COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Fixed Pitch
AD/PFP/8
Amdt 3
Sensenich Propellers - Blade Modification 9/96
Applicability: All model M76EMM, M76EMMS, 76EM8 and 76EM8S( ) series propellers with up to a 4 inch spacer length installed on Lycoming 0-360 type engines, up to 180 HP and 2700 RPM.
Note: These propellers are installed on but not limited to the following aircraft. Piper PA-28-180, PA-28-181, American General Aircraft Holding Co. Inc (formerly Gulfstream American) AA-5 series, Beech B23 and C23, Cessna 172Q, Avions Pierre Robin R-3000/160 and any aircraft modified by STC action.
Requirement: Inspect propeller to confirm if propeller has been identified with the letter “K” in accordance with Sensenich Propeller service bulletin No R-14A dated July 28, 1995. If propellers contain the letter “K” in the serial number, enter a certification against Amendment 3 of this Directive in the propeller log book. If S/N has no "K", action in accordance with Sensenich Propeller service bulletin No R-14A dated July 28, 1995.
Note 1: FAA AD 69-09-03 R3 Amdt 39-9583 refers in part.
Note 2: AD/PFP/7 refers to RPM restriction for certain propeller/engine combinations.
Compliance: For propellers with 500 hours or more TIS on 15 August 1996 or TIS is unknown, at the next maintenance release inspection after 15 August 1996 or prior to 28 February 1997, whichever occurs first.
For propellers with less than 500 hours TIS on 15 August 1996, prior to accumulating 550 hours TIS or by 28 February 1997, whichever occurs first.
Background: To prevent fatigue failure Sensenich now requires all subject propellers to be modified to the "K" revision status irrespective of the type of engine crankshaft installation.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 30 September 1970.
Amendment 1 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 31 January 1973.
Amendment 2 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 30 September 1978.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. A specific legislative instrument within this framework, F2006B06182, addresses issues related to the airworthiness of aircraft components, particularly focusing on propellers. This legislative instrument was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with certain propeller models, ensuring they meet necessary safety standards to prevent failures and enhance aviation safety. The policy objective is to mandate specific inspections and modifications to propellers to mitigate the risk of fatigue failure, thus maintaining the integrity and reliability of aircraft operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, outlines the requirements for fixed pitch propellers, particularly the Sensenich Propellers model M76EMM, M76EMMS, 76EM8 and 76EM8S series, installed on Lycoming 0-360 type engines. This regulation applies to these particular propellers on aircraft such as Piper PA-28-180, PA-28-181, AA-5 series, Beech B23 and C23, Cessna 172Q, and Avions Pierre Robin R-3000/160, as well as any aircraft modified by a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The directive mandates inspections to determine whether the propellers have been identified with the letter "K" in their serial number, as per Sensenich Propeller service bulletin No R-14A dated July 28, 1995, and requires appropriate certification in the propeller log book if they do. Compliance with this directive is contingent on the total hours of operation, with inspections mandated at specific thresholds or by set dates. This regulation applies nationally within Australia, governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and any modifications or further specifications can be detailed in subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, mandate the application of certain airworthiness directives, including AD/PFP/8 Amendment 3, which addresses propeller blade modifications for Sensenich Propellers. This amendment applies to all model M76EMM, M76EMMS, 76EM8, and 76EM8S series propellers with up to a 4-inch spacer length installed on Lycoming 0-360 type engines, up to 180 HP and 2700 RPM (Section 39 - 107). These propellers are installed on various aircraft types including Piper PA-28-180, PA-28-181, AA-5 series, Beech B23 and C23, Cessna 172Q, Avions Pierre Robin R-3000/160, and any aircraft modified by STC action.
Operators and owners of these aircraft must inspect the propeller to confirm if it has been identified with the letter "K" as per Sensenich Propeller service bulletin No R-14A dated July 28, 1995. If the propeller’s serial number contains the letter "K", they must enter a certification against Amendment 3 of this Directive in the propeller logbook. If the serial number does not contain the letter "K", the operator must follow the instructions outlined in Sensenich Propeller service bulletin No R-14A dated July 28, 1995 (Section 39 - 107). The inspection and certification must occur at the next maintenance release inspection after 15 August 1996 or by 28 February 1997, depending on the time in service (TIS) of the propeller. Specifically, propellers with 500 hours or more TIS on 15 August 1996, or with unknown TIS, must comply at the next maintenance inspection after 15 August 1996, or by 28 February 1997. For propellers with less than 500 hours TIS on 15 August 1996, the compliance must occur before they accumulate 550 hours TIS or by 28 February 1997.
Non-compliance with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties for failure to adhere to the requirements of these directives. In cases where the non-compliance poses a significant risk to safety, the penalties can include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The exact penalties are determined by CASA and can vary based on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. Operators and owners are encouraged to strictly adhere to the directives to avoid these potential repercussions and ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.