COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL412/12
Amdt 5
Applicability: All models.
Vertical Fin Forward Spar 6/93 DM
Requirement: 1. For helicopters fitted with fin spar cap P/N 212-030-447-001: Inspect the spar cap for cracks, corrosion and doubler debonding in accordance with Bell ASB 412-92- 65.
Note: FAA AD 93-02-07 refers.
Note: All fin spar caps P/N 212-030-447-001 should have been modified with a cold bonded doubler in accordance with Bell ASB 412-85-20 not later than 31 March 1986. Amendment 2 to this AD referred.
2. For helicopters fitted with fin spar cap P/N 212-030-447-101:
- If cap thickness is greater than or equal to 0.190 inches when measured as shown in Bell ASB 412-86-24, no further action is required by this AD;
b. If cap thickness is less than 0.190 inches and the cap has been modified with a cold bonded doubler in accordance with Bell ASB 412-86-24, inspect for cracks, corrosion and doubler debonding using the inspection technique described in Part I of Bell ASB 412-92-65. Inspect at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service or 25 flight operation days, whichever occurs earlier, until replaced by a new cap P/N 212-030-447-101 in accordance with Bell ASB 412-92-65;
c. If cap thickness is less than 0.190 inches, but not less than 0.155 inches, and the cap has not been modified with a cold bonded doubler in accordance with Bell ASB 412-86-24, inspect for cracks in accordance with the inspection technique described in Part I of Bell ASB 412-85-20 Revision B. Inspect at intervals not exceeding 20 hours time in service or 5 flight operation days, whichever occurs earlier, until replaced with a new cap P/N 212-030-447-101 in accordance with Bell ASB 412-92-65.
Note: All fin spar caps P/N 212-030-447-101 that were less than 0.155 inches thick should have been modified with a cold bonded doubler in accordance with Bell ASB 412-86-24 not later than 31 December 1986. AD/BELL 412/16 (incorporated into this AD at Amendment 3) referred.
Compliance: Inspect within 25 hours time in service from 26 March 1993.
Re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service, until replaced with a new cap P/N 212-030-447-101 in accordance with Bell ASB 412-92-65.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Background: P/N 212-030-447-001 fin spar caps with a cold bonded doubler fitted in accordance with Bell ASB 412-85-20, and undersized P/N 212-030-447-101 fin spar caps with a cold bonded doubler fitted in accordance with Bell ASB 412-86-24, require inspections because of reports of cracks originating from corrosion under the doublers.
P/N 212-030-447-101 fin spar caps with thicknesses between 0.155 inches and 0.190 inches, and which have not had a cold bonded doubler fitted, require inspection because the fatigue strength of this size cap has not been demonstrated.
The format of this AD has changed to improve clarity; the only technical change is a reduction of the inspection interval for modified -001 spar caps from 100 hours to 25 hours, introduced by Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-92-65.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. This legislation forms part of a broader regulatory framework managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One specific aspect of these regulations is addressed in PART 39 - 105, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives for particular aircraft models, such as the Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters. The problem this legislation seeks to address includes the need for regular inspections of critical components like the vertical fin forward spar to prevent potential structural failures due to corrosion and fatigue. The policy objective behind these specific directives is to enhance the safety of air travel by ensuring that aircraft components meet necessary safety standards through regular and rigorous inspections.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, impose specific airworthiness directives for the Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters, detailed in AD/BELL412/12 Amendment 5. This regulation applies to all models of Bell 412 Series Helicopters, mandating specific inspection procedures for the vertical fin forward spar. The directive necessitates inspecting the spar cap for cracks, corrosion, and doubler debonding for helicopters fitted with specific parts numbers. The inspection intervals vary based on the thickness of the spar cap and whether it has been modified with a cold bonded doubler. The directive is applicable nationally within Australia, governed by the Commonwealth. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the text, though compliance with subordinate instruments such as Bell Alert Service Bulletins is required. The amendment also reduces inspection intervals for certain modified parts, enhancing safety protocols and ensuring adherence to updated standards.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters, establish stringent requirements for the inspection and maintenance of the vertical fin forward spar (section 39-105). For helicopters equipped with fin spar cap part number (P/N) 212-030-447-001, inspections must be conducted for cracks, corrosion, and doubler debonding according to Bell ASB 412-92-65. For helicopters with P/N 212-030-447-101, inspections are required based on the cap thickness and whether it has been modified with a cold bonded doubler in accordance with Bell ASB 412-86-24. The directive mandates inspections at specific intervals, not exceeding 100 hours or 25 flight operation days, depending on the cap's condition and modifications.
These regulations impose several obligations on the parties or entities governed by them. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that all inspections are performed according to the specified guidelines and within the prescribed intervals. For P/N 212-030-447-001 caps, inspections must occur within 25 hours of time in service from 26 March 1993, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 25 hours. For P/N 212-030-447-101 caps, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours or 25 flight operation days. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the helicopters and ensuring safety.
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, violations of airworthiness directives can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. For civil penalties, the maximum fine can be substantial, up to $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for corporations. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, with potential imprisonment for up to two years for individuals and higher fines for corporations. These penalties underscore the importance of strict adherence to the mandated inspection and maintenance procedures to avoid legal repercussions.