{"id":"F2006B04471","name":"AD/BELL 206/16 - Cyclic Stick Balance Spring Clip - Inspection","slug":"ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":44308,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B04471-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/BELL 206/16 - Cyclic Stick Balance Spring Clip - Inspection","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nBell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 206 and Agusta Bell 206 Series Helicopters\n\nAD/BELL 206/16 Cyclic Stick Balance Spring Clip \\- Inspection 7/69\n\nApplicability: All model 206A with S/Nos. 4 thru 408 incorporating the cyclic stick balance spring. Requirement: Inspect the balance spring clip, P/N 206-001-391-1 for proper mounting on the yoke,\n\nleft hand P/N 206-001-322-3, and readjust as necessary. The clip must be mounted\n\non the left hand outboard side of the clevis of the yoke with the 0.38 by 0.16 inch tang of the clip against the top surface of the yoke pointing inboard. Figure 1 of Bell SL No. 206A104 Revision B dated 17 January 1969, illustrates the correct method of installing the clip.\n\nCompliance: Within 5 hours time in service after 26 May 1969.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a vintage 1969 Airworthiness Directive that remains in its original narrow scope — a specific safety inspection for a specific mechanical part on specific helicopter serial numbers. There is no evidence of scope creep; it has not expanded beyond its original purpose of ensuring proper installation of the cyclic stick balance spring clip."},"complexity_factors":["Single, specific mechanical inspection requirement with clear part numbers","Only one compliance condition (time-in-service deadline)","Single applicability criterion (specific serial number range plus equipment fit)","References external technical document (Bell Service Letter) for visual guidance rather than embedding complex diagrams","No nested exceptions, conditional logic, or alternative compliance methods","Very short document (approximately 150 words of substantive content)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive (AD)** — essentially a mandatory safety order issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for specific helicopters.\n\n**What it does:**\nOrders owners and operators of certain Bell 206 helicopters to inspect a small but critical part called the \"cyclic stick balance spring clip.\" This clip helps secure the helicopter's main control stick (the cyclic). If it's not mounted correctly, the pilot could lose control of the aircraft.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Owners and operators of **Bell 206A helicopters** with serial numbers 4 through 408\n- Specifically those helicopters that have the cyclic stick balance spring installed\n\n**What must be done:**\n- Inspect the spring clip (part number 206-001-391-1) to ensure it's mounted correctly on the left-hand yoke\n- The clip must sit on the left outboard side of the yoke clevis, with a small metal tab (0.38 by 0.16 inch) pressing against the top surface of the yoke, pointing inward\n- If it's not positioned correctly, it must be readjusted\n- A diagram in Bell Service Letter 206A104 (Revision B, dated 17 January 1969) shows the correct installation\n\n**When it must be done:**\nWithin 5 hours of flying time after 26 May 1969.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThis is a **flight safety issue**. The cyclic stick controls the helicopter's pitch and roll — fundamental to staying airborne. A improperly mounted balance spring clip could lead to control problems, potentially causing loss of control and crash. This AD forces a quick inspection to prevent accidents before they happen."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive's scope is the same as stated: it applies to Model 206A helicopters S/N 4–408 that incorporate the cyclic stick balance spring and requires inspection/readjustment of a specified clip within a defined 5-hour compliance window. There is no indication in the source text that the applicability or required action differs from its original stated intent."},"complexity_factors":["Technical specificity limited to a single small component (clip) with clear part numbers.","Short, fixed compliance window (5 hours time-in-service after 26 May 1969) increases operational urgency.","Requires reference to an external technical document (Bell SL No. 206A104 Revision B) for installation illustration.","Applicability scope is narrowly defined by model and serial numbers, reducing regulatory breadth but concentrating burden on a defined group.","No complex procedural steps, approvals, or follow-up reporting specified in the text."],"plain_english_summary":"This AD mandates a one‑time inspection—and any needed readjustment—of the cyclic stick balance spring clip on the left‑hand yoke of Bell 206A helicopters (S/N 4–408) that incorporate the balance spring. Owners/operators must have maintenance verify correct clip orientation per Bell Service Letter No. 206A104 Rev B (17 Jan 1969) and complete any correction within 5 hours TIS after 26 May 1969."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection","history":"/api/acts/ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-bell-206-16-cyclic-stick-balance-spring-clip-inspection/documents"}}