COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes
AD/M20/14 Propeller Inspection and Operating Restriction 2/70
Applicability: All models M20A, B, C or D fitted with McCauley 2D36C14/78 KM-4 or 2D34C53- A/74E-0 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 and adjacent to the RPM indicator reading as follows:
“AVOID CONTINUOUS OPERATION WHILE DESCENDING BETWEEN 2250 AND 2550 RPM WITH MANIFOLD PRESSURE SETTINGS BELOW 15 INCHES Hg”
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 29 January 1970.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument addresses safety concerns and operational standards for aircraft within the country. The Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes AD/M20/14 Propeller Inspection and Operating Restriction, issued on 2 July 2006, is a pertinent example of the measures introduced to maintain airworthiness standards. The legislation mandates thorough inspections of the propeller blades of Mooney M20A, B, C, or D models equipped with specific McCauley propellers, ensuring they are free from damage such as erosion, scratches, nicks, and cracks. Additionally, it requires the installation of a placard to advise pilots of operational restrictions to prevent certain operational conditions that could compromise safety. This directive is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflecting a policy objective to safeguard the integrity and safety of aviation operations in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes Propeller Inspection and Operating Restriction, as outlined in AD/M20/14 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, applies specifically to all models M20A, B, C, or D that are fitted with McCauley 2D36C14/78 KM-4 or 2D34C53-A/74E-0 propellers. The regulation mandates that within 25 hours of time in service after 29 January 1970, the blades must be visually inspected for any damage, such as erosion, scratches, nicks, or cracks, with the aid of a 10 power magnifying glass. Any identified defects must be rectified, followed by a dye penetrant inspection of the entire blade from hub to tip, which can be carried out without removing the propeller from the engine. Additionally, an instruction placard must be installed on the instrument panel and adjacent to the RPM indicator, warning pilots to avoid continuous operation while descending between 2250 and 2550 RPM with manifold pressure settings below 15 inches of mercury. This directive is enforceable across the Commonwealth and ensures that the specified aircraft maintain safety standards for propeller integrity and operational limits.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically in relation to Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD/M20/14) which outlines essential requirements for the inspection and operation of propellers. The directive applies to all models M20A, B, C, or D equipped with specific McCauley propellers, namely the 2D36C14/78 KM-4 or 2D34C53- A/74E-0 (section 2/70). The primary requirement (section 1) is a thorough visual inspection of the propeller blades using a 10 power (2 1/2X) magnifying glass to detect any damage such as erosion, scratches, nicks, or cracks. Any detected damage must be rectified, followed by a dye penetrant inspection of the entire blade from hub to tip. Importantly, this inspection can be performed without the need to remove the propeller from the engine.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 25 hours of the aeroplane being in service after 29 January 1970. Furthermore, an additional requirement is the installation of a placard on the instrument panel and near the RPM indicator. The placard must clearly state: “AVOID CONTINUOUS OPERATION WHILE DESCENDING BETWEEN 2250 AND 2550 RPM WITH MANIFOLD PRESSURE SETTINGS BELOW 15 INCHES Hg” (section 2). This placard is intended to warn pilots of specific operating conditions that could potentially cause damage to the propeller.
The obligations imposed by this Act require operators of Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes to conduct regular inspections of their propellers in accordance with the specified method and criteria. Operators must ensure that any damage is rectified and that the dye penetrant inspection is carried out after rectification. Additionally, operators are mandated to install the required placard on the instrument panel and near the RPM indicator to ensure pilots are aware of the operational restrictions.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Airworthiness Directive may lead to severe consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state the penalties or specific civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally falls under broader aviation regulations that could result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The exact penalties and consequences would be determined based on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks.