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 212/42 Main Rotor Tension Torsion Straps 12/89
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-89-55.
Compliance: By 13 October 1989, unless already accomplished. Thereafter, reinspect each time replacement tension torsion straps are fitted.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that certain S/N tension torsion straps, P/N 204-012- 122-5 and 204-310-101-101, are being manufactured and sold without the normal Bell certification procedures being applied. These straps must not be used in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a regulatory framework governing various aspects of civil aviation operations within Australia. Part 39, specifically Section 105, pertains to airworthiness directives that ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of aircraft. One such airworthiness directive, AD/BELL 212/42, targets the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, focusing on the critical requirement for the main rotor tension torsion straps. This directive was introduced to address a safety issue identified by the manufacturer, Bell Helicopter Textron, which had discovered that certain tension torsion straps were being manufactured without proper certification procedures, posing a significant risk if used in service. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-89-55 to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the aircraft by enforcing stringent inspection and replacement protocols.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, applies to all models within this helicopter series. This regulation mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-89-55, particularly focusing on the main rotor tension torsion straps. The requirement necessitates compliance by 13 October 1989, or if the action was already completed, mandates a reinspection each time replacement tension torsion straps are fitted. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is Commonwealth-wide, ensuring uniform safety standards across Australia. The regulation excludes no entities or conduct but imposes strict compliance with the specified manufacturer's alert to ensure that tension torsion straps, specifically serial numbers 204-012-122-5 and 204-310-101-101, which are not produced under the normal Bell certification procedures, are not used in service. This directive extends its application through subordinate instruments that might further detail specific inspection and compliance measures.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific requirements for the airworthiness of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. One notable directive is AD/BELL 212/42, which pertains to the main rotor tension torsion straps. According to section 12/89, all models of the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series must adhere to the action stipulated in Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-89-55. This requirement ensures that the specified tension torsion straps, specifically those with serial numbers 204-012-122-5 and 204-310-101-101, are not used in service due to manufacturing issues that compromise their certification.
Compliance with this directive is critical and must be achieved by 13 October 1989. For any subsequent instances where replacement tension torsion straps are fitted, a reinspection must be conducted each time. This ongoing compliance requirement is essential to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the helicopters. The regulation underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the manufacturer's guidelines and service bulletins to prevent any potential hazards.
The obligations imposed by these regulations on operators and maintainers of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series are clear. They must ensure that no tension torsion straps without proper Bell certification are used, and they must follow the instructions outlined in the service bulletin. This includes not only the initial compliance by the specified date but also continuous vigilance during any future maintenance activities involving these components. Operators are required to stay informed about updates and directives from the manufacturer and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state penalties within the referenced sections, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Such actions may include grounding of the affected aircraft, fines, or other administrative penalties. In more severe cases, there could be criminal charges, especially if non-compliance is found to have contributed to an aviation incident or accident. The overarching goal of these regulations is to ensure that all aviation operations are conducted safely and in accordance with established standards.