AD/GOV/8 - Woodward Combined Power Turbine and Propeller Governor - Feather Check

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are comprehensive rules governing aviation safety and operations within Australian airspace. Part 39, which pertains to airworthiness directives, was introduced to address potential safety issues that may arise from the manufacture, maintenance, or operation of aircraft components. Specifically, AD/GOV/8, issued in 1982, targets a known manufacturing calibration error in Woodward propeller governors that could potentially lead to slow propeller feathering or complete failure to feather, posing significant risks to flight safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that affected propeller governors are inspected and rectified to prevent such failures, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft equipped with these engines. The directive applies to specific Woodward propeller governors installed on Allison 250-B15G, B17, B17B, and B17C engines, and mandates compliance within 50 hours of time in service after 20 September 1982. Compliance involves either following Woodward SB 33577 or Allison 250 CEB A-87 and A-1151 procedures, with reference to FAA AD 82-12-04. The directive underscores the importance of stringent oversight and corrective action to mitigate risks associated with manufacturing defects in critical aviation components.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, encompasses a range of directives, including AD/GOV/8 concerning the Woodward Combined Power Turbine and Propeller Governor. This legislation applies to specific Woodward propeller governors, particularly model number 8210-018 (DDA 6875708), that are installed on Allison 250-B15G, B17, B17B, and B17C engines, and those within the serial number range detailed in the compliance document. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, administered under the Commonwealth of Australia's jurisdiction by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive mandates compliance within 50 hours of time in service following 20 September 1982, to address a manufacturing calibration error that could potentially cause slow propeller feathering or the inability to feather, as referenced in FAA AD 82-12-04. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions but focuses on ensuring the airworthiness of affected aircraft by mandating a feather check on the specified propeller governors.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD), with AD/GOV/8 addressing the Woodward Combined Power Turbine and Propeller Governor - Feather Check 10/82. This directive applies to Woodward propeller governors with part number 8210-018 (DDA 6875708), installed on Allison 250-B15G, B17, B17B, B17C engines, and within the serial number range specified in the compliance document. The directive references relevant documentation, including Woodward SB. 33577 and Allison 250 CEB A-87 and A-1151. Additionally, it notes FAA AD 82-12-04 for further reference. The directive mandates compliance within 50 hours of time in service following 20 September 1982, addressing a manufacturing calibration error that could lead to slow propeller feathering or the inability to feather. The obligations under AD/GOV/8 include ensuring that the specified propeller governors are checked and, if necessary, calibrated to rectify the identified manufacturing error. Operators and maintainers of aircraft equipped with the affected propeller governors must refer to the specified documentation for compliance. The directive requires adherence to the specified timeframe and ensures that the affected propeller governors are brought into compliance to prevent operational issues related to propeller feathering. Breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations, including non-compliance with AD/GOV/8, can result in serious consequences. Operators and maintainers who fail to comply with the directive's requirements may face regulatory action, which could include fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft until the directive is complied with. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with CASA regulations can include substantial fines and other enforcement actions as determined by CASA, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring airworthiness in aviation safety.