COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 407 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 407/11 Door Locking Mechanism 10/99
Applicability: Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53334.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-30, dated 10 May 1999.
Note: Transport Canada AD CF-99-19 refers.
Compliance: Before 30 November 1999, unless already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 October 1999.
Background: The manufacturer has received reports of in-service problems with the doors. A possibility exists for the locking mechanism to become completely disabled and could impede an emergency egress, should critical circumstances arise.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation operations, including aircraft maintenance and safety standards. One legislative instrument under this act, F2006B04625, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 407 Series helicopters, specifically addressing an airworthiness directive concerning the door locking mechanism. This directive was introduced to address the problem of potential in-service issues with the door locking mechanisms on certain model 407 helicopters, which could compromise emergency egress in critical situations. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft, preventing potential hazards that could arise from a malfunctioning door locking system.
The directive, effective from 7 October 1999, mandates that corrective action be taken in accordance with the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-30, dated 10 May 1999. It applies to model 407 helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 53000 through 53334 and requires compliance before 30 November 1999 unless the action has already been completed. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of the locking mechanism becoming completely disabled, thereby ensuring that passengers and crew can safely exit the aircraft in an emergency.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the implementation of airworthiness directives for certain aircraft to ensure safety and operational reliability. The regulation in question, AD/BELL 407/11, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 407 Series helicopters, covering serial numbers 53000 through 53334. It requires compliance with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-30, dated 10 May 1999, which addresses issues with the door locking mechanism that could potentially hinder emergency egress. This directive is applicable nationwide within Australia, aligning with international standards set by Transport Canada. The directive mandates that corrective actions must be completed before 30 November 1999, unless they have already been performed. This specific Airworthiness Directive became effective on 7 October 1999, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing the identified safety issues.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 407 Series Helicopters. This legislation mandates that helicopter models 407, with serial numbers ranging from 53000 through 53334, must adhere to specific requirements outlined in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-30, dated 10 May 1999 (Section 1). This directive is crucial in addressing reported issues with the door locking mechanisms of these helicopters, which have the potential to fail completely and hinder emergency exits in critical situations (Section 2).
The key requirement under this directive is that corrective action must be taken in accordance with the specified service bulletin to ensure the door locking mechanisms function correctly (Section 3). This action must be completed before 30 November 1999, unless already accomplished. This timeline underscores the urgency and importance of addressing these safety concerns promptly (Section 4). The Airworthiness Directive became effective from 7 October 1999, highlighting the immediacy with which the aviation industry must respond to these safety issues (Section 5).
The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily on the operators and owners of the specified model helicopters. They must ensure that their aircraft are compliant with the requirements of the Airworthiness Directive by adhering to the corrective actions outlined in the service bulletin (Section 6). This includes conducting necessary inspections and repairs to the door locking mechanisms to prevent any potential failure that could compromise safety during emergency situations (Section 7). Operators must also maintain records of compliance, demonstrating that the required actions have been completed within the specified timeframe (Section 8).
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines, with the exact amount determined by the severity of the violation and the regulatory framework governing such infractions (Section 9). Additionally, criminal penalties can be imposed, which may include imprisonment for operators or individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft, especially if non-compliance results in significant safety hazards or accidents (Section 10). These stringent measures are in place to ensure that all parties take the mandated safety actions seriously and maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.