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 212/6 Main Rotor Blade - Removal From Service 2/76
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Remove from service main rotor blades having the following S/Nos.: A2-03642, A2-3643, A2-03646, A2-27872, A2-27961, A2-27963, A2-27967 A2-27968,
A2-27982, A2-28015, A2-28016, A2-28019, A2-28020, A2-28023, A2-28195, A2-28198, A2-28211, A2-29315, A2-29325, A2-29334, A2-29915, A2-29919 and A2-29920.
Compliance: Before further flight after 16 January 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation in the country. The regulations, which are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, establish standards and procedures for the operation of aircraft, including the issuance of airworthiness directives to address safety issues. One such directive is found in Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, which pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive AD/BELL 212/6 mandates the removal from service of certain main rotor blades to mitigate risks associated with identified safety concerns. The policy objective is to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with the requirement to remove specified main rotor blades before further flight following the issuance date of 16 January 1976.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the removal from service of specific Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series main rotor blades to ensure aviation safety. This directive applies universally to all models of the Bell 212 helicopter series and requires that the identified main rotor blades, listed by their specific serial numbers, must be removed from service before any further flight operations are undertaken. The regulation ensures that the affected rotor blades are grounded and not used for flight operations post 16 January 1976. This legislation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and its application extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, covering all operators and entities involved in civil aviation within the country's jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this directive, and compliance is mandatory for all affected helicopter models and serial numbers listed. The scope of the directive is not extended or restricted by subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes an airworthiness directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) concerning Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters. The directive, AD/BELL 212/6, pertains to the main rotor blades and mandates their removal from service (AD/BELL 212/6). The directive applies to all models of the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 series and requires the immediate removal from service of main rotor blades with specific serial numbers (AD/BELL 212/6). The serial numbers listed for removal include A2-03642, A2-3643, A2-03646, A2-27872, A2-27961, A2-27963, A2-27967, A2-27968, A2-27982, A2-28015, A2-28016, A2-28019, A2-28020, A2-28023, A2-28195, A2-28198, A2-28211, A2-29315, A2-29325, A2-29334, A2-29915, A2-29919, and A2-29920 (AD/BELL 212/6).
Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the directive imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters. Operators must ensure that any main rotor blades with the specified serial numbers are removed from service and replaced or appropriately disposed of before any further flight after 16 January 1976 (AD/BELL 212/6). This requirement is non-negotiable and must be strictly adhered to for safety reasons. Operators are expected to conduct thorough inspections of their fleets to identify and remove the affected blades, ensuring compliance with the directive.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive could lead to serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the exact penalties or consequences for non-compliance within the directive itself. However, under the broader scope of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe civil or criminal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety. Operators found in violation of these regulations may also face suspension or revocation of their operational permits, further underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the directive.