AD/BELL 206/20 Amdt 1 - Cyclic Control Installation - Fitment of Balance Spring

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in the country. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that mandate specific safety measures and compliance requirements for various aircraft. One such directive, AD/BELL 206/20 Amendment 1, addresses the cyclic control installation for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns related to the fitment of a balance spring in the cyclic control installation of certain model 206A helicopters, specifically those with serial numbers 4 to 303 that are equipped with a Stabilizator Control Augmentation System. The directive requires compliance before 1 September 1971, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards to enhance operational safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/BELL 206/20 Amendment 1, applies to all model 206A Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 4 to 303, provided they are equipped with a Stabilizator Control Augmentation System. This legislation falls under the Commonwealth of Australia’s Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly PART 39 - 105. The directive mandates the fitment of a balance spring in the cyclic control installation and requires compliance before 1 September 1971. Notably, aircraft that adhered to the previous version of this directive are deemed compliant with this amendment. The regulations are applicable nationally across Australia, as they are issued under Commonwealth law. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this specific directive, and its scope is confined to the specified model and serial number range of helicopters. Any further extensions or restrictions of application would be detailed in subordinate instruments or additional amendments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, contain key provisions that govern the airworthiness of specific helicopter models. Section 39-105 focuses on Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. More specifically, AD/BELL 206/20 Amendment 1 addresses the cyclic control installation and the fitment of a balance spring for model 206A helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 4 to 303, which are also equipped with a Stabilizator Control Augmentation System. This directive requires compliance by 1 September 1971, with an important note that aircraft adhering to the previous version of this directive are automatically compliant with this updated version. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties concerned, primarily helicopter operators and maintenance providers, are clear and precise. Operators of model 206A helicopters with the specified serial numbers must ensure that the cyclic control installation is fitted with a balance spring as outlined in the directive. Maintenance providers and engineers are responsible for implementing these modifications and ensuring that the aircraft meet the specified airworthiness standards. The directive mandates that these changes must be carried out before the specified compliance date to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this AD/BELL 206/20 Amendment 1 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establish that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant penalties. While specific penalties are not detailed within this directive, general penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 include fines and potential imprisonment for serious breaches. Additionally, the operation of a non-compliant aircraft poses significant safety risks and could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made, thereby impacting the operator's ability to conduct flights.