AD/PHS/12 - Pacific 6533A Propeller Blade

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. A specific legislative instrument, F2006B06189, was introduced as a response to identified safety issues concerning the Pacific 6533A-12 propeller blades, particularly those fitted to the Airtractor 301 series aircraft. This instrument, part of the broader 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the recurring problem of tip failure in these propeller blades. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with Hamilton Standard Alert Service Bulletin No A663 to mitigate the risk of blade failure, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety and protecting operators and passengers. The legislation requires operators to take specific actions as outlined in the directive to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected propellers. Compliance is to be achieved by following the instructions provided in the Requirement Document, which details the necessary steps for addressing the identified safety concerns. By issuing this directive, CASA underscores its commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards and proactively addressing potential hazards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 107, which concerns Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, applies to all model 22D40/6533A-12 propellers fitted to, but not limited to, Airtractor 301 series aircraft. This legislative instrument is concerned with ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these specific propellers, which have been identified as having a risk of tip failure. The directive mandates that all affected propellers must be brought into compliance with the requirements set out in Hamilton Standard Alert Service Bulletin No A663, ensuring that operators adhere to the detailed instructions provided within the Requirement Document. The regulations are enforced nationally, under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, and are applicable to all relevant aircraft within its borders, regardless of state or territory. This directive does not include any specific exclusions or exemptions, meaning that all identified propellers must comply with the stipulated safety measures. Additionally, the scope of the regulation may be extended or further defined through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, particularly focusing on the AD/PHS/12 concerning Pacific 6533A Propeller Blades (sections 39.107). This directive applies to all model 22D40/6533A-12 propellers installed on, but not limited to, Airtractor 301 series aircraft. The directive requires compliance with the actions outlined in Hamilton Standard Alert Service Bulletin No A663, which addresses issues such as tip failure of the propeller blades. Operators must adhere to the requirements specified in the Requirement Document to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that all model 22D40/6533A-12 propellers are inspected and maintained according to the procedures outlined in the Hamilton Standard Alert Service Bulletin No A663. Operators must take specific actions to address the identified issue of tip failure, which may involve inspecting and repairing or replacing affected blades. Ensuring compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, as specified by the CASA. Failing to comply with the AD/PHS/12 can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to civil penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations is $27,500 for individuals and $137,500 for corporations. Additionally, the director of the airline may face criminal charges, which could result in imprisonment if found guilty. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to avoid legal and financial repercussions.