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 212/32 Elevator to Horn Assembly Attachment - Modification
1/85
Applicability: All model 212 helicopters S/N 30501 to 30999, 31101 to 31256, and 32101 to 32142 which do not have elevator horn P/N 205-001-914-103 and elevators P/N 205-030- 856- 121/-123 installed.
Requirement: Bell Alert S.B. No. 212-84-36.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, before 01 March 1985 or prior to the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 31 January 1985, whichever is the later.
Background: Several reports have been received of bolt lugs cracking on elevator spar fittings and horn assemblies. Loss of an elevator in flight could result in airframe or tail rotor damage.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B04564, aim to address safety concerns associated with specific Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters. This regulation was enacted to ensure that certain model 212 helicopters undergo necessary modifications to prevent structural failures that could result in severe damage or accidents. The problem it was introduced to address includes reports of bolt lugs cracking on elevator spar fittings and horn assemblies, which could lead to loss of elevator functionality in flight and subsequent damage to the airframe or tail rotor. The objective of the policy is to mandate compliance with Bell Alert S.B. No. 212-84-36, requiring specific modifications to be completed by a certain date to ensure the continued airworthiness of affected helicopters. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, sets forth these directives to uphold the highest safety standards in the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters within the specified serial number ranges that lack the elevator horn part number 205-001-914-103 and elevators part numbers 205-030-856-121/-123. This directive ensures the safety of these aircraft by mandating a modification to the elevator to horn assembly attachment, as outlined in Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 212-84-36. Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive is mandatory, requiring the specified modification to be completed before 1 March 1985 or prior to the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 31 January 1985, whichever is later. The regulation's jurisdictional reach is nationwide, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the Commonwealth of Australia, and it does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions. The regulation's application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring continuous safety and compliance within the Australian aviation industry.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, contain several Airworthiness Directives (AD) that govern the safety and maintenance requirements for aircraft in Australian airspace. Specifically, AD/BELL 212/32 (Section 105) pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, focusing on modifications required to the elevator to horn assembly attachment. This directive applies to model 212 helicopters with specific serial numbers (SN) that lack certain parts: elevator horn P/N 205-001-914-103 and elevators P/N 205-030-856-121/-123. The directive mandates compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 212-84-36. Operators must ensure that these modifications are completed by 1 March 1985, or before the issuance of the next Maintenance Release after 31 January 1985, whichever is later.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties involved, primarily focusing on the modification of the specified helicopter models to prevent structural failures. Operators of these helicopters must adhere to the Bell Alert Service Bulletin, which outlines the necessary modifications to the elevator to horn assembly attachment. This includes ensuring that the specified parts are installed or that appropriate modifications are made. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to significant safety risks, including the potential for an elevator to detach in flight, resulting in possible damage to the airframe or tail rotor.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/BELL 212/32 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations strictly, and non-compliance can result in penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, non-compliance with ADs can typically lead to enforcement actions, including fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory sanctions. These measures are designed to ensure that all operators maintain the required safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure the safe operation of aircraft in Australian airspace.
In summary, AD/BELL 212/32 is a critical directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, aimed at enhancing the safety of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters by requiring specific modifications to the elevator to horn assembly attachment. Operators must ensure compliance with the directive by installing the specified parts or making the necessary modifications by the stipulated deadlines. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and safety risks, highlighting the importance of adhering to these safety regulations.