AD/BELL 212/14 - Fuel Boost Pumps - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the instrument F2006B04548, aim to enhance aviation safety by establishing specific airworthiness directives. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, targets the inspection of fuel boost pumps in the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters, specifically those with serial numbers 30770 and below, as well as 30780. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that the specified aircraft meet necessary safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of mechanical failure and potential accidents. Compliance with these directives is mandated within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977, as documented in Bell Service Bulletin No. 212-76-13.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that the Airworthiness Directives apply to the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters, including models with specific serial numbers. This legislation is applicable to aircraft operators and owners who must adhere to the outlined safety requirements to ensure the airworthiness of their aircraft. The directive mandates inspections of fuel boost pumps on the specified Bell 212 models within a defined timeframe, ensuring compliance with the stipulated conditions for continued airworthiness. The geographic scope of this regulation is national, as it applies across all jurisdictions within Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified within the directive itself, although further interpretation and application might be detailed in subordinate instruments or additional guidance from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This regulation underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety standards to maintain the operational integrity of these helicopters.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, outline specific airworthiness directives for aircraft, including the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. One such directive, AD/BELL 212/14, pertains to fuel boost pumps and mandates their inspection (Section 1/77). This directive applies to Model 212 with specific serial numbers (S/Nos. 30770 and below, plus 30780). Compliance with these directives is crucial, and operators must refer to Bell SB No. 212-76-13 for detailed instructions. The compliance requirement stipulates that inspections must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are specific and require adherence to the stipulated compliance period. Operators of the affected Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters must ensure that the fuel boost pumps are inspected within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these directives can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which in turn can lead to severe operational disruptions and legal ramifications. It is the operator's responsibility to maintain detailed records of compliance and ensure that all inspections are documented and performed by qualified personnel. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in civil penalties. Specifically, operators found in breach of these directives may face fines, suspension of their operating license, or even prosecution. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining aircraft airworthiness. It is imperative for operators to take these directives seriously to avoid the severe repercussions that come with non-compliance.