AD/BELL 212/31 - Float Bags - Inspection - CANCELLED

What this is: This document officially cancels an old aviation safety rule (Airworthiness Directive AD/BELL 212/31) that required owners of Bell 212 helicopters to inspect their emergency float bags for defects.

Who it affects: Owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron 212 series helicopters (used for offshore operations, rescue, and transport where water landings are a risk).

Why it matters: The original rule was issued in 1984 and required a one-time inspection of flotation devices (inflatable bags that help helicopters stay afloat in water emergencies) to check for manufacturing defects. The deadline to complete this inspection was 31 December 1984.

Why it's being cancelled: Since the inspection was mandatory over 20 years ago, every affected helicopter has already been checked. The rule is now redundant, so the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is formally cancelling it as of 9 April 2009 to clean up the rulebooks.