COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 212/66 | Main Rotor Grip | 3/2003 DM |
Applicability: Model 212 | Main Rotor Grip Part Number 204-011-121-009, or -121. | |
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2003-01-04 Amdt 39-13015.
Note 1: Bell Helicopter Textron Non-Destructive Inspection Procedures, Log No. 00- 340 Revision E, dated 9 April 2002, refers.
Note 2: FAA AD 2003-01-04 can be found on the FAA website www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document, with compliance times to count from the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 29 January 2003.
Background: The FAA received reports of three in- flight main rotor grip failures and two recent incidents of cracked grips discovered during a 1,200- hour inspection and on a scheduled 2,400-hour overhaul, which brings the total to thirteen grips that have cracked in the lower tang. Cracking for all of the grips has been attributed to mechanical damage from improper blade bolt bushing installation, improper rework of the buffer pad tang surface, or subsurface fatigue damage.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 24 January 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 29 January 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a unified set of regulations that ensure the safety, efficiency, and environmental standards of civil aviation activities within the country. The CAR 1998 was enacted by the Australian Parliament and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is tasked with enforcing these regulations to maintain high standards of safety and airworthiness across the nation's aviation sector. The policy objective behind the CAR 1998 is to protect the public by ensuring that civil aviation operations are conducted in a manner that minimises risks to safety and property, whilst also promoting the efficient and environmentally responsible use of Australia's airspace.
This specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the CAR 1998 is aimed at addressing safety concerns related to the main rotor grip of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters. The AD was prompted by reports of multiple in-flight failures and cracked grips, which have been linked to mechanical damage and improper maintenance practices. The directive mandates specific corrective actions to be undertaken by operators of the affected helicopters to prevent further incidents, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations involving these aircraft. The AD reflects CASA's commitment to proactive safety management and its role in mitigating aviation risks through regulatory measures.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to the Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters, particularly those with a Main Rotor Grip Part Number 204-011-121-009 or -121. This regulation is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns related to the main rotor grip. The directive mandates that corrective actions be taken to mitigate the risk of main rotor grip failures, which have been linked to mechanical damage from improper blade bolt bushing installation, improper rework of the buffer pad tang surface, or subsurface fatigue damage. The AD requires compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 2003-01-04 Amdt 39-13015 and specifies the timeframe for compliance beginning from the directive's effective date. The directive is enforced throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all relevant aircraft operators within the country's jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically address the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) as detailed in section 39.1(1) (AD/BELL 212/66). This AD pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron 212 Series Helicopters and specifically addresses the issue of main rotor grip failures. According to the applicability section, the directive applies to Bell Helicopter Textron 212 models with Main Rotor Grip Part Numbers 204-011-121-009 or -121. The requirement section mandates corrective action in line with the technical specifications of FAA AD 2003-01-04 Amendment 39-13015, which can be accessed on the FAA website. Compliance must be achieved according to the timeline specified in the requirement document, with compliance dates starting from the effective date of this directive, 29 January 2003.
The obligations imposed by this AD require aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to adhere to the specified corrective actions to ensure airworthiness and safety. The directive mandates that the corrective actions align with FAA AD 2003-01-04, which includes detailed inspection and repair procedures. These procedures are outlined in the referenced Bell Helicopter Textron Non-Destructive Inspection Procedures, Log No. 00-340 Revision E, dated 9 April 2002. The directive obligates the relevant parties to perform the necessary inspections, repairs, and replacements of the main rotor grips to prevent future failures.
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant legal and safety repercussions. According to the regulations, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including the potential grounding of affected aircraft until the necessary actions are taken. Civil penalties may be imposed, and in severe cases, criminal charges could be brought against individuals or entities that fail to adhere to the AD requirements. The exact penalties are determined by CASA but can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance.