AD/BELL 206/76 Amdt 2 - Horizontal Stabiliser - Inspection and Modification or Retirement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One aspect of these regulations is the implementation of airworthiness directives to maintain the safety standards of aircraft. The legislative instrument F2006B04528 pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, specifically addressing an identified issue with the horizontal stabiliser assemblies of certain models. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns and ensure compliance with safety standards for these helicopter models. The policy objective is to mandate inspections and modifications or retirements of affected parts to mitigate potential risks and ensure continued airworthiness. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued this directive, which applies to all model 206L and 206L-1 helicopters with specific serial numbers listed in Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23, if they are fitted with the affected parts. The directive requires inspections at each daily or overnight inspection until the modifications are performed in accordance with Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23, with pilots in command allowed to perform and certify these inspections. Additionally, it mandates the retirement or modification of certain parts by 31 March 1982, ensuring that these aircraft meet the required safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all model 206L and 206L-1 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters with serial numbers listed in Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23 and equipped with a horizontal stabiliser assembly of affected part numbers detailed in that document. This legislation mandates that inspections and modifications or retirement of the horizontal stabiliser must be carried out in accordance with the requirements specified in Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23. Pilots in command are permitted to perform and certify these inspections themselves. Compliance necessitates that inspections occur at each daily or overnight inspection until the modifications are performed as per the directive, and that the required modifications or retirement of affected parts are completed no later than 31 March 1982. This directive is part of the overarching regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia, aiming to ensure the safe operation of aircraft by addressing specific safety concerns identified with certain helicopter models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contain detailed provisions for the inspection, modification, or retirement of the horizontal stabiliser on Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters, as outlined in AD/BELL 206/76 Amendment 2. This directive applies to all model 206L and 206L-1 helicopters with serial numbers listed in Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23 and equipped with a horizontal stabiliser assembly of the affected part numbers specified in that document (section 1). The primary requirement is that the horizontal stabiliser must be inspected during each daily or overnight inspection until it is modified in accordance with Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23, and the pilot in command is authorised to perform and certify this inspection (section 1.1). Additionally, the horizontal stabiliser must either be modified or retired no later than 31 March 1982, following the requirements detailed in Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23 (section 1.2). The obligations under this legislation are clear. Operators of the affected helicopters must ensure that the specified inspections and modifications or retirements are performed in strict adherence to the instructions provided in Bell Alert SB No. 206L-81-23. This involves conducting thorough inspections at the stipulated intervals and ensuring that any modifications or retirements of the horizontal stabiliser are carried out by the specified date. The pilot in command has a specific role in this process, as they are permitted to perform and certify the inspections, which underscores the importance of accurate and timely compliance. Operators must also maintain detailed records of these inspections and any actions taken in response to the airworthiness directive to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/BELL 206/76 Amendment 2 can result in significant legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance in this particular directive; however, general aviation regulations provide for penalties that may include fines and potential criminal charges for serious violations. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach but may extend to substantial fines and imprisonment for the most serious offences. Additionally, non-compliance could result in the grounding of the affected aircraft, which would have severe operational and financial implications for the operator. Ensuring adherence to the airworthiness directive is therefore critical to avoid these potential consequences.