INDUSTRI PESAWAT Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) has restarted licence production of the NBell 412 helicopter, after resolving procedural discrepancies highlighted by a recent regulatory audit.
Work on the 412 production line resumed in December 1995 after "a refinement of procedures" by Bell and IPTN at the Indonesian company's Bandung plant, according to the Indonesian Directorate General of Air Communications (Flight International, 6-12 December).
The matter was resolved, following a meeting in Texas between the two manufacturers, the DGAC and the US Federal Aviation Administration.
A joint FAA and DGAC aircraft certification-system-evaluation programme audit in August 1995 found incomplete data and incorrect use of manuals to inspect, process and manufacture 412 parts. Production was temporarily halted and NBell 412 helicopters in Indonesian civil use were then inspected for safety.
Subsequent corrective measures have included improving procedures to communicate and exchange information between IPTN and Bell, reviewing and updating data and training personnel.
The joint audit, is intended to eventually lead to the extension of FAA 412 helicopter production certification to Bandung.
The programme is part of wider effort to establish a bilateral airworthiness treaty between Indonesia and the USA.
Source: Flight International
