AD/CASA/9 - Engine Controls - Propeller Feathering System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, addresses the critical issue of maintaining airworthiness standards for CASA-212 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the propeller feathering system. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this legislation aims to ensure that all CASA-212 aircraft maintain the integrity of their propeller control systems, thereby enhancing flight safety. The policy objective behind this regulation is to mitigate the risk of losing propeller control, which could have severe consequences for flight safety. Compliance with the directive necessitates modification of the propeller feathering system in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin No. 212-76-04, with the compliance deadline set prior to 31 December 1987. This legislative measure underscores the importance of adhering to stringent safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all CASA-212 series aeroplanes with serial numbers as referenced in the requirement document. These regulations mandate compliance with CASA Service Bulletin No. 212-76-04, which concerns the engine controls, particularly the propeller feathering system. The requirement is to modify these controls to ensure the integrity of the propeller control system, with the compliance deadline set for 31 December 1987. This legislation is a critical safety measure aimed at preventing the potential loss of control over the propeller system, which is deemed too significant a risk for this class of aeroplanes. The applicability of these regulations is confined to the specified CASA-212 series aeroplanes, and they do not extend beyond this particular model or any other aircraft types. The regulations ensure that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards to maintain operational airworthiness and safety within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Regulations) that apply to CASA-212 Series Aeroplanes, specifically with regard to the engine controls and the propeller feathering system, are encapsulated in AD/CASA/9 (subpart 39-105). These provisions mandate specific actions to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aeroplanes in question. The requirement outlined in section 39-105 directs that all CASA-212 aeroplanes with serial numbers specified in the Requirement Document must take action in accordance with CASA S.B. No. 212-76-04. This directive is closely aligned with FAA AD No. 87-05-06 Amendment 39-5561, which also addresses the same issue. The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear and direct. All owners and operators of CASA-212 aeroplanes must modify their propeller feathering systems as specified in the Requirement Document and CASA S.B. No. 212-76-04. This modification is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the propeller control system, which is deemed not sufficiently remote from failure in this class of aeroplane. Failure to comply with these modifications by the compliance date of 31 December 1987 could result in serious safety implications. The consequences for non-compliance with these directives are significant. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take action against operators and owners who fail to adhere to these airworthiness directives. The potential outcomes include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances, but the overarching aim is to ensure that all CASA-212 aeroplanes meet the stringent safety standards set forth in the Regulations. Ensuring compliance not only safeguards the aircraft but also protects the lives of passengers and crew, thereby maintaining the integrity of the national aviation safety framework.