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 Canada (BHTC) 407 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 407/17 Forward Bearing Hanger Support 12/2001
DM
Applicability: Bell 407 series helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53442 with flywheel 407-
040-316-101 installed.
Requirement: Visually inspect the forward bearing hanger support in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 407-01-39, Revision A. If a crack is detected, replace the affected support before further flight.
Note 1: Transport Canada AD CF-2001-32 refers.
Note 2: Compliance with a later revision of the referenced alert service bulletin satisfies the intent of this Airworthiness Directive.
Compliance: Unless previously accomplished, within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 flight hours.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 October 2001.
Background: Bell has advised that cracks have been found in the forward bearing hanger support.
While none of the incidents have resulted in loss of tail rotor drive/control, an inspection has been introduced to preclude such a condition until remedial action has been developed.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 15 October 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 October 2001.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), enacted in 1998, were established to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. These regulations provide a comprehensive framework for the operation and maintenance of aircraft, among other aviation-related activities, and are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The problem that CAR 1998 was introduced to address was the need for a robust, unified regulatory system to govern the safety of civil aviation in Australia, ensuring that all aviation activities comply with stringent safety standards. The policy objective behind CAR 1998 is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation through the regulation of aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness. The CAR 1998 is administered by the Australian Parliament through the Civil Aviation Act 1988. As demonstrated by the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of CAR 1998, the regulations aim to promptly address safety issues identified in aircraft or aeronautical products, ensuring the ongoing safety of air travel.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains specifically to the Bell 407 series helicopters, covering serial numbers 53000 through 53442 equipped with the flywheel 407-040-316-101. This directive applies to all entities and individuals who operate these specific models of helicopters within Australia, ensuring that they adhere to the safety measures outlined. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this AD is under the purview of the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The AD mandates a visual inspection of the forward bearing hanger support in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Alert Service Bulletin 407-01-39, Revision A. If a crack is detected, the affected support must be replaced before further flight. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 flight hours after the effective date and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 flight hours. This AD was issued on 15 October 2001 and became effective on 24 October 2001.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes the Airworthiness Directive AD/BELL 407/17 (paragraph 1). This AD pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 407 series helicopters with specific serial numbers and a particular flywheel installed (paragraph 2). The requirement section of this AD mandates a visual inspection of the forward bearing hanger support in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 407-01-39, Revision A. If a crack is found during this inspection, the affected support must be replaced before any further flight (paragraph 3). This AD references Transport Canada AD CF-2001-32 and states that compliance with a later revision of the referenced alert service bulletin will satisfy the directive’s intent (paragraph 4).
The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the affected Bell 407 series helicopters must ensure that the required inspection and any necessary repairs are conducted within the stipulated timeframes. The inspection must be performed within 25 flight hours after the AD’s effective date and then at intervals not exceeding 25 flight hours thereafter (paragraph 5). Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and other enforcement actions by CASA.
The consequences of non-compliance with this AD are significant. While the regulations do not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties, failure to adhere to Airworthiness Directives can result in severe consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an unsafe condition that causes an accident or incident. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and could include substantial fines as well as imprisonment for individuals found criminally liable for non-compliance (paragraph 6). CASA may also take administrative actions such as imposing financial penalties, suspending or revoking aircraft certificates of airworthiness, or initiating legal proceedings against the non-compliant party.