AD CF-98-34 Bell. The directive mandates compliance within 300 hours of time in service from its issuance, with a final compliance deadline set for 31 December 1998. This measure was enacted to address the identified safety concern and maintain the airworthiness of the affected helicopters.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, applies to the specific subset of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L-4 helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 5201 through 52208. This legislation mandates the replacement of the hydraulic relief valve P/N 206-076-036-101 with P/N 206-076-036-105 to ensure the proper functioning of the flight controls, as outlined in BHTC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206L-98-111 dated 24 July 1998. Compliance with this directive requires the specified action to be carried out unless it has already been executed within 300 hours of the aircraft's time in service from the issuance of this directive, but no later than 31 December 1998. This Airworthiness Directive takes effect on 31 December 1998 and is informed by a manufacturing defect identified in the original hydraulic relief valve, which could potentially result in an intermittent loss of hydraulic pressure to the flight controls.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, establish the requirements for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. Section 39-105 details an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) concerning the hydraulic relief valves on these helicopters. The directive mandates the replacement of the hydraulic relief valve with part number 206-076-036-101 with a new part number 206-076-036-105, in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206L-98-111. The AD ensures that the flight controls operate correctly, referencing BHTC ASB dated 24 July 1998.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L-4 helicopters with serial numbers between 5201 and 52208. Operators must replace the identified hydraulic relief valve and ensure the proper functioning of flight controls. This action must be taken unless it has already been performed within 300 hours of Time in Service from the date the AD was issued, but no later than 31 December 1998. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant consequences. Section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which governs compliance with ADs, outlines the potential penalties for non-compliance. Non-compliance with an AD can lead to civil penalties, including fines and potential legal action. In severe cases, CASA may issue a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty or bring proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to criminal charges if the breach results in a serious safety incident. Under section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for contravening an AD can be substantial, with fines up to $210,000 for corporations and $42,000 for individuals, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.