COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hamilton Standard
AD/PHS/22 Propeller Control System Components 7/97
Applicability: All 14-RF-9, -19, -21, 14-SF-5, -7, -11, -11L, -15, -17, -19, -23 and 6/5500/F
propellers.
Note: These propellers may be installed on, but are not limited to, Embraer EMB- 120, -120RT, SAAB SF340B, Aerospatiale ATR42-100, -300, -320, ATR72,
DeHavilland DHC8-100, 200, -300, CASA CN235 series, Canadair CL-215T, CL-415 and BAe ATP series aircraft.
Requirement: 1. Inspect transfer tube assemblies and propeller control units (PCU) for wear in accordance with the applicable manufacturer’s service bulletins as listed in paragraphs (c) and (g) of FAA AD 96-25-20 Amdt 39-9863.
2. Inspect actuator assemblies for wear in accordance with the applicable manufacturer’s service bulletins as listed in paragraphs (c) and (g) of FAA AD 96- 25-20 Amdt 39-9863.
Compliance: 1. Unless previously carried out, inspect transfer tube assemblies and PCU assemblies within 6000 hours or 3 years time in service (TIS), whichever occurs first, from the effective date of this Directive. Thereafter, re-inspect at intervals not exceeding 10,500 hours TIS from last inspection.
Note: PCU’s that have been fitted with a secondary drive quill (SDQ) in accordance AD/PHS/15 Amdt 5 do not require the initial 6000 hour inspection.
2. Unless previously carried out, inspect actuator assemblies for wear prior to 10,500 hours TIS after the effective date of this Directive, or at the next propeller shop visit where affected parts are accessible, whichever occurs first. Thereafter, re- inspect at intervals not exceeding 10,500 hours TIS since last inspection.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 19 June 1997.
Background: The propeller manufacturer has introduce mandatory inspection intervals for all critical components within the propeller assembly. This Directive being raised to mandate compliance with the manufacturers requirements.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address the critical need for maintaining airworthiness and safety in the aviation sector. Specifically, Part 39 of these regulations includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandates compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/PHS/22, pertains to the inspection of propeller control system components for certain aircraft, including those using Hamilton Standard propellers. This directive was introduced to ensure that critical components such as transfer tube assemblies and propeller control units are regularly inspected to prevent wear and ensure continued safe operation of the aircraft. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by adhering to the manufacturer's service bulletins and ensuring that inspections are conducted at specified intervals.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations, specifically PART 39 - 107, establish airworthiness directives for propellers, with AD/PHS/22 focusing on variable pitch propeller control systems. This directive applies to particular models of Hamilton Standard propellers, namely the 14-RF-9, -19, -21, 14-SF-5, -7, -11, -11L, -15, -17, -19, -23, and 6/5500/F, which may be installed on various aircraft types such as Embraer EMB-120, -120RT, SAAB SF340B, and others. The requirement encompasses inspecting transfer tube assemblies, propeller control units, and actuator assemblies for wear according to specified manufacturer's service bulletins. The directive mandates initial inspections within 6,000 hours of time in service or three years from the directive's effective date, whichever comes first, with subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 10,500 hours. Propeller control units fitted with a secondary drive quill per AD/PHS/15 Amendment 5 are exempt from the initial 6,000-hour inspection. This directive, effective from 19 June 1997, aims to ensure ongoing airworthiness by adhering to the manufacturer's inspection intervals.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this legislation are contained within the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 (sections 107 and following). This part outlines the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for various aircraft components, including propellers. Section 107 specifies that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to issue ADs to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft, including the requirement for regular inspections and maintenance of certain parts.
Sections 107 and following mandate that operators of aircraft with certain Hamilton Standard variable pitch propellers must comply with the specified inspection intervals for the transfer tube assemblies, propeller control units (PCU), and actuator assemblies. The directive applies to a list of propellers including the 14-RF-9, -19, -21, 14-SF-5, -7, -11, -11L, -15, -19, -23 and 6/5500/F propellers. These propellers are often installed on various aircraft such as Embraer EMB-120 series, Saab SF340B, ATR series, DeHavilland DHC8 series, and others.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Firstly, operators must inspect the transfer tube assemblies and propeller control units (PCU) within 6000 hours of time in service (TIS) or 3 years from the effective date of the directive, whichever comes first. For PCUs fitted with a secondary drive quill (SDQ) in accordance with AD/PHS/15 Amdt 5, the initial 6000-hour inspection is not required. Secondly, actuator assemblies must be inspected prior to reaching 10,500 hours TIS or at the next propeller shop visit where the affected parts are accessible, whichever is earlier. Re-inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 10,500 hours TIS from the last inspection.
Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can lead to severe consequences. Non-compliance with an AD is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (section 167). The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide for penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals and corporations. The specific penalties can vary, but they are designed to enforce strict adherence to airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of aviation operations.