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 212/39 Engine Fuel Switch 11/88
Applicability: Model 212 S/N 30680 through 31206, 32109 through 32142 and 32201 through
32262.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell ASB 212-88-52. Compliance: Prior to 1 January 1989.
Background: Reports received from the field reveal failure of the leaf spring within the engine fuel switch. A leaf spring failure has resulted in the engine fuel valve motoring to the closed position with associated engine flame out. The leaf spring failure was a result of a manufacturing operation during switch assembly on items with a date code 78XX or earlier.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide the framework for ensuring the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. Within this legislation, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addressing specific safety concerns for various aircraft types. One such directive is AD/BELL 212/39, which was introduced to address a safety issue with Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. The directive was prompted by reports of leaf spring failures within the engine fuel switches of certain helicopters, which could lead to engine flame out. This issue was traced to a manufacturing defect affecting helicopters with specific serial number ranges and date codes. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that all affected helicopters comply with the specified corrective action to mitigate the risk of engine failure and enhance flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, establish specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australia. One such directive, AD/BELL 212/39, pertains to the engine fuel switch of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, specifically those with serial numbers within the specified ranges. This regulation applies to all helicopters of the mentioned model and serial numbers, mandating compliance with the directive issued in conjunction with Bell ASB 212-88-52. The requirement necessitates corrective action on the engine fuel switch, focusing on addressing the manufacturing defect identified, which involves the failure of the leaf spring causing the engine fuel valve to motor to the closed position, resulting in engine flame out. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all affected helicopters, with the directive requiring action prior to 1 January 1989. The directive is binding on operators of these aircraft within Australia, ensuring that the safety measures are uniformly implemented across the sector.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the maintenance and safety of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. Section AD/BELL 212/39 pertains to the engine fuel switch of certain models. This section mandates compliance with Bell ASB 212-88-52, requiring actions to be taken on the engine fuel switch for specific serial numbers (30680 through 31206, 32109 through 32142, and 32201 through 32262). The directive aims to address reported failures of the leaf spring within the engine fuel switch, which could cause the engine fuel valve to close unexpectedly, leading to engine flame out. These issues were traced to manufacturing operations performed on items with a date code of 78XX or earlier. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed before 1 January 1989.
The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations on the relevant parties include ensuring that the specified models of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters meet the requirements set forth in AD/BELL 212/39. Operators and owners of these helicopters must take action to comply with Bell ASB 212-88-52, which likely involves inspecting and potentially replacing the engine fuel switch. The regulations mandate that this compliance be achieved before the specified deadline to prevent potential safety risks. Failure to adhere to these directives could result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety standards.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline various consequences for non-compliance with the provisions set forth in the legislation. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in this particular directive, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 may apply. These can include fines and potential legal action against individuals or corporations that fail to comply with the safety directives. The severity of the penalties can vary, but they are intended to ensure that safety standards are upheld to protect the public and maintain the integrity of civil aviation operations.