AD/CASA/10 - Placard - Use of Reverse Thrust

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include a legislative instrument known as F2006B04866, which was enacted to address safety concerns specific to the CASA C-212 series aeroplanes equipped with certain propellers. This legislation was introduced to mitigate the risk of failure of the pitch change rod on the propellers of CASA C-212 series aircraft, which has led to severe asymmetric thrust conditions or engine overtemperature conditions during ground operations. The objective of this directive is to ensure the continued safe operation of these aircraft by requiring the installation of a temporary placard as a precautionary measure until the propellers are modified according to the specified safety bulletin. Compliance with this directive is mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with a compliance date set for 30 October 1987.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives applies to all CASA C-212-( ) series aeroplanes fitted with Garrett TPE-331 turboprop engines and Hartzell model HC-B4(T,M)N-5( ) propellers. This directive is a requirement to install a temporary placard in a suitable position in the cockpit, instructing pilots to avoid using full reverse pitch until the propellers are modified according to Hartzell Service Bulletin 153. Compliance with this directive is mandated by 30 October 1987, reflecting the urgency and critical nature of the safety concern associated with the propeller pitch change rod failures that have been occurring during ground operation. The directive is a Commonwealth regulation under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and has a jurisdictional reach across Australia, ensuring uniformity in the enforcement of safety standards within the civil aviation sector. The directive does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, indicating that all applicable aircraft must comply without exception. The regulation can be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the use of reverse thrust in CASA C-212 series aeroplanes equipped with specific propellers. According to section AD/CASA/10, all CASA C-212 models fitted with Garrett TPE-331 turboprop engines and Hartzell model HC-B4(T,M)N-5 propellers are subject to this directive. The directive mandates the installation of a temporary placard in the cockpit stating, "Until propellers are modified to Hartzell SB 153, avoid use of full reverse pitch" (section 10/87). Compliance with this directive is required by 30 October 1987. The directive outlines specific obligations for the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the required placard is installed in a suitable position within the cockpit as specified by the directive (section 10/87). This involves not only placing the placard but also ensuring that it is visible and accessible to the flight crew, thereby providing a clear and immediate warning about the limitations on reverse thrust usage. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in serious safety implications, given the risks associated with the use of full reverse pitch as described. Non-compliance with the AD/CASA/10 directive could lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives can face civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include substantial fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges can be brought against responsible individuals, which may result in imprisonment. The specific maximum penalties for these breaches are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 but are not explicitly stated in this particular directive. Nonetheless, the potential for such severe repercussions underscores the importance of strict compliance with the AD.