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/BELL 412/23 Electrical Wiring Harnesses 7/89
Applicability: All model 412 aircraft serial number 33001 through 33160, and 33168 through
33185.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell ASB 412-89-43. Compliance: Prior to 31 December 1989.
Background: Bell have advised that several reports of in flight fires have been received recently.
The referenced SB describes repairs/modifications designed to control adverse chafing in six known problem areas.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, encompass various safety directives aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, with Part 39 focusing on specific directives for certain aircraft types. The legislation was enacted to address safety concerns and ensure that aircraft meet necessary safety standards, thereby protecting public safety in the aviation sector. One such directive, AD/BELL 412/23, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters, specifically targeting electrical wiring harnesses. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 33001 through 33160 and 33168 through 33185. The requirement mandates compliance with Bell ASB 412-89-43 to address recent reports of in-flight fires linked to adverse chafing in six identified problem areas. The objective of this directive, as stated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by implementing necessary repairs and modifications before the deadline of 31 December 1989.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to the Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters. This legislation mandates that all model 412 aircraft with serial numbers between 33001 and 33160, and 33168 and 33185, must adhere to the directive AD/BELL 412/23 regarding electrical wiring harnesses. The directive, which is a response to recent reports of in-flight fires, requires compliance with Bell ASB 412-89-43, which details repairs and modifications designed to mitigate chafing in six identified problem areas. The requirement must be fulfilled prior to 31 December 1989, underscoring the urgency and importance of these safety measures. The scope of the legislation is geographically and jurisdictionally limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, where the Civil Aviation Safety Authority holds regulatory authority. No exclusions or exemptions are stated within the text of this specific directive, although the application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39-105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft models, such as the Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series Helicopters. Under this directive (AD/BELL 412/23), the focus is on electrical wiring harnesses for Bell 412 helicopters with certain serial numbers. The directive applies to aircraft serial numbers 33001 through 33160, and 33168 through 33185. The requirement is for operators to follow the specified action in accordance with Bell ASB 412-89-43. This action must be completed prior to 31 December 1989 to ensure compliance.
The obligations imposed by this directive necessitate that operators of the affected Bell 412 helicopters take specific actions to address reported in-flight fires. These actions involve making repairs and modifications to the electrical wiring harnesses to mitigate chafing in six identified problem areas. Operators must ensure that these modifications are completed by the specified deadline to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft. The directive emphasises the importance of addressing these issues to enhance flight safety and prevent potential fire hazards.
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive could result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with CASA directives typically results in civil penalties, including fines, and potentially criminal charges if the failure to comply leads to an accident or endangers safety. Operators who do not adhere to the requirements may face enforcement actions from CASA, which could include the suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness. Such actions can have significant repercussions for the operator, including the grounding of the affected aircraft until compliance is achieved.
The directive underscores the critical nature of adhering to safety regulations in the aviation industry. By mandating specific modifications to the electrical wiring harnesses, the regulation aims to prevent in-flight fires and enhance the overall safety of the aircraft. Operators are expected to meticulously follow the outlined requirements to ensure their aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The directive’s stringent compliance timeline highlights the urgency and importance of addressing these safety issues promptly. Ultimately, the goal is to protect both the aircraft and the passengers, ensuring that all operations remain within the bounds of safety as prescribed by CASA.