AD/BELL 206/18 - Console Access Panel Attachment Screws - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through legislative instrument F2006B04473, address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of specific Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Parliament to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. The primary objective of this regulation is to ensure that specified helicopters, particularly the AB-206A models with serial numbers referenced in the requirement document Bell SL No. 206A-120, comply with necessary safety directives. This involves the replacement of console access panel attachment screws within a stipulated timeframe of 50 hours of service after 13 June 1969, aligning with equivalent directives such as AD/Agusta 206/9. This regulation ensures that these aircraft meet the stringent safety criteria set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate compliance for all model AB-206A and 206A Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters with the serial numbers referenced in the requirement document. This particular legislation applies to the replacement of console access panel attachment screws, a directive outlined in AD/BELL 206/18, and requires that this action be taken within 50 hours of time in service after 13 June 1969. The directive is equivalent to AD/Agusta 206/9 and forms part of the broader regulatory framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This regulation applies to the specified model of helicopters and does not extend to other models or aircraft not covered by the serial numbers and document mentioned. The legislation is part of a comprehensive national regulatory framework, ensuring safety and compliance within the civil aviation industry across Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Within this schedule, AD/BELL 206/18 focuses on the console access panel attachment screws for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters (section 105). This directive mandates the replacement of console access panel attachment screws for all model AB-206A and 206A helicopters with serial numbers as specified in the requirement document, Bell SL No. 206A-120 (section 105(1)). The directive requires compliance within 50 hours of time in service after 13 June 1969 (section 105(2)). Entities governed by this directive, specifically those operating model AB-206A and 206A helicopters with the referenced serial numbers, must ensure that the replacement of the console access panel attachment screws is carried out as per the requirements outlined in the AD/BELL 206/18 directive (section 105(3)). This involves verifying that the screws are replaced within the specified timeframe and in accordance with the guidance provided in the requirement document, Bell SL No. 206A-120. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BELL 206/18 may result in civil or criminal consequences. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines and other penalties. The exact penalties are not specified in the text, but they could include significant financial penalties, and in severe cases, criminal charges could be pursued against individuals or entities responsible for the non-compliance (section 105(4)). It is essential for operators to adhere to these directives to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.