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 206/81 Auxiliary Fin - Inspection 1/80
Applicability: All model 206L and 206L-1 series helicopters with S/Nos. as listed in the requirement document, and which have not been modified in accordance with Part II of the requirement document.
Document: Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 206L-79-34, Part 1. Compliance: As detailed in the requirement document.
Background: Fatigue cracks in the auxiliary fins have been found in service on two overseas aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, include a legislative instrument issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B04533, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, aiming to address safety concerns identified with these aircraft models. The directive focuses on the inspection of auxiliary fins for fatigue cracks, a problem highlighted by incidents in overseas aircraft. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters, thereby maintaining high safety standards in the Australian aviation industry.
Enacted by the Australian Government and administered by CASA, this legislative instrument is designed to fill a critical gap in the regulatory framework by providing specific, mandatory directives for the inspection and, if necessary, the rectification of identified safety issues. The objective is clearly stated as ensuring that the identified models of helicopters remain compliant with safety standards, thereby protecting the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the legislative instrument F2006B04533, apply to all model 206L and 206L-1 series helicopters manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) and Agusta Bell, with specific serial numbers as outlined in the requirement document, provided they have not been modified in accordance with Part II of the requirement document. This legislation pertains to the maintenance and safety standards within the aviation industry, specifically targeting the inspection of auxiliary fins to address identified issues of fatigue cracks in the auxiliary fin structures. The scope of this Act extends to enforcing compliance with the detailed instructions provided in Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 206L-79-34, Part 1. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a consistent standard of airworthiness across the country.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Part 39 - 105) specifically address the airworthiness of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, particularly through AD/BELL 206/81 (section 1/80). This airworthiness directive mandates an inspection of the auxiliary fin for all model 206L and 206L-1 series helicopters with specific serial numbers, provided they have not been modified in accordance with Part II of the requirement document. Compliance with this directive is ensured through Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No. 206L-79-34, Part 1, which details the inspection requirements and procedures. This directive is prompted by documented instances of fatigue cracks in the auxiliary fins of two overseas aircraft, underscoring the importance of regular inspection to maintain safety standards.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties involved, including operators and maintenance personnel, are significant. Operators must ensure that their helicopters comply with the specified serial numbers and modification criteria outlined in the requirement document. Maintenance personnel are required to conduct thorough inspections of the auxiliary fins as per the detailed guidelines provided in the technical bulletin. These inspections must be performed diligently to identify and address any signs of fatigue cracks, ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with AD/BELL 206/81 can result in severe consequences. Operators and maintenance personnel who neglect to perform the required inspections or fail to address identified issues can face significant penalties. The exact penalties are not specified in the document, but they could include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential legal action. Additionally, any accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance could lead to criminal charges, further underscoring the importance of adhering to these regulations. The overarching goal is to ensure that all affected helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards, thereby preventing potential hazards and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.