AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 212/63 Tail Rotor Blade Fwd Tip Weight Retention
Block and Aft Tip Closure
7/2002
Applicability: Model 212 helicopters, equipped with a tail rotor blade, part number 212-010-750- 009, -011, -105, -107, -109, or -111, having a serial number prefix ATR or A3, or a serial number with a prefix A and a number less than or equal to 11529.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the tail rotor blade forward tip weight retention block and aft tip closure for adhesive bond voids. Remove any tail rotor blade with a void in excess of that allowed by the Component Repair and Overhaul Manual limitations.
2. Inspect the forward tip weight retention block attachment countersink screws in four locations to determine if the head of each countersink screw is flush with the surface of the abrasion strip. The locations of these four screws are depicted on Figure 1 of Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 212-00-111 Revision A. If any of these screws are set below the surface of the abrasion strip or are covered with filler material, install shear pins in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Shear Pin Installation paragraphs, of the applicable alert service bulletin.
3. Install the aft tip closure rivets on all affected tail rotor blades in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Aft Tip Closure Rivet Installation paragraphs, of the applicable alert service bulletin.
Note: FAA AD 2002-09-04 Amdt 39-12737 refers.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 11 July 2002, unless already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 July 2002.
Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 212/63 (continued)
Background: The FAA received reports of five occurrences of missing tail rotor blade forward tip weight retention blocks or aft tip closures that resulted in minor to substantial damage. Such damage could result in loss of a tail rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 28 May 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 June 2002.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) aims to address safety concerns associated with the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. Specifically, AD/BELL 212/63 targets issues related to the tail rotor blade forward tip weight retention block and aft tip closure, which have been reported to result in minor to substantial damage. This can lead to the loss of a tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The AD was enacted to ensure that the required inspections and corrective actions are implemented to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft, thereby enhancing flight safety. The directive became effective on 11 July 2002, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service following this date.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates specific safety measures for Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series helicopters equipped with certain tail rotor blades. This directive applies to Model 212 helicopters with tail rotor blades of specified part numbers and serial number prefixes, specifically those with serial numbers prefixed by ATR, A3, or an A followed by a number less than or equal to 11529. The directive outlines necessary actions to address identified safety issues, including the inspection of tail rotor blade components for voids and proper installation of shear pins and rivets as per provided instructions. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of service after its effective date of 11 July 2002. This legislative instrument specifically targets aviation safety, and its scope is limited to the specified model and serial numbers of helicopters, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards to mitigate risks associated with identified defects.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to specific Bell Helicopter Textron 212 series helicopters, specifically those equipped with a tail rotor blade part number 212-010-750-009, -011, -105, -107, -109, or -111, and having a serial number prefix ATR or A3, or a serial number with a prefix A and a number less than or equal to 11529 (Applicability). The AD requires the inspection and, if necessary, the modification of the tail rotor blade forward tip weight retention block and aft tip closure (Requirement). Specifically, it mandates that inspectors look for adhesive bond voids in these components and remove any blade with voids that exceed the limitations set out in the Component Repair and Overhaul Manual. It also requires that the forward tip weight retention block attachment countersink screws be checked to ensure they are flush with the surface of the abrasion strip, with shear pins installed if necessary. Finally, the AD requires that the aft tip closure rivets be installed according to the instructions in the applicable alert service bulletin (Requirement).
The AD imposes several obligations on the operators and maintainers of the affected helicopters. They must ensure that the inspections and modifications are carried out within 100 hours of the helicopter's time in service after 11 July 2002 (Compliance). Failure to comply with the AD could result in the helicopter being deemed unairworthy. The AD also requires that records of the inspections and any modifications be kept and made available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Failure to comply with the AD may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to it being grounded. There are no specific penalties mentioned in the AD itself, but CASA may impose penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 for failure to comply with an AD. These penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, operators and maintainers who fail to comply with the AD may be liable for damages resulting from any accidents or incidents caused by non-compliance.