{"id":"F2006B04626","name":"AD/BELL 407/12 - Crew Seat Belt and Restraint Assembly","slug":"ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":44378,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B04626-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/BELL 407/12 - Crew Seat Belt and Restraint Assembly","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) 407 Series Helicopters\n\nAD/BELL 407/12 Crew Seat Belt and Restraint Assembly 13/99\n\nApplicability: BHTC Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53342 and 53344. Requirement: Replace the crew seat restraint assemblies with new ones, part number 222-320-823-\n\n129, as per BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-29, dated 10 May 1999.\n\nNote: Transport Canada AD CF-99-25 refers.\n\nCompliance: Before 31 December 2000, unless already accomplished.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 December 1999.\n\nBackground: The lap portion of a crew seat belt can in some circumstances lose tension as a result of slippage, and may be difficult to release using one hand in emergency situations. To correct the problem, BHTC introduced improved crew seat belt and restraint assemblies with non-slippage features, meeting the latest standard. The rotary buckle is replaced with a buckle that allows for easier release with one hand.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD's scope aligns with its stated safety aim. It targets replacement of crew restraint assemblies only for the listed Bell 407 serial numbers to remedy lap-belt slippage and one-hand release problems, and does not broaden obligations beyond that specified applicability and the replacement requirement (Applicability; Requirement; Background)."},"complexity_factors":["Limited applicability to BHTC Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000–53342 and 53344 (Applicability).","Mandatory hardware replacement to a specified part number (222-320-823-129) and instruction to follow BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-29 (Requirement).","Fixed compliance deadline (before 31 December 2000) and stated effective date 30 December 1999 (Compliance; effective date).","Concrete technical safety rationale: lap-belt slippage and difficulty releasing with one hand drive the change in restraint design (Background).","Cross-reference to Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-99-25, indicating regulator coordination (Note).","Operational and logistical burden implied: operators must source parts and install them, causing aircraft downtime and labour costs (Requirement; Compliance).","Low administrative discretion: the AD prescribes a specific part and service bulletin rather than offering alternative compliance solutions (Requirement).","Compliance responsibility lies with the aircraft operator/owner to carry out the replacement by the deadline (Requirement; Compliance)."],"plain_english_summary":"Mandates replacement of crew seat-belt and restraint assemblies on Bell 407 helicopters (serial numbers 53000–53342 and 53344) by installing part number 222-320-823-129 per BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 407-99-29. Operators must complete the replacement by 31 December 2000. The measure addresses reported lap-belt slippage and difficulty releasing the buckle one-handed by requiring non‑slippage assemblies and a revised buckle."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, single-issue safety directive focused specifically on seat belt replacement for a defined aircraft model. It has not expanded beyond its original technical safety purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (under 200 words)","Only 1 defined term implicitly referenced (the part number)","No cross-references to other legislation sections","Single unconditional requirement with clear applicability criteria","Simple compliance deadline with single exception clause ('unless already accomplished')","No nested conditions or exceptions"],"plain_english_summary":"This is a **safety order** (called an \"Airworthiness Directive\") issued by Australia's aviation safety regulator (CASA) that applies to specific Bell 407 helicopters.\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Requires owners/operators** of certain Bell 407 helicopters (serial numbers 53000 through 53342 and 53344) to replace the pilot and crew seat belts with improved versions.\n- **Why:** The original seat belts had a design flaw where the lap belt could loosen unexpectedly (slippage) and the buckle was hard to release with one hand in emergencies—bad news if you need to evacuate quickly after a crash or hard landing.\n- **The fix:** Install new seat belts (part number 222-320-823-129) that don't slip and have an easier-to-use buckle you can release with one hand.\n\n**Who must comply:**\n- Anyone operating the affected Bell 407 helicopters in Australia.\n\n**Deadline:**\n- The replacement had to be done before 31 December 2000 (unless already completed).\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThis directive prevents crew members from being trapped in their seats during emergencies due to faulty restraints—potentially saving lives in crash situations where every second counts."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly","history":"/api/acts/ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-bell-407-12-crew-seat-belt-and-restraint-assembly/documents"}}