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 412/25 Main Rotor Flight Control System Bolts 10/89
DM
Applicability: All model 412 series.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 412-89-45. Compliance: At next scheduled inspection for issue of a Maintenance Release after 20 August
1989, or by 20 October 1989, whichever occurs first. Thereafter, reinspect at intervals not exceeding 24 months calendar time.
Background: Bell have advised that some of the rotating control bolts have been found corroded, fretting and/or with excessive wear on the bolt shank.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation Amendment (Enhancing Safety) Regulations 2006, introduced specific airworthiness directives to enhance the safety of civil aviation in Australia. One such directive, AD/BELL 412/25, addresses issues related to the main rotor flight control system bolts of the Bell Helicopter Textron 412 series helicopters. The directive was introduced to address the problem of corrosion, fretting, and excessive wear on the rotating control bolts, which could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established this directive with the policy objective of ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of affected aircraft by mandating timely inspections and necessary maintenance actions in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 412-89-45. This proactive measure aims to prevent potential in-flight failures and enhance overall aviation safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all aircraft operators and maintenance personnel involved with Bell Helicopter Textron 412 series helicopters. This regulation mandates adherence to Airworthiness Directives, particularly AD/BELL 412/25, which addresses the inspection and maintenance of main rotor flight control system bolts. The requirement outlined in the directive necessitates compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 412-89-45, which involves rectifying any issues such as corrosion, fretting, or excessive wear on the bolt shanks. Compliance must be achieved at the next scheduled inspection for the issuance of a Maintenance Release following 20 August 1989 or by 20 October 1989, whichever comes first, with subsequent reinspections scheduled at intervals not exceeding 24 months. This regulation applies nationwide across Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring consistent safety standards are upheld in the operation and maintenance of Bell 412 series helicopters.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, contain specific safety directives for maintaining the airworthiness of various aircraft. In this instance, AD/BELL 412/25 pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron 412 Series helicopters and focuses on the main rotor flight control system bolts (section 10/89DM). The directive requires that all model 412 series helicopters comply with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 412-89-45 to address issues related to corrosion, fretting, and excessive wear on the bolt shanks. This action must be taken at the next scheduled inspection for the issuance of a Maintenance Release after 20 August 1989, or by 20 October 1989, whichever comes first, and subsequently, reinspections should occur at intervals not exceeding 24 months.
Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, the parties or entities governed by this directive are primarily the helicopter operators and maintenance providers. These entities must ensure that all inspections and maintenance actions specified in the directive are carried out meticulously. Operators must schedule the inspections as per the stipulated timelines, and maintenance providers must perform the required checks and repairs in accordance with the Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 412-89-45. This includes identifying and addressing any corrosion, fretting, or wear on the main rotor flight control system bolts, ensuring that the helicopter remains airworthy and compliant with safety standards.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BELL 412/25 can result in serious consequences. The Act imposes obligations on operators and maintenance providers to adhere to the specified timelines and maintenance protocols. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which includes both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment. The exact penalties are not specified in the directive itself but are determined according to the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, thereby protecting both the crew and the public.