COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 212/16 Cyclic SCAS Stops Installation - Modification 3/77
Applicability: All models prior to aircraft S/N 30850 that comply with service instructions 212-19, 212-47 and 212-53.
Document: Bell SB No. 212-77-3.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 March 1977.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was introduced to address the need for stringent safety regulations in the aviation industry, particularly in response to incidents that highlighted deficiencies in aircraft maintenance and operational standards. The policy objective of these regulations is to safeguard public safety by enforcing strict compliance with airworthiness directives and service bulletins issued by aircraft manufacturers. The regulations mandate that all aircraft operators adhere to specific safety directives, such as the installation of cyclic SCAS stops on Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before they can be operated.
The specific legislative instrument F2006B04549 pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series, introducing an airworthiness directive requiring the installation of cyclic SCAS stops for all models prior to aircraft serial number 30850, in compliance with service instructions 212-19, 212-47, and 212-53. This directive, outlined in Bell SB No. 212-77-3, must be implemented within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 31 March 1977. The objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of these helicopters by addressing potential control issues, thereby preventing accidents and ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations outlined in PART 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 apply to the installation and modification of cyclic Side-Control Stick Actuator (SCAS) stops in Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. Specifically, these regulations mandate compliance for all models of these helicopters that are prior to aircraft serial number 30850 and adhere to the service instructions 212-19, 212-47, and 212-53. The directive, referenced as AD/BELL 212/16, requires the installation of modifications as detailed in Bell Service Bulletin No. 212-77-3 and must be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 March 1977. This regulation applies within the national jurisdiction of Australia, and no exclusions or exemptions are specified in the text. The scope and application of these directives may be further clarified or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, include detailed provisions governing the airworthiness of aircraft, with Section 39.105 focusing on the schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/BELL 212/16, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters and mandates the installation of Cyclic Stick Command Augmentation System (SCAS) Stops as a modification. This directive applies to all Bell 212 series helicopters with serial numbers prior to 30850, provided they adhere to service instructions 212-19, 212-47, and 212-53. The directive was issued on 31 March 1977, as documented in Bell SB No. 212-77-3, and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following that date.
Operators of Bell 212 series helicopters within the specified serial number range must ensure that the Cyclic SCAS Stops modification is completed as per the directive. This involves installing stops on the cyclic stick to prevent over-stressing of the flight control system, thereby maintaining the helicopter's airworthiness and safety. Operators are responsible for verifying that the installation aligns with the specifications outlined in Bell SB No. 212-77-3 and for ensuring the work is carried out by qualified personnel.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BELL 212/16 can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Such breaches can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Under Section 90 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, CASA can impose penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, with significant fines and imprisonment terms for more serious violations.
In summary, AD/BELL 212/16 requires operators of certain Bell 212 series helicopters to install Cyclic SCAS Stops within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1977. Compliance is mandatory and involves adhering to the instructions provided in Bell SB No. 212-77-3. Non-compliance with this directive can result in penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, underscoring the importance of adhering to the regulatory requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.