Ad/Prop/2 Amdt 3 - Feathering Propellers - Functional Check (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PROP/2 Amdt 2 and issues the following 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 - General

AD/PROP/2 Amdt 3 Feathering Propellers - Functional Check 11/2006

Applicability:

All feathering propellers fitted to piston engine aircraft, except powered gliders.

Requirement:

Conduct a ground functional check to ensure the propellers will fully feather within the aircraft manufacturer's specified time limits.

Compliance:

At intervals not exceeding 110 hours time in service or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first.

This Amendment becomes effective on 26 October 2006.

Background:

To ensure propellers are capable of feathering when required, a ground functional check is introduced.  Regular feathering of propellers will reduce the engine oil sludge build up in the propeller dome and aid in redistribution of grease in blade bearings.

Amendment 1 incorporated manufacturers' time limits to the feathering check.

Amendment 2 introduced an annual inspection requirement.

This amendment increases the hourly interval to 110 hours to align the interval with common maintenance intervals.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

15 September 2006