AD/BELL 212/20 - Emergency Float Bag Deflector - Installation P/N 212-030-629-101 L/H and -102 R/H

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are comprehensive regulations that govern civil aviation safety in Australia. One specific amendment within this regulatory framework is the Airworthiness Directive AD/BELL 212/20, which addresses a critical safety issue concerning the installation of emergency float bag deflectors on Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. This directive was introduced to ensure that all model 212 helicopters equipped with emergency flotation equipment are compliant with safety standards, thus preventing potential hazards that could arise from ineffective flotation systems during emergency situations. The directive mandates that the installation of the specified float bag deflectors be completed before the helicopter is allowed to fly again, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy and capable of safe operation in emergency scenarios.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for aircraft operated within Australia. This particular directive, AD/BELL 212/20, pertains to all model 212 Bell Helicopter Textron Series helicopters that have emergency flotation equipment installed. The directive mandates the installation of an Emergency Float Bag Deflector, identified by part numbers 212-030-629-101 for the left-hand side and 212-030-629-102 for the right-hand side, as outlined in Bell Helicopter Textron Service Bulletin No. 212-78-5. Compliance with this directive is mandatory before any further flight of the affected aircraft, ensuring that the emergency flotation equipment functions as intended to enhance safety in the event of water landings. The regulation applies nationwide and extends to all operators and entities that possess or operate model 212 helicopters within Australia, under the jurisdiction of CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains important safety instructions for aircraft operation. One such directive, AD/BELL 212/20, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters. This directive mandates the installation of an Emergency Float Bag Deflector (section (1)) for the left-hand (L/H) and right-hand (R/H) sides, identified by part numbers 212-030-629-101 and 212-030-629-102 respectively. The directive applies to all model 212 helicopters equipped with emergency flotation equipment (section (2)). The primary obligation under this directive (section (3)) is that the installation of the specified emergency float bag deflectors must be completed before any further flight of the affected aircraft. This requirement is explicitly stated in Bell Helicopter Textron Service Bulletin No. 212-78-5 (section (4)), which serves as the compliance document. The directive was issued in July 1978 (section (5)), emphasising the importance of adhering to these safety measures to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness. Failure to comply with AD/BELL 212/20 could result in severe consequences, both civil and criminal. Under section 235 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. The maximum penalties for such offences are detailed in the Act, with potential fines reaching up to $21,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months for individuals, and greater penalties for corporations. The enforcement of these provisions underscores the critical nature of adhering to airworthiness directives to maintain safety standards in civil aviation.