AD/PFP/15 - Sensenich Propeller - Engine Combination

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 under the 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses issues pertaining to the airworthiness of aircraft components. One such directive, AD/PFP/15, was introduced to tackle the problem of recurring tip failures in Sensenich model M76AM-2 or 76AM6-2 series propellers when used with Lycoming O-290-D2 engines. The directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure aviation safety by requiring the removal from service and marking as "UNSERVICEABLE" of affected propellers. This action was mandated within 25 hours of time in service after 25 April 1989 or by 31 May 1989, whichever occurred first. The policy objective was to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures that could compromise aircraft safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 107, mandate that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues airworthiness directives for the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. In this instance, the legislation pertains to a directive concerning propellers – fixed pitch, more precisely addressing the safety of Sensenich model M76AM-2 or 76AM6-2 series propellers installed on Lycoming O-290-D2 engines. The directive requires the immediate removal of these propellers from service and mandates that the word "UNSERVICEABLE" be metal stamped on the propeller hub to prevent their further use. This directive applies to all aircraft within Australia that are equipped with the specified propellers and engines. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of recurring tip failures, which were previously identified and communicated through Sensenich Service Bulletin No 3 dated November 1956. The compliance deadline is set for 25 hours of time in service after 25 April 1989 or by 31 May 1989, whichever occurs first. Replacement propellers, such as the M74DM or 74DM6 series, may be installed as alternatives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Part 39, Section 107) mandate specific airworthiness directives for ensuring the safety of aviation operations. One such directive, AD/PFP/15, pertains to Sensenich model M76AM-2 or 76AM6-2 series propellers installed on Lycoming O-290-D2 engines (Section 1). The directive requires that these propellers be removed from service and metal stamped with the word "UNSERVICEABLE" on the propeller hub (Section 1). Furthermore, M74DM or 74DM6 propellers are permitted as replacements (Section 1). The directive applies to propellers that must comply within 25 hours of time in service after 25 April 1989, or by 31 May 1989, whichever comes first (Section 1). Operators and owners of aircraft equipped with the specified Sensenich propellers must adhere to this directive by ensuring that the propellers are either removed from service or replaced with approved models. Compliance involves physically stamping the propeller hub to indicate it is unserviceable and replacing it with an approved model if necessary (Section 1). This directive applies to all aircraft utilising the specified propeller-engine combination, irrespective of the aircraft's type or the operator's location within Australia. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PFP/15 can result in significant legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against operators who fail to adhere to the airworthiness directives. Such actions could include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved (Section 1). The maximum penalties for non-compliance may vary but are determined based on the severity of the breach and the potential risk posed to aviation safety. Operators are, therefore, strongly encouraged to act promptly to ensure their aircraft meet all regulatory requirements to avoid any legal repercussions.