AD/BELL 222/4 - Tail Rotor Servo Control Linkage

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B04619, address a specific safety concern related to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series Helicopters. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation was introduced to mitigate the risk of tail rotor servo control linkage failure, which was identified as a potential safety hazard following an incident where a Bell 222 helicopter experienced an uncontrollable right turn due to a disconnected linkage. The policy objective of this regulation is to ensure the airworthiness of all model 222 and 222U helicopters by mandating compliance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletins 222-85-33 and 222U-85-8 before further flight after 19 July 1985. This requirement ensures that the identified issue is rectified to maintain the safety standards required for civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model 222 and 222U helicopters, ensuring these aircraft adhere to certain safety directives. The regulation mandates compliance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletins 222-85-33 and 222U-85-8, which address issues related to the tail rotor servo control linkage. This directive is applicable to any operator of these helicopter models within the Commonwealth of Australia, and compliance must be demonstrated before any further flight following 19 July 1985. The regulation extends its reach to all entities operating these specific helicopters, ensuring they follow the prescribed safety measures to prevent incidents such as the one that occurred overseas where a missing rivet led to a disconnect of the control linkage, causing an uncontrollable right turn while hovering. The requirement documents can be obtained from Department of Aviation Regional Offices, and failure to adhere to these safety directives may result in legal consequences under the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandate particular safety measures for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 222 Series Helicopters. Section AD/BELL 222/4 9/85TX applies to all model 222 and 222U helicopters. It requires adherence to Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletins 222-85-33 and 222U-85-8. These bulletins provide detailed instructions on the necessary actions to be taken to rectify the issue with the tail rotor servo control linkage. These bulletins can be accessed via the Department of Aviation Regional Offices. Under this legislation, the primary obligations imposed on the operators and owners of model 222 and 222U helicopters are to ensure compliance with the specified service bulletins before any further flight after 19 July 1985. The operators and owners must take the necessary steps to inspect and repair the tail rotor servo control linkage as outlined in the bulletins, ensuring that the pivot pin is properly secured and the rivet is intact. This requirement is crucial to prevent a recurrence of the incident where a helicopter experienced an uncontrollable right turn due to a disconnect in the control linkage. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also outline the consequences of non-compliance with these safety directives. Any operator or owner who fails to comply with the AD/BELL 222/4 9/85TX directive may be subject to enforcement actions. Potential penalties can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Such measures are in place to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the regulatory requirements.