COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes
AD/FA-200/3 Propeller Blade Inspection NK and Operating Restriction
Applicability: All model FA-200-180 with S/Nos. 3 to 75 fitted with McCauley B2D34C53/74E propellers.
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect blades for damage with the aid of a 10 power (2 1/2X) glass for defects such as erosion, scratches, nicks, cracks, etc. Rectify as necessary. After rectification dye penetrant inspect the entire blade from hub to tip.
Note: This work can be performed without removing the propeller from the engine.
2. Install a placard on the instrument panel adjacent to the RPM indicator reading as follows:
“AVOID CONTINUOUS OPERATION WHILE DESCENDING BETWEEN 2250 AND 2250 RPM WITH MANIFOLD PRESSURE SETTINGS BELOW 15 INCHES Hg.”
Note: Fuji SB No. FAS.008 dated 6 December 1969 and McCauley SB No. 76 dated 28 November 1969 also refer.
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 4 March 1970.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, govern a variety of aviation-related activities, including aircraft maintenance and safety standards. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority schedule of airworthiness directives addresses the safety and operational standards for specific aircraft models. The Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes AD/FA-200/3, an airworthiness directive issued to address the safety concerns related to propeller blade inspection and operational restrictions, was introduced to mitigate risks associated with propeller damage and improper operation, ensuring the continued safety of these aircraft in service. The directive aims to ensure that all model FA-200-180 aeroplanes with specified serial numbers and fitted with particular propellers adhere to stringent inspection and operational protocols, thereby maintaining airworthiness and preventing potential hazards during flight.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety standards for aircraft operations in Australia and applies to all aircraft registered within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation in question, AD/FA-200/3, pertains to the Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes, more precisely those model FA-200-180 with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 75 that are equipped with McCauley B2D34C53/74E propellers. This directive mandates that all such aircraft must undergo a visual inspection of the propeller blades for any signs of damage such as erosion, scratches, nicks, or cracks, with the aid of a 10 power magnifying glass, and any necessary rectifications must be made followed by a dye penetrant inspection of the entire blade. Additionally, a placard must be installed on the instrument panel near the RPM indicator, warning against continuous operation while descending between 2250 and 2250 RPM with manifold pressure settings below 15 inches of mercury. The inspection and placard installation must be completed within 25 hours of time in service following 4 March 1960, as referenced in Fuji Service Bulletin No. FAS.008 dated 6 December 1969 and McCauley Service Bulletin No. 76 dated 28 November 1969. These safety directives apply universally to the specified aircraft within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, with no stated exclusions or exemptions in the provided text.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, detail specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at maintaining the safety and airworthiness of certain aircraft types. One such directive, AD/FA-200/3, pertains to the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on propeller blade inspection and operational restrictions. Section 39-105 requires a thorough visual inspection of the propeller blades for any damage, such as erosion, scratches, nicks, or cracks, using a 10 power glass (2 1/2X). The directive mandates that any detected damage be rectified and, following the rectification, the entire blade must be inspected using dye penetrant from the hub to the tip. Importantly, this inspection and any necessary repairs can be conducted without the need to remove the propeller from the engine.
Operators and owners of the Fuji FA-200-180 model, specifically those with serial numbers between 3 and 75, and equipped with McCauley B2D34C53/74E propellers, are obligated to adhere to these inspection protocols. Compliance with these directives is critical and must be achieved within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service after 4 March 1970. Additionally, operators must ensure that a placard is installed on the instrument panel near the RPM indicator, with the specific warning: “AVOID CONTINUOUS OPERATION WHILE DESCENDING BETWEEN 2250 AND 2250 RPM WITH MANIFOLD PRESSURE SETTINGS BELOW 15 INCHES Hg.”
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious safety implications and legal repercussions. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being grounded until the required inspections and rectifications are performed. Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to impose fines and other penalties for breaches of these regulations. The exact nature and severity of penalties are determined by the specific circumstances of the breach but can include substantial financial penalties, as well as potential criminal charges in cases of severe non-compliance.