COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BELL 206/91 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 206/91
Amdt 1
Longeron P/N 206-031-314 - Inspection and Repair
5/2003
Applicability: All model Bell 206A, 206B and Agusta Bell AB206A and AB206B helicopters. Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron TB No. 207-79-18 and Agusta BT
No. 206-136
Note: During the corrosion inspection, particular attention should also be paid to the longeron/engine pan interface for cracks. Ensure the area is cleaned of grease, oil and dirt, so that a reliable visual inspection can be performed. Confirm any suspected crack indications with an FPI.
Compliance: Initially inspect within 100 hours time in service after 31 August 1982, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 300 hours time in service.
This Amendment becomes effe ctive on 15 May 2003.
Background: Inspections of the Model 206 helicopter type have discovered longeron corrosion on the interface between the longeron and the engine pan. Periodic inspection is required to ensure that longeron corrosion or cracking has not occurred. Corrosion or cracking of the structure will result in a loss of structural integrity.
This amendment is raised to remove the reference to AD/Agusta 206/65, which no longer exists. A note is also added to clarify what is required during the inspection. There is no change to the compliance.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 31 August 1982.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 25 March 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 23 April 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically address the issue of airworthiness directives through the issuance of regulations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that civil aviation activities in Australia are conducted safely, with a focus on the airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products. One particular amendment, F2006B04541, issued in 2003, targets the inspection and repair of longeron corrosion on Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced to address the identified risk of structural failure due to corrosion at the longeron/engine pan interface, which could potentially compromise the safety of these aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections to detect and mitigate any structural issues early, thereby ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of the specified helicopter models.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertain to the regulation and maintenance of aircraft to ensure airworthiness and safety. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to all model Bell 206A, 206B and Agusta Bell AB206A and AB206B helicopters. The directive mandates that these aircraft undergo inspections of their longeron P/N 206-031-314 for signs of corrosion or cracking, particularly at the interface with the engine pan, to prevent structural failure. The AD specifies the inspection intervals and procedures to be followed, including the requirement to clean the inspection area thoroughly to ensure accurate visual assessment. The AD is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and overseen by a CASA delegate. This regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, but compliance with the AD is mandatory for the specified helicopter models to ensure their continued airworthiness.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BELL 206/91 Amdt 1 issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) applies to all model Bell 206A, 206B and Agusta Bell AB206A and AB206B helicopters. The AD requires an inspection of the longeron P/N 206-031-314 for corrosion or cracking, particularly at the interface with the engine pan, in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron TB No. 207-79-18 and Agusta BT No. 206-136. The area must be cleaned of grease, oil and dirt to allow for a reliable visual inspection, and any suspected cracks should be confirmed with a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI). The initial inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of the helicopter's service after 31 August 1982, and subsequent inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of service. The AD becomes effective on 15 May 2003.
The AD imposes obligations on operators of the specified helicopter models to conduct regular inspections of the longeron P/N 206-031-314 to ensure it is free from corrosion or cracks. Operators must follow the inspection procedures outlined in the relevant technical bulletins and ensure the area is clean to perform a reliable visual inspection. If any cracks are suspected, a fluorescent penetrant inspection must be conducted to confirm the presence of cracks. Failure to comply with the AD could result in the aircraft being considered unairworthy, leading to potential grounding and operational restrictions.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the AD may result in the aircraft being considered unairworthy, which could lead to enforcement action by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Under CASR 1998, operators may face administrative penalties, including fines, for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Additionally, CASA has the authority to issue directives to restrict or prohibit the operation of non-compliant aircraft, which could have significant operational and financial consequences for the operator. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not stated in the AD, but they can be found in the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and CASR 1998.