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 212/30 Engine Mount Fireshield - Installation 4/82
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Install engine mount fireshield kit Bell Drwg. No. 412-961-021, or a fireshield kit approved by the Secretary.
Compliance: Prior to issue of Certificate of Airworthiness.
Background: In order to reduce the effect of a single engine fire it is necessary to protect the engine mount with a fireshield. This will permit the other engine to remain aligned and to continue to deliver power to the rotor.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B04562, introduce specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters. Enacted by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), these regulations address the problem of mitigating the effects of engine fires in helicopters. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by ensuring that all Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters are equipped with an engine mount fireshield. This measure aims to protect the engine mount from fire, thereby allowing the remaining engine to continue operating and maintain rotor power, which is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
The legislative instrument mandates the installation of an engine mount fireshield kit, such as Bell Drawing No. 412-961-021, or an equivalent approved by the Secretary. Compliance with this directive is required prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness. This requirement underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in civil aviation and aims to reduce the potential catastrophic outcomes of engine fires during flight.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates the installation of a fireshield on the engine mount of all Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters to mitigate the risk and impact of engine fires. This requirement applies to all models of the Bell 212 helicopter series and mandates the installation of either the engine mount fireshield kit Bell Drawing No. 412-961-021 or an equivalent kit approved by the Secretary. Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive must be achieved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness for the aircraft. This regulation is geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the directive, and it extends to all helicopters of the specified series operating within the national jurisdiction. The regulation may be further refined or elaborated upon by subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes directives related to specific aircraft models. For Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, the directive AD/BELL 212/30 mandates the installation of an engine mount fireshield. According to section (4/82), this directive applies to all models of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. The directive requires the installation of an engine mount fireshield kit, either the one specified as Bell Drawing No. 412-961-021 or an equivalent kit approved by the Secretary. This installation must be completed before issuing a Certificate of Airworthiness to ensure the aircraft meets the required safety standards.
The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward but crucial for ensuring the safety and operational integrity of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. Operators and owners of these aircraft must adhere to the directive by installing the specified or approved engine mount fireshield. This installation is mandatory before any Certificate of Airworthiness can be issued, which means that any modification or repair work must be completed to meet this requirement. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft not being deemed airworthy, thereby preventing its operation until the required safety measures are in place.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence. This can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Specifically, the Civil Aviation Regulations may impose fines, and in more serious cases, individuals or corporations can face prosecution. The exact penalties can vary but are designed to ensure that safety directives are taken seriously and adhered to rigorously. Operators who fail to comply may face substantial financial penalties, and in severe cases, imprisonment for individuals involved in the oversight or management of the non-compliant aircraft.