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 212/58 Fuel Line Replacement 9/97
Applicability: All Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters in the following S/N range; 30501 thru 30999,
31101 thru 31311,
32101 thru 32142 and,
35001 thru 35080.
Requirement: Replace engine fuel lines hoses as detailed in Bell Technical Bulletin 212-96-157 dated 22 July 1996.
Note: Canadian AD CF-97-04 refers.
Compliance: Unless previously carried out, no later than 30 June 1998.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 14 August 1997.
Background: The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has determined there has been at least two accidents where failure of a aluminium elbow attached to tee-fitting P/N 110- 089-12C either broke or was suspected to have broken as a result of the helicopter rolling onto its side. In one accident, fire which originated in the area of the failed fitting destroyed the helicopter and resulted in three fatalities.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B04590, addresses the critical issue of ensuring the airworthiness of specific models of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters by mandating the replacement of fuel line hoses. Enacted by the Australian Government, the regulation is intended to rectify the identified safety concerns associated with the fuel line fittings of these helicopters, thereby mitigating the risk of catastrophic failures. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance aviation safety by preventing incidents related to the structural integrity of fuel line fittings, as evidenced by accidents reported in other jurisdictions. The directive mandates compliance with specific technical guidelines detailed in Bell Technical Bulletin 212-96-157, ensuring that all affected aircraft are brought into compliance by a specified deadline to avert potential hazards.
This legislative measure was introduced to respond to incidents where failures in similar helicopter models resulted in severe accidents, including fatalities, thereby underscoring the importance of timely and precise regulatory intervention to safeguard human life and property in the aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters with serial numbers within the specified ranges, namely 30501 through 30999, 31101 through 31311, 32101 through 32142, and 35001 through 35080. The directive mandates the replacement of engine fuel lines and hoses, as outlined in Bell Technical Bulletin 212-96-157 dated 22 July 1996, in response to incidents reported in Canada where failures of the aluminium elbow attached to the tee-fitting P/N 110-089-12C resulted in accidents, including a fire that led to fatalities. This directive becomes effective on 14 August 1997, and compliance is required unless the replacement has already been carried out, with a deadline of 30 June 1998. The scope of this regulation is confined to the specified serial numbers of the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series, and it does not extend to other helicopter models or series unless explicitly stated in subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives pertaining to various aircraft models, including the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. One such directive, AD/BELL 212/58, addresses the replacement of fuel line hoses (section 9/97). This directive applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters within specified serial number ranges (sections 30501 thru 30999, 31101 thru 31311, 32101 thru 32142, and 35001 thru 35080). The requirement is to replace engine fuel line hoses as detailed in Bell Technical Bulletin 212-96-157 dated 22 July 1996. It is noteworthy that this directive references a Canadian AD, CF-97-04, indicating international recognition of the issue at hand. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and the replacement must be completed by no later than 30 June 1998 unless it has already been performed. The directive became effective on 14 August 1997.
The obligations under this airworthiness directive are clear and direct. Owners or operators of the specified Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters must ensure that the fuel line hoses are replaced according to the specifications detailed in the referenced technical bulletin. This involves not only the physical replacement of the hoses but also ensuring that the new components meet the regulatory standards set forth in the technical bulletin. The directive is applicable to all aircraft within the specified serial number ranges, and compliance is mandatory to maintain airworthiness. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to technical bulletins and international safety directives to prevent accidents stemming from fuel line failures.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Although the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in accidents or fatalities. The severity of penalties reflects the critical nature of ensuring aircraft safety and the potential catastrophic outcomes of fuel line failures. Therefore, it is imperative for operators and owners to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid these repercussions.