COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 222/17 Drive Train Overheat Temperature Indicators 6/94
Applicability: Models 222, 222B and 222U, all serial numbers.
Requirement: On all appropriate grease lubricated couplings, replace the zinc chromate type stripes with TEMP-PLATES in accordance with Part I of Bell ASB 222-93-67 Rev.A or 222U-93-40 Rev.A, as applicable.
Note: Canadian AD CF-94-06 BELL refers.
Compliance: At the next scheduled lubrication interval after 26 May 1994, and prior to installation of replacement couplings and/or driveshaft assemblies.
Background: Following an accident with a Bell 212 it was determined that the colour change in the chromate based primers applied to couplings, was not sufficiently distinct to warn of an overheated condition and subsequent impending failure.
Federal Register of Legislative Instruments F2006B04608
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address a critical safety concern within civil aviation, specifically pertaining to the airworthiness of aircraft. This legislative instrument aims to ensure that all civil aircraft, their operations, and related entities meet the highest safety standards. One particular regulation, AD/BELL 222/17, targets Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series Helicopters, mandating the replacement of zinc chromate type stripes on grease lubricated couplings with TEMP-PLATES. This directive responds to an identified safety gap, where the original colour change in the chromate based primers was insufficient to warn of overheating, potentially leading to catastrophic failures. By ensuring more distinct visual indicators, the policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of helicopter operations, preventing accidents and protecting lives.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Australian legislative framework, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure safety standards are met within the civil aviation sector. Specifically, AD/BELL 222/17 pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series helicopters, including models 222, 222B, and 222U across all serial numbers. This directive applies to all operators of these helicopter models within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the required modifications are implemented to enhance safety. The directive mandates the replacement of zinc chromate type stripes on appropriate grease lubricated couplings with TEMP-PLATES, following the guidelines set out in Part I of Bell ASB 222-93-67 Rev.A or 222U-93-40 Rev.A, as applicable. Compliance is to be achieved at the next scheduled lubrication interval following 26 May 1994, before the installation of replacement couplings and/or driveshaft assemblies. This directive is rooted in an incident involving a Bell 212, where the inadequate warning system from the chromate based primers led to an accident due to the lack of distinct colour change indicating overheating and potential failure.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft to ensure their safe operation. In this instance, AD/BELL 222/17 pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 series helicopters, including models 222, 222B, and 222U across all serial numbers (section 39-105). The directive requires the replacement of zinc chromate type stripes on all appropriate grease lubricated couplings with TEMP-PLATES (section 39-105). This replacement must adhere to the guidelines set out in Part I of Bell ASB 222-93-67 Rev.A or 222U-93-40 Rev.A, depending on the specific model of the helicopter (section 39-105). The directive also references a Canadian Airworthiness Directive, CF-94-06 BELL, indicating a cross-jurisdictional concern about the issue addressed (section 39-105).
Operators and owners of the affected Bell 222 series helicopters must ensure compliance with this directive by replacing the zinc chromate type stripes with TEMP-PLATES at the next scheduled lubrication interval following 26 May 1994. The replacement must occur prior to the installation of new couplings or driveshaft assemblies (section 39-105). The directive mandates that these changes be implemented to prevent overheated conditions in the drive train that could lead to failure, as evidenced by an accident involving a Bell 212 helicopter where the colour change in the chromate based primers was not sufficiently distinct to serve as a warning (section 39-105).
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BELL 222/17 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against operators and owners who do not adhere to the directive. The potential penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines, operational restrictions, and in severe cases, the grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. While specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions for the parties involved (section 39-105).