AD/BELL 222/11 - Swashplate Pins

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B04606, addresses the safety of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series helicopters. This legislative instrument was introduced to address issues related to the structural integrity of swashplate pins in specified models of Bell 222 helicopters. Enacted by the Australian Government, the policy objective of this regulation is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific maintenance actions. The regulation requires compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletins 222-87-40 or 222U-87-15 for particular serial numbers of the 222, 222B, and 222U helicopter models. This action is necessary following reports of damaged swashplate pins during overseas inspections, which could potentially compromise the aircraft's operational safety. Compliance with these directives must be achieved at the next 25-hourly inspection after 23 February 1987 or before 1 April 1987, whichever comes first.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety standards and operational requirements for civil aviation within Australia. This includes the application of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. In this instance, the directive AD/BELL 222/11 pertains to specific model 222 helicopters manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, covering serial numbers from 47006 to 47085, 47087 to 47089 for the 222 model, 47131 to 47148 for the 222B model, and 47501 to 47552, 47554 to 47555 for the 222U model. The directive mandates compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletins 222-87-40 or 222U-87-15, which address the issue of damaged swashplate pins discovered during inspections. The required action must be undertaken at the next 25-hour inspection following 23 February 1987 or before 1 April 1987, whichever is earlier. The regulation applies to all identified serial numbers and ensures that operators of these helicopters within Australia must adhere to the specified maintenance and safety requirements. The directive is applicable nationally and is enforced through CASA, ensuring compliance across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (CASA ADs). One such directive is AD/BELL 222/11 concerning Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series Helicopters. This directive mandates that all model 222 helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 47006 to 47085, 47087 to 47089, 222B helicopters with serial numbers from 47131 to 47148, and 222U helicopters with serial numbers from 47501 to 47552, 47554 to 47555, must comply with certain swashplate pin requirements (section 1). These swashplate pins connect the swashplate drive link to the swashplate rotary ring, and the directive requires action in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin 222-87-40 or 222U-87-15. Compliance with this directive must occur at the next 25-hour inspection following 23 February 1987 or before 1 April 1987, whichever comes first (section 2). The directive imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected helicopters. They are required to ensure that the swashplate pins are inspected and, if necessary, replaced or repaired in accordance with the Bell Alert Service Bulletins mentioned (section 3). This involves the meticulous examination of the swashplate pins during the stipulated inspection period to identify any damage or wear, which could potentially compromise the helicopter's safety and airworthiness. The directive further mandates that these actions be documented and recorded, providing evidence of compliance with the regulatory requirements (section 4). Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/BELL 222/11 could result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement action against the operators or owners who fail to adhere to the requirements. Such actions can include fines, penalties, or even the grounding of the helicopter until the necessary actions are completed and verified. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to ensure that the safety of the aircraft and its occupants is not compromised (section 5). The potential penalties underscore the importance of timely and accurate compliance with the directive.