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. This legislation provides the regulatory framework under which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) operates, including the authority to issue Airworthiness Directives to address safety concerns. One such Airworthiness Directive, AD/BELL 206/149, was issued in 2002 to address an unsafe condition identified in specific Agusta-Bell AB 206B helicopters equipped with magnetic brakes manufactured by Memcor Truohm. The directive was introduced to ensure that the cyclic magnetic brake adjustable stop screws were correctly installed, following reports of screws backing out and limiting the arm assembly's travel. This action was necessary to prevent potential safety risks associated with improper installation of these components. The directive required an inspection to be conducted within 25 hours of the directive's effective date or by 28 February 2002, whichever came later.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of aircraft and aeronautical products. This particular directive, AD/BELL 206/149, applies to Agusta-Bell AB 206B helicopters equipped with magnetic brakes part number 204-001-376-3 manufactured by Memcor Truohm. This directive mandates that the cyclic magnetic brake adjustable stop screws be correctly installed in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Technico 206-236 dated 19 November 2001, with the action required within 25 hours time in service after the directive's effective date of 16 January 2002, but no later than 28 February 2002. Notably, magnetic brakes with specific serial numbers are excluded from this directive. The directive becomes effective upon its notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 16 January 2002.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) require an inspection and verification of the correct installation of the cyclic magnetic brake adjustable stop screws on specific Agusta-Bell AB 206B helicopters equipped with magnetic brakes. This requirement is outlined in section (a) of the AD and is to be conducted in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Technico 206-236 dated 19 November 2001. The inspection must be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after the effective date of the AD, which is 16 January 2002, and no later than 28 February 2002, as stated in section (c). The AD applies specifically to Agusta-Bell AB 206B helicopters equipped with magnetic brakes Part Number (P/N) 204-001-376-3 manufactured by Memcor Truohm (Vendor P/N MP498-3). However, magnetic brakes with certain serial numbers are excluded from this AD, as noted in the directive. Operators of the affected Agusta-Bell AB 206B helicopters are obligated to ensure that the cyclic magnetic brake adjustable stop screws are correctly installed as per the specified technical bulletin, Agusta Bollettino Technico 206-236. This requirement aims to prevent issues arising from the improper installation of these screws, which could lead to unsafe conditions during flight. The compliance time frame is strictly adhered to, mandating that the inspection and verification must be completed within 25 hours of time in service post the effective date of the AD or by 28 February 2002, whichever is earlier. Failure to comply with this directive could result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant consequences. The AD specifies that non-compliance with the directive could lead to unsafe conditions, which might endanger the safety of flight operations. There are no explicitly stated penalties within the AD itself, but non-compliance with civil aviation regulations can generally result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an accident or incident. The severity of penalties would depend on the extent and impact of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety issues or incidents.