{"id":"F2006B04597","name":"AD/BELL 212/64 - Vertical Fin Spar","slug":"ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":44343,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B04597-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# ![](image.001.png)  \nAIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\nBell 212 Series Helicopters","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/BELL 212/64 Vertical Fin Spar 13/2002","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/BELL 212/64 Vertical Fin Spar 13/2002 DM","content":"# AD/BELL 212/64 Vertical Fin Spar 13/2002 DM\n\nApplicability: Model 212 helicopters, with a vertical fin spar cap, part number (P/N) 212-030-125- 001, with retrofit kit, P/N 212-704-087 installed; vertical fin left- hand spar cap (spar cap), P/N 212-030-125-001, without the retrofit kit installed; or spar cap, P/N 212- 030-447-001 or P/N 212-030-447-101, installed.\n\nRequirement: 1. Modify and visually inspect each spar cap, P/N 212-030-125-001, not modified by retrofit kit, P/N 212-704-087 or spar cap P/N 212-030-447-001, for a crack, loose fasteners, or corrosion in accordance with Part I (A1), paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 212-00-110 Revision A, dated 15 February 2001. Thereafter, visually inspect each affected spar cap in accordance with Part I (A2), paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of ASB 212-\n\n00-110 Revision A.\n\nBefore further flight, repair any loose fastener or corrosion.\n\nBefore further flight, replace any cracked or disbonded spar cap with a serviceable spar cap.\n\n    2. For each spar cap, P/N 212-030-125-001, modified by retrofit kit, P/N 212-704- 087, or spar cap, P/N 212-030-447-101:\n\n    Modify and inspect each spar cap for a crack, loose fastener, corrosion, or disbanding in accordance with Part II (A1), paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of ASB 212-00-110 Revision A. Thereafter, visually inspect each affected spar cap in accordance with Part II (A2), paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of ASB 212-00-110 Revision A.\n\n    b. Inspect each spar cap for disbonding using a hammer in accordance with Part II (B), paragraphs 1 through 13 of ASB 212-00-110 Revision A.\n\n    c. Modify the vertical fin, and fluorescent penetrant inspect each spar cap in accordance with Part II (C1), paragraphs 1 through 8, and 10 through 12 of ASB 212-00-110 Revision A. Thereafter, fluorescent penetrant inspect each spar cap in accordance with Part II (C2), paragraphs 1 through 9, and 11 through 14 of ASB 212-00-110 Revision A.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Bell 212 Series Helicopters","sectionType":"part","heading":"Bell 212 Series Helicopters","content":"## Bell 212 Series Helicopters\n\nAD/BELL 212/64 (continued)\n\nBefore further flight, repair any loose fasteners or corrosion.\n\nBefore further flight, replace any cracked or disbonded spar cap with a serviceable spar cap.\n\n    3. Replace each affected spar cap with a cold expansion spar cap, P/N 212-030-447- 117S, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1 through 35, and 37, and Attachments A, B, and C of Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin No.212-00-184, Revision A, dated 23 April 2001.\n\nNote 1: This Directive does not apply to tailbooms with spar cap part number 212- 030-447-117 or 117S installed.\n\nNote 2: Replacement of each spar cap in accordance with the requirements of this Directive is terminating action for further compliance with this Directive.\n\nNote 3: FAA AD 2002-19-05 Amdt 39-12885 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Within 25 hours time in service after 30 October 2002, unless already accomplished. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8 hours time in service.\n\n    2.a. Within 25 hours time in service after 30 October 2002, unless already accomplished. Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 8 hours time in service.\n\n    2.b. Within 50 hours time in service after 30 October 2002, unless already accomplished. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service.\n\n    2.c. Within 50 hours time in service after 30 October 2002, unless already accomplished. Thereafter, fluorescent penetrant inspect at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service.\n\n3. Within 24 months after 30 October 2002.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 October 2002.","sortOrder":2}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope aligns with the stated safety objective: it targets specific spar cap part numbers on Bell 212s to address reported fatigue cracking and related defects (Background; Applicability). The Directive adds inspection and replacement requirements and designates a terminating action (Requirement para 3; Note 2) rather than expanding applicability beyond the listed parts or aircraft."},"complexity_factors":["Technical inspection methods required: visual, hammer tap tests and fluorescent penetrant inspection (Requirement Part I/II, Part II(B), Part II(C)).","Multiple affected part numbers and retrofit variants create branching compliance paths (Applicability; Requirement).","Phased actions with differing follow‑up inspection intervals (Requirement; Compliance: 8, 300 hours, 24 months).","Immediate corrective duty: loose fasteners or corrosion must be repaired, cracked/disbonded spar caps replaced before further flight (Requirement).","Terminating action available only on replacement with a specified cold expansion spar cap (Requirement para 3; Note 2).","Reliance on external manufacturer documents (Bell ASB No. 212‑00‑110 Rev A and Technical Bulletin No. 212‑00‑184 Rev A) for detailed procedures increases procedural dependency and recordkeeping needs (Requirement).","Operational impact: very short recurring intervals (as low as every 8 hours time in service) impose high maintenance frequency and potential aircraft downtime (Compliance).","Cross‑reference to FAA AD increases regulatory linkage and may affect international compliance expectations (Note 3; Background).","Enforcement discretion: issued under CASA delegate authority per subregulation 39.1(1) — regulator decides acceptability of actions and approvals of 'serviceable' parts (preamble; Requirement)."],"plain_english_summary":"Requires Bell 212 helicopters with specified vertical fin spar caps to be inspected, modified and, in many cases, replaced to correct cracking, loose fasteners, disbonding and corrosion. It prescribes visual, hammer and fluorescent‑penetrant inspections, immediate repair or replacement before further flight, short recurring inspection intervals and a 24‑month replacement deadline as terminating action. Affects aircraft owners/operators (who pay for work and downtime), maintenance providers (who perform specialised inspections), and the regulator (who enforces compliance under CAR 1998 subreg 39.1(1))."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Airworthiness Directive maintains focused scope on the specific unsafe condition (vertical fin spar cap failures in Bell 212 helicopters). The multiple inspection paths and replacement requirements are all directed at the single safety issue identified in the background—fatigue cracking originating from rivet holes. The directive does not expand beyond this original safety purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple applicability categories requiring different treatment paths (three distinct hardware configurations)","Extensive cross-referencing to external technical documents (Bell Helicopter Service Bulletin 212-00-110 Revision A and Technical Bulletin 212-00-184 Revision A) without reproducing their content","Nested compliance timelines with multiple triggers (initial deadline vs. recurring intervals, varying by inspection type)","Technical aviation terminology requiring specialized knowledge (fluorescent penetrant inspection, cold expansion spar cap, fin station references, time in service calculations)","Conditional logic distinguishing between 'before further flight' requirements and scheduled compliance deadlines","Part number specificity creating precise inclusions/exclusions (six different part numbers referenced with subtle distinctions)"],"plain_english_summary":"CASA has issued a mandatory repair order for Bell 212 helicopters after fatigue cracking in the vertical fin spar cap led to a crash. Owners/operators of affected aircraft with specified spar cap part numbers must perform immediate and recurring inspections, fix corrosion/loose fasteners, and replace any cracked or separating parts.\n\nA permanent retrofit—installation of a cold‑expanded spar cap—must be completed within two years to eliminate the risk and end inspections."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar","history":"/api/acts/ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-bell-212-64-vertical-fin-spar/documents"}}