COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (All Variants) Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 47/81
Amdt 2
Tail Rotor Pitch Links 10/86
Applicability: All models fitted with P/N 47-641-170 series (206 type) tail rotor assembly. Document: Bell Alert Service Bulletin 47-80-5, Revision A. Kawasaki-Bell S.B. KSB-Bell 351. Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 July 1980.
Background: Excessive rod end bearing wear could allow displacement of the pitch link and restrict blade flapping. This Directive is revised to reflect a change in the compliance document, which introduces a replacement bolt and safety washer. This Directive has been amended to include Kawasaki-Bell Helicopters.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, introduced the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. One such directive, AD/BELL 47/81 Amendment 2, pertains to Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (all variants) series helicopters and addresses the issue of excessive rod end bearing wear in the tail rotor pitch links, which could lead to blade flapping restrictions. This directive was enacted to ensure safety by mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1980. The objective is to maintain airworthiness standards and prevent potential operational hazards by updating the compliance document to include a replacement bolt and safety washer, as detailed in the Bell Alert Service Bulletin 47-80-5, Revision A, and Kawasaki-Bell S.B. KSB-Bell 351.
The Civil Aviation (Safety) Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety standards and procedures within Australia. This particular directive, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to ensure that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to prevent mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. The directive reflects the policy objective of maintaining stringent safety oversight and updating regulatory requirements in response to identified safety risks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies the Airworthiness Directive AD/BELL 47/81 Amendment 2 to all Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (All Variants) series helicopters fitted with P/N 47-641-170 series (206 type) tail rotor assemblies. This includes Kawasaki-Bell Helicopters which have been added to the directive to ensure uniformity in compliance requirements. The directive is designed to address issues related to excessive rod end bearing wear, which could potentially displace the pitch link and restrict blade flapping, thus posing safety concerns. The compliance timeframe requires actions to be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1980. The directive references Bell Alert Service Bulletin 47-80-5, Revision A, as the document detailing the necessary actions to rectify the identified issues, including the replacement of a specific bolt and the inclusion of a safety washer. This directive is part of a broader regulatory framework that extends to all operators of the specified helicopter models within Australian jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to safety standards mandated by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/BELL 47/81 Amendment 2, which pertains to the Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (all variants) series helicopters. This directive, referenced in section 10/86, addresses the critical issue of tail rotor pitch links. It is applicable to all models equipped with the P/N 47-641-170 series (206 type) tail rotor assembly. Compliance with this directive is imperative to mitigate the risk of excessive rod end bearing wear that could lead to displacement of the pitch link, thereby restricting blade flapping.
The directive imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected helicopters. They are required to adhere to the compliance timeline, ensuring that the necessary inspections and maintenance are performed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1980. This is in accordance with the Bell Alert Service Bulletin 47-80-5, Revision A, and Kawasaki-Bell S.B. KSB-Bell 351, which detail the required changes to the tail rotor assembly, including the replacement bolt and safety washer. These requirements are designed to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. In the civil realm, operators may face fines and orders to rectify non-compliance from CASA. Criminally, persistent non-compliance could result in prosecution, with potential maximum penalties depending on the severity of the breach. Such penalties are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety standards and ensure the highest level of aviation safety in Australia.