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 47/97 Main Rotor Flight Control System Bolts 2/90
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 47-89-16.
Compliance: At the next scheduled inspection for issue of a Maintenance Release after 30 March 1990 or by 30 June 1990, 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, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are comprehensive regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes specific directives for maintaining the airworthiness of certain aircraft, such as the Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (All Variants) Series Helicopters. The directive AD/BELL 47/97 was introduced to address the issue of corroded, fretting, and excessively worn main rotor flight control system bolts identified in Bell helicopters. This directive was implemented to ensure the safety and reliability of these aircraft by mandating inspections and corrective actions in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 47-89-16, requiring compliance at the next scheduled inspection after a specified date or within a given timeframe, and subsequent reinspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety through proactive and regular maintenance directives.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, applies to all Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (All Variants) Series Helicopters through Airworthiness Directives. This regulation is aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these helicopters by addressing specific maintenance issues identified by the manufacturer, Bell. The directive requires compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 47-89-16, mandating that the main rotor flight control system bolts be inspected and maintained at the next scheduled inspection for the issue of a Maintenance Release after 30 March 1990 or by 30 June 1990, whichever is earlier. Following this initial inspection, reinspection must occur at intervals not exceeding 24 months. This directive extends across all models of the specified helicopters and is enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia to maintain safety standards in civil aviation. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and compliance is mandatory for all entities and individuals operating these helicopters within Australian jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this legislation, specifically Regulation AD/BELL 47/97, pertain to the maintenance of Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (all variants) series helicopters. Section (2/90) details the applicability of this directive, stating that it applies to all models of the specified helicopter series. Section (2/90) also mandates that actions must be taken in accordance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 47-89-16. The requirement for compliance is set out in the regulation, specifying that the directive must be adhered to at the next scheduled inspection for the issue of a Maintenance Release following 30 March 1990 or by 30 June 1990, whichever comes first. After the initial compliance, reinspection must occur at intervals not exceeding 24 months.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are primarily focused on the maintenance and safety of the helicopters in question. Operators and maintainers of Bell Helicopter Textron 47 series helicopters are required to follow the specific directives outlined in Bell Alert Service Bulletin No 47-89-16. This involves inspecting and addressing any issues with the main rotor flight control system bolts to ensure they are free from corrosion, fretting, or excessive wear. The inspections must be carried out at the specified intervals to ensure ongoing airworthiness and compliance with safety standards.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under which this directive is issued, also impose specific penalties and consequences for non-compliance. Although the exact penalties are not detailed in the text provided, it is understood that breaches of aviation safety regulations can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for operators or maintainers who fail to adhere to mandatory safety directives. The severity of the penalties reflects the critical importance of maintaining safety standards in aviation to protect public safety and ensure the reliability of air travel.