AD/OM-P/3 Amdt 1 - Throttle Lever Screw - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39, which includes the Airworthiness Directives, specifically addresses the maintenance and operational standards for aircraft components. The directive AD/OM-P/3Amdt 1 concerning the Omnipol Piston Engines focuses on rectifying safety issues identified with the throttle lever clamping screw in Walter M337 and M332 engines. This directive mandates the replacement of the throttle lever clamping screw with a standard 4mm x 20mm bolt and either a steel stop nut or a castellated nut and 1mm split pin, as per the provided drawing. The directive aims to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1975, thereby addressing a specific safety concern that had previously been identified. The overarching policy objective of this directive is to maintain the highest standards of safety and reliability in civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 106, pertains to the regulation of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular legislative instrument, AD/OM-P/3Amdt 1, applies to Walter M337 and M332 engines used in aircraft. It mandates the replacement of the throttle lever clamping screw with a standard 4mm x 20mm bolt and steel stop nut or a castellated nut and 1mm split pin, in compliance with the accompanying drawing. The directive requires this replacement to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1975. The regulation applies to all entities operating aircraft equipped with the specified engines, ensuring adherence to safety standards across the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions, but compliance is mandatory for the relevant engines and aircraft to maintain airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106, contains an Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the Omnipol Piston Engines (section 39-106). This directive mandates the replacement of the throttle lever clamping screw for Walter M337 and M332 engines with a standard 4mm x 20mm bolt and a steel stop nut or a castellated nut and 1mm split pin (section 39-106(1)). The directive provides detailed instructions on the accomplishment of this replacement, which includes removing the throttle lever from the throttle shaft, enlarging the clamping screw bore, fitting the lever back to the throttle shaft, and ensuring proper rigging of the lever (section 39-106(2)-(3)). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific, requiring operators of Walter M337 and M332 engines to replace the throttle lever clamping screw within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1975 (section 39-106(4)). The directive also specifies that the parts used must meet the Czechoslovakian national standard as outlined in Service Bulletins M332/22 and M337/11 (section 39-106(5)). This ensures that the replacement parts are of the correct specifications and quality, which is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements of this directive could result in serious safety implications, potentially leading to civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not outlined in the legislation provided, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety (section 39-106(6)). The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is tasked with enforcing these regulations and can impose penalties on operators who fail to adhere to the prescribed airworthiness standards.