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 206/24 Engine Chip Detector Indicator - Installation 6/70
Applicability: All model 206A prior to S/No. 441 and model AB-206A. Document: Bell SL No. 206A-129.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 June 1970. Background: AD/Agusta 206/16 equivalent.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended and part of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to regulate the operation of aircraft in Australia and ensure the safety of aviation activities. One specific legislative instrument under this Act, F2006B04480, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for certain helicopter models, addressing potential safety issues that may arise from operational conditions. The objective of this directive is to mandate the installation of an engine chip detector indicator in specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, specifically targeting models 206A prior to Serial Number 441 and model AB-206A, to ensure that these aircraft meet the required safety standards. This legislative measure was introduced by the Australian Government and is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to mitigate risks associated with engine performance and operational safety.
The legislative instrument F2006B04480, implemented under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, was developed to address a specific safety concern identified in the operation of certain helicopter models. This directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1970, ensuring that these aircraft are equipped with an engine chip detector indicator as specified by Bell SL No. 206A-129. The directive is equivalent to AD/Agusta 206/16, reflecting a coordinated approach to maintaining airworthiness standards across similar aircraft types. This measure aims to enhance the safety and reliability of aviation operations by providing operators with critical information about engine health, thereby reducing the risk of in-flight failures.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the legislative instrument F2006B04480, pertains to the airworthiness directives specifically for the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters. This regulation applies to all model 206A helicopters prior to serial number 441 and model AB-206A helicopters, as referenced in Bell Service Letter No. 206A-129. The directive mandates the installation of an engine chip detector indicator within 100 hours of time in service following 30 June 1970, ensuring compliance with the AD/Bell 206/24 directive, which is equivalent to the AD/Agusta 206/16. The scope of this regulation is focused on enhancing the safety and maintenance standards of these particular helicopter models within the Australian aviation industry. The regulation applies nationally, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is not restricted by state or territory boundaries, ensuring uniform application across the Commonwealth. The regulations do not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the mentioned model and serial number criteria.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, contain provisions for the installation of an engine chip detector indicator on certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters. According to Section 39-105, this applies to all model 206A helicopters prior to serial number 441 and model AB-206A helicopters. The directive is detailed in Bell Service Letter No. 206A-129 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1970. This directive is equivalent to AD/Agusta 206/16.
Under these regulations, the primary obligation for helicopter operators and owners is to ensure that the specified model 206A and AB-206A helicopters are equipped with an engine chip detector indicator. This requirement is designed to enhance the safety and maintenance standards of these aircraft by allowing for the early detection of engine debris, which could potentially lead to engine failure. Operators must adhere to the compliance timeline stipulated in the directive to avoid any non-compliance issues.
Failure to comply with the installation requirements within the specified timeframe can result in significant legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against operators or owners who do not meet the directive’s compliance period. Such enforcement could include fines, suspension, or revocation of the helicopter’s certificate of airworthiness. While the specific monetary penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, CASA typically imposes substantial fines for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Additionally, persistent non-compliance can lead to criminal charges, which could result in imprisonment for responsible individuals.