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 206/96 Fuel Supply Tube Assembly 3/84
Applicability: Model 206 B series, serial number 3567 through 3784. Document: Alert Service Bulletin 206-84-22.
Compliance: Before 30th September 1984 unless already accomplished.
Background: To preclude the possibility of corrosion penetrating the tube, causing fuel or fuel fumes entering the cabin. The manufacturer has introduced a stainless steel tube to replace the existing aluminium tube.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/BELL 206/96 concerning the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters. This legislation was enacted to address the potential safety risk of corrosion penetrating the fuel supply tube, which could result in fuel or fuel fumes entering the cabin, thereby compromising flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Government, introduced this directive to ensure the replacement of the existing aluminium fuel supply tube with a stainless steel tube in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters, specifically those within the model 206 B series and serial numbers 3567 through 3784. The policy objective is to enhance the airworthiness of these aircraft by mitigating the risk of corrosion-related incidents.
The legislation mandates compliance with the directive by 30th September 1984 for any aircraft that have not already undergone the specified modification. The directive references Alert Service Bulletin 206-84-22, which provides further details on the necessary replacement procedure to ensure the safety and integrity of the fuel system. This directive underscores the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation through proactive measures and timely updates to aircraft maintenance protocols.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives for aircraft within Australia, including the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series helicopters. The legislation applies to helicopters within the specified model 206 B series, with serial numbers ranging from 3567 to 3784. The regulation mandates compliance with Alert Service Bulletin 206-84-22, requiring the replacement of the fuel supply tube with a stainless steel version to prevent corrosion, which could potentially lead to fuel or fuel fumes entering the cabin. This directive applies to all operators of these particular helicopter models, ensuring that the specified maintenance action is undertaken before 30th September 1984, unless already accomplished. The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and it extends its application through subordinate instruments as necessary to maintain air safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, mandates the compliance of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under AD/BELL 206/96. This directive, identified as Alert Service Bulletin 206-84-22, applies specifically to Model 206 B series helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 3567 to 3784 (section 1). The primary objective of this directive is to replace the fuel supply tube assembly to prevent corrosion that could potentially lead to fuel or fuel fumes entering the cabin, which poses a significant safety hazard.
To ensure compliance with the AD, operators of the specified helicopters must replace the existing aluminium fuel supply tube with a stainless steel tube before 30th September 1984, unless the replacement has already been carried out (section 2). This requirement is crucial to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has stipulated this directive to mitigate the risk of corrosion and associated hazards.
The obligations under this directive fall primarily on the operators of the affected helicopters. These operators must ensure that the fuel supply tube assembly is replaced as per the specifications outlined in the Alert Service Bulletin 206-84-22. This involves conducting a thorough inspection of the existing tube, and if necessary, replacing it with the recommended stainless steel tube to prevent any potential corrosion. Documentation of the replacement process and the date of compliance must be maintained as evidence of adherence to the AD.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential legal proceedings. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives are substantial, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to these safety regulations. Operators found in breach of the directive may face penalties that include fines up to a significant amount, as well as potential criminal charges for those who willfully disregard the regulations.