AD/BELL 206/58 - Full Cell Cavity and Vent Line Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, form a critical part of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in the country. Within this extensive legislation, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses airworthiness directives to ensure that aircraft meet stringent safety standards. One such directive, AD/BELL 206/58, was introduced to address the safety concerns associated with the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters, particularly focusing on the modification of full cell cavity and vent lines. This directive aims to mitigate risks by mandating specific modifications within a defined timeframe, thereby enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft models. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to safeguard the public and maintain high standards of aviation safety across Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, encompass the regulations governing the airworthiness directives pertinent to specific aircraft models, including Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive AD/BELL 206/58 mandates the modification of full cell cavity and vent lines for certain models, namely 206B and AB206B, with serial numbers referenced in the requirement documents Bell SB No. 206-10-74-1 and -2 or Agusta SB No. BT206-76. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1974. This directive ensures that specified modifications are completed to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft models, aligning with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation applies nationwide, affecting operators and owners of the specified helicopter models within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions outlined within the text, though the scope of application may be further defined through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, incorporate the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes a directive for the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters (section 39-105). This directive, referred to as AD/BELL 206/58, mandates the Full Cell Cavity and Vent Line Modification for certain models of these helicopters. The directive applies to Models 206B and AB206B with serial numbers specified in the requirement documents (section 39-105(5/74)). The compliance documentation required is Bell SB No. 206-10-74-1 and -2, or Agusta SB No. BT206-76. The Bell 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters governed by this directive must undergo the specified modifications within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1974, in accordance with the requirements laid out in section 39-105(5/74). The modifications are intended to address specific airworthiness issues and ensure the continued safe operation of these aircraft. The compliance must be verified through the submission of the relevant service bulletin numbers as indicated. In addition to specifying the modifications required, the directive imposes clear obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Owners, operators, and maintainers of the affected helicopters must ensure that the modifications are performed by authorised personnel and that the modifications are completed within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in serious safety implications and potential regulatory action. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 include provisions for offences, penalties, and consequences for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 provides for the imposition of civil penalties, including fines, for breaches of the regulations. In more severe cases, criminal penalties may be imposed, including imprisonment. The maximum penalties for breaches can vary depending on the specific nature of the offence, but they can include significant fines and imprisonment terms for those found in violation of the regulations.