AD/BELL 206/94 - Auxiliary Fuel System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. Among the various parts and provisions, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules related to the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to fill critical safety gaps and ensure that all civil aviation activities comply with stringent safety standards. AD/BELL 206/94, issued under this Act, targets specific safety concerns with the auxiliary fuel system of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, ensuring that any potential issues with fuel system reliability are addressed to prevent accidents or operational hazards. The policy objective behind AD/BELL 206/94 is to mitigate the risk associated with the auxiliary fuel system by mandating modifications that ensure the pilot is adequately informed about fuel limitations and by enhancing system monitoring capabilities. The directive requires the installation of a warning placard and a Chadwick C-22-FM flow monitor kit within specified timeframes to ensure compliance and operational safety. This regulation, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate airworthiness directives that apply to aviation safety, including the AD/BELL 206/94 concerning Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 series helicopters. This directive applies to all models of these helicopters equipped with a Chadwick C-22 auxiliary fuel system installed under supplemental type certificate SH139WE. The regulation imposes requirements to ensure operational safety by mandating the installation of a placard visible to the pilot indicating a limitation on usable auxiliary fuel quantity, as well as the installation of a Chadwick C-22-FM flow monitor kit. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within specified timeframes: the placard must be installed within 10 hours of the helicopter being in service after 22 February 1983, and the flow monitor kit must be installed within 300 hours of service or six months after 31 March 1983. These directives are essential for ensuring that pilots are appropriately informed about the limitations and operational status of the auxiliary fuel system, thereby enhancing flight safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include specific provisions for the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. These provisions are outlined in AD/BELL 206/94, which mandates modifications to the auxiliary fuel system. Specifically, Section 3/83 of AD/BELL 206/94 applies to all models equipped with a Chadwick C-22 auxiliary fuel system installed via supplemental type certificate SH139WE. The directive requires the installation of a placard in the cabin that is readily visible to the pilot, with the annotation: "WARNING USABLE AUX. FUEL LIMITED TO HALF AVAILABLE QTY. AT T/O" (Part 1). Additionally, it mandates the installation of a Chadwick C-22-FM flow monitor kit (Part 2). Compliance deadlines are set, with Part 1 requiring the placard installation within 10 hours of time in service after 22 February 1983, and Part 2 mandating the installation of the flow monitor kit within 300 hours of time in service or 6 months after 31 March 1983. These obligations are clear and require compliance by the operators of the affected aircraft. Operators must ensure that the specified placard is installed within the stipulated timeframe and that the Chadwick C-22-FM flow monitor kit is also installed as required. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations, potentially leading to safety issues or penalties. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BELL 206/94 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can be considered an offence under Section 94 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Civil penalties for such offences can include fines up to $162,000 for individuals and $810,000 for corporations, as per the current maximum penalties applicable under Australian law. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, which can include imprisonment for individuals, reflecting the seriousness with which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority treats non-compliance with safety directives.