AD/PMC/49 Propeller Blade Cracking (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 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.

Propellers - Variable Pitch - McCauley

AD/PMC/49 Propeller Blade Cracking 10/2006

Applicability:

McCauley Propeller Systems propeller models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0.

Note 1:  These propellers are installed on but not limited to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Jetstream Model 4100 and 4101 series aeroplanes (Jetstream 41).

Requirement:

1.    Perform a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection and eddy current inspection of propeller blades, using the Equipment Required and Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propellers Alert Service Bulletin ASB252, dated June 6, 2006.

2.    Remove from service propeller blades found with any crack indications.

Note 2:  FAA AD 2006-15-13 Amdt 39-14693 dated 18 July 2006 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Compliance schedule:

If the propeller blade:	Then inspect the propeller blade:
(1)     Has 1,200 operating hours or more time-in-service (TIS) and has not reached first overhaul.	Within 100 operating hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.
		(2)     Has 1,000 operating hours or more TIS since last overhaul.	Within 100 operating hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.
(3)     Has fewer than 1,200 operating hours TIS.	Before the propeller blade reaches 1,300 operating hours TIS.
(4)     Has been overhauled but has fewer than 1,000 operating hours time-since-overhaul (TSO).	Upon reaching 1,100 operating hours TSO.

2.    Before further flight.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 28 September 2006.
Background:	This AD results from a report of two propeller blades on the same propeller assembly, found cracked during propeller overhaul.  The actions detailed in this AD are intended to detect cracks in the propeller blade that could cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss of control of the aeroplane.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 August 2006