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 206/63 Horizontal Stabilizer - Modification 10/74
Applicability: All models 206A and 206B with S/Nos. 1 to 1251 except those which have incorporated Bell Kit P/N 206-704-096-3.
Document: Bell SB No. 206-01-74-1, Rev. B.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 October 1974.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the need for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. The AD/BELL 206/63, targeting Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters, was enacted to address specific safety concerns related to the horizontal stabilizer of the affected helicopter models. The directive was issued to ensure compliance with safety standards, aiming to prevent potential hazards associated with the horizontal stabilizer, particularly for models 206A and 206B with specific serial numbers. The policy objective of this legislation is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by mandating modifications and regular inspections to prevent accidents and ensure the airworthiness of the helicopters.
The Civil Aviation (Safety) Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation within the country. This legislative instrument aims to bridge any gaps in safety regulations by specifically targeting modifications required for certain helicopter models, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards. The policy objective is clearly stated as the enhancement of aviation safety through the implementation of specific airworthiness directives that address identified safety risks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including the directive concerning Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This regulation applies to all models of the 206A and 206B series, except those serial numbers between 1 and 1251 that have already incorporated Bell Kit P/N 206-704-096-3. The directive mandates a modification to the horizontal stabilizer, outlined in Bell SB No. 206-01-74-1, Revision B, and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1974. This regulation applies nationally across Australia and is enforced by CASA, the federal body responsible for ensuring compliance with civil aviation safety standards. The scope of the directive ensures that the specified helicopters meet the required safety standards, thereby safeguarding the aviation industry's operational integrity and passenger safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which includes AD/BELL 206/63. This directive pertains to the horizontal stabilizer modification for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters. The directive applies to all models 206A and 206B with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 1 to 1251, except those that have already incorporated Bell Kit P/N 206-704-096-3 (Section 10/74). Compliance with this directive is mandated within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1974 and must follow the instructions detailed in Bell Service Bulletin No. 206-01-74-1, Rev. B.
The obligations imposed by AD/BELL 206/63 primarily focus on ensuring that the specified Bell 206 helicopters undergo the necessary horizontal stabilizer modification. Operators of the affected helicopters must verify that their aircraft fall within the specified serial number range and have not already received the modification through Bell Kit P/N 206-704-096-3. Upon confirming applicability, operators must complete the required modification within the specified timeframe, ensuring adherence to the guidelines provided in the Bell Service Bulletin.
Failure to comply with AD/BELL 206/63 can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive is an offence. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the court, but the regulations underscore the critical importance of adhering to safety directives to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft and ensure public safety.
In summary, AD/BELL 206/63 mandates a specific modification to the horizontal stabilizer for certain Bell 206 helicopters within a defined timeframe. Operators of these aircraft must ensure compliance to avoid potential criminal penalties, highlighting the serious nature of airworthiness directives in maintaining aviation safety standards.