AD/BELL 206/36 Amdt 1 - Emergency Flotation Solenoid Valve - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B04491, address the need for stringent safety measures in the aviation sector, particularly in relation to specific helicopter models. This legislation was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and aims to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, specifically those equipped with high skid gear and emergency flotation systems. The policy objective behind this regulation is to mandate regular inspections of the emergency flotation solenoid valve, ensuring that these critical safety components remain functional and reliable. Compliance with these directives is required within 25 hours of the helicopter's time in service after 26 October 1972, and then at intervals not exceeding 90 days, thereby maintaining a high standard of safety in civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the maintenance and operation of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This legislative instrument applies to all model 206, AB-206, and TH-57A helicopters that are equipped with high skid gear and emergency flotation, as detailed in Bell Service Bulletin 206-21 Rev. 'A' and Agusta Service Bulletin BT206-53, Rev. A. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after 26 October 1972 and must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 90 days. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority oversees the enforcement of these regulations, ensuring the continued airworthiness of these helicopters across the Commonwealth of Australia. The application of these directives extends to all relevant operators and entities involved in the maintenance and operation of these aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, mandate compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for various aircraft types, including the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters. Section (12/72) of the AD/BELL 206/36 Amendment 1 addresses the inspection of the emergency flotation solenoid valve. This directive applies to all model 206, AB-206, and TH-57A helicopters equipped with high skid gear and emergency flotation. Compliance is to be achieved in accordance with the specifications detailed in Bell Service Bulletin (SB) 206-21 Revision 'A', and for Agusta models, SB No. BT206-53, Revision 'A'. The regulations impose specific obligations on operators and owners of these helicopters. They must ensure that the emergency flotation solenoid valve is inspected within 25 hours of the aircraft being placed in service after 26 October 1972 and then at intervals not exceeding 90 days. This requirement ensures that the emergency flotation system is always in a state of readiness, which is crucial for safety in the event of water landings. Failure to comply with these provisions can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD can be considered an offence. The penalties for such breaches are significant and may include fines and other enforcement actions. Specifically, for non-compliance with ADs, the maximum penalty can include fines of up to $22,233 for individuals and $111,165 for corporations, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety directives.