COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Beechcraft
AD/PB/4 Wooden Propeller Blades - Inspection 9/76
Applicability: All Beech Aircraft Corporation B200, R201, R202, R203 and 214 series propellers having Beech Aircraft Corporation manufactured B200, R201, R203, 214 or 272 series wooden blades installed.
Requirement: A. Within the next 100 hours time in service or one year, which- ever comes first, after 31 October 1976, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service or five years, whichever comes first, from the last inspection, visually inspect the blades as follows:
- Carefully remove the plastic coating to expose the shank of the blade for a minimum distance of 4-1/2" outboard of the ferrule.
2. Using a 10-power glass, visually inspect the blade surface for cracks and separation as shown on the reproduction of a deteriorated blade in Figure 1.
3. If no deterioration is found, reinstall the plastic film over the exposed area in accordance with Univair Process (P-200) or an equivalent procedure.
4. If the blade shows any sign of deterioration, remove it from service and replace it with a serviceable blade before further flight.
B. Within 100 hours time in service or one year, whichever comes first, after 31 October 1976 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours, visually inspect the blade leading edge and tips as follows:
- Using a 10-power magnifying glass examine the tipping area for cracks in the plastic coating coming from under the tipping.
2. Check for looseness of the tip and leading edge sheathing by holding the blade securely and gripping the sheathing by hand and attempting to flex the tipping while visually observing for relative motion between the piece to which force is applied and adjacent sheathing and blade.
3. If any of the above conditions are noted, replace the blade with a serviceable blade before further flight.
or FAA AD 76-10-12.
Compliance: In accordance with the requirement.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Figure 1.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for stringent safety measures in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft meet specific safety standards to protect the public and maintain operational integrity. Part 39 of these regulations, in particular, focuses on airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules regarding the design, construction, maintenance, preventative maintenance, repair, and alteration of aircraft. This legislative framework was introduced to fill the gap in ensuring that aircraft, including those with wooden propeller blades, are maintained to a standard that prevents potential safety hazards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations, with a clear policy objective to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and maintenance of critical components like wooden propeller blades. The regulation for wooden propeller blades in Beechcraft aircraft is aimed at preventing in-flight failures due to blade deterioration, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of all persons on board.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies specifically to Beech Aircraft Corporation B200, R201, R202, R203, and 214 series propellers that have wooden blades manufactured by Beech Aircraft Corporation. This regulation is applicable to any aircraft within these series that have B200, R201, R203, 214, or 272 series wooden blades installed. The regulation demands a thorough inspection of the wooden propeller blades to ensure airworthiness and safety. Inspections must occur within 100 hours of time in service or one year from the date of 31 October 1976, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service or five years from the last inspection. This regulation also mandates a visual inspection of the blade leading edge and tips at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service or one year, whichever comes first, after the specified date. If any deterioration or looseness is detected, the blade must be replaced before further flight. This directive is binding and must be adhered to in compliance with the outlined requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, detail a number of Airworthiness Directives (AD) that are imperative for maintaining aircraft safety. One such directive, AD/PB/4, specifically targets wooden propeller blades for certain Beechcraft models. This directive applies to Beech Aircraft Corporation B200, R201, R202, R203 and 214 series propellers with wooden blades manufactured by Beech Aircraft Corporation (section 9/76). The directive mandates thorough visual inspections of the wooden blades to ensure their continued airworthiness.
Under section A of the directive, the owner or operator of the affected aircraft must ensure that the wooden propeller blades are visually inspected within the next 100 hours of time in service or one year, whichever comes first, following 31 October 1976. Subsequent inspections are required at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service or five years, whichever is sooner, from the last inspection. The inspection involves carefully removing the plastic coating to expose the blade shank for a minimum distance of 4-1/2" outboard of the ferrule, followed by a close examination using a 10-power magnifying glass to check for cracks and separation. If deterioration is detected, the blade must be removed from service and replaced with a serviceable one before further flight. If no deterioration is found, the plastic film should be reinstalled according to the Univair Process (P-200) or an equivalent procedure.
Section B of the directive requires that within 100 hours of time in service or one year, whichever comes first, after 31 October 1976, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours, the blade leading edge and tips be visually inspected. This involves examining the tipping area for cracks in the plastic coating and checking for looseness of the tip and leading edge sheathing. If any conditions indicating potential failure are observed, the blade must be replaced with a serviceable one before further flight. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to severe safety risks, potentially resulting in catastrophic in-flight failures.
Failure to adhere to the AD/PB/4 directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces strict compliance with these airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of air travel. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. The exact penalties for non-compliance are determined by CASA, but they can include substantial financial penalties and legal repercussions for the aircraft operator or owner. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected Beechcraft aircraft.