AD/BELL 206/85 Amdt 1 - Fuel Filter and Hoses Installation - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australian airspace. The specific amendment, AD/BELL 206/85 Amendment 1, addresses issues concerning the fuel filter and hoses installation on Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters. This legislative instrument was introduced to address safety concerns identified in the fuel system of these particular helicopter models. It specifically mandates modifications to the fuel filter and the installation of freewheeling vent hoses, with a compliance requirement set within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1981. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate potential safety hazards associated with the fuel system, ensuring the operational integrity and safety of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all models of Bell 206L-1 helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 45154 to 45448, with specific exceptions outlined in Bell ASB 206L-80-13, as well as single pilot IFR equipped models listed in ASB 206L-81-19. This regulation falls under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a national reach, impacting operators within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates compliance with the modifications to the fuel filter and hoses installation within 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1981, as stipulated in Bell SB 206L-80-13 and Bell SB 206L-81-19 for the respective helicopter models. The directive references FAA AD 81-06-05, indicating a level of international coordination in aviation safety standards. The scope of this legislation ensures the airworthiness and safety of the specified helicopter models, aiming to prevent potential issues related to the fuel system as identified in the referenced service bulletins.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, establish critical provisions for ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft. In this context, the regulations pertain specifically to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. The key operative section here is AD/BELL 206/85Amdt 1, which outlines modifications required for fuel filter and hose installations. This amendment, effective from 9/81, applies to all models Bell 206L-1 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 45154 to 45448, excluding those specified in Bell ASB 206L-80-13, as well as to single pilot IFR equipped models listed in ASB 206L-81-19. The compliance requirement, as specified in section (AD/BELL 206/85Amdt 1), mandates that these modifications must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1981. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Operators of the affected helicopters must ensure that the fuel filter and hose modifications are implemented as per the directive. This includes adhering to the guidance provided in Bell SB 206L-80-13 and, for single pilot IFR equipped helicopters, Bell SB 206L-81-19. The directive references FAA AD 81-06-05, indicating a need to align with Federal Aviation Administration standards. Operators are expected to maintain records of these modifications to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to serious consequences. If an operator fails to adhere to the stipulated modifications within the specified timeframe, they may face enforcement actions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for breach can include fines, suspension of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, or even criminal charges in severe cases. The exact penalties are dictated by the nature and severity of the breach but are intended to enforce strict compliance with safety standards to protect public safety in aviation.