COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell
AD/PHZL/24 Propeller Attachment - Modification and Inspection 4/69
Applicability: All model HC-A3VF series propellers fitted to Continental GTS10-520 series engines.
Requirement: 1. Replace propeller mounting bolts and washers with P/No.A-1328-1 bolts and P/No. A-1381 washers and torque to 80-85 pounds feet.
2. Check for loss of torque on the propeller mounting bolts by applying a measured torque of 80-85 pounds feet.
3. In the event of any substantial loss of torque of the mounting bolts being found, or of excessive rough running being experienced from the associated engine, remove the propeller and inspect the mounting bolts and dowels, propeller attachment face and propeller shaft flange for signs of cracking or excessive fretting. When such indications are found, replace all mounting bolts and dowels with new items.
Compliance: For Para. 1 - Within 10 hours time in service after 15 April 1969 unless previously accomplished.
For Para. 2 - At intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service. For Para. 3 - As required.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address various safety concerns within the aviation sector, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of aircraft operations. One specific regulation, included in Part 39 - 107, pertains to airworthiness directives for variable pitch propellers, such as the Hartzell model HC-A3VF series, which are crucial components in aircraft engine performance. This regulation was introduced to tackle issues related to the potential failure of propeller mounting bolts, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The enactment body, the Commonwealth of Australia, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to safeguard the integrity of the aviation industry by enforcing rigorous maintenance and inspection standards. The policy objective is clear: to mitigate risks associated with propeller attachment failures, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives for propellers, including variable pitch propellers like those produced by Hartzell. The regulations apply to all model HC-A3VF series propellers that are fitted to Continental GTS10-520 series engines. This regulatory requirement ensures the maintenance and safety of aircraft by mandating the replacement of propeller mounting bolts and washers with specified parts, and enforcing regular inspections to maintain the integrity and performance of the propeller system. Compliance is required within a stipulated timeframe of 10 hours after April 15, 1969, unless the actions have already been taken, and regular inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service time. In the event of detected issues, further detailed inspection and repair are mandated, underscoring the critical nature of these safety directives in maintaining airworthiness standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 107, mandate specific actions regarding the airworthiness of Hartzell propellers attached to certain aircraft engines. These regulations are detailed in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/PHZL/24. This directive applies to all model HC-A3VF series propellers fitted to Continental GTS10-520 series engines (section 4/69). It outlines specific requirements and compliance timelines.
Firstly, section 1 of the directive mandates the replacement of propeller mounting bolts and washers with specific parts: P/No. A-1328-1 bolts and P/No. A-1381 washers, which must then be torqued to 80-85 pounds feet. Secondly, section 2 requires a check for loss of torque on the propeller mounting bolts, applying a measured torque of 80-85 pounds feet. In the event of any substantial loss of torque or if the associated engine experiences excessive rough running, section 3 stipulates the removal of the propeller for an inspection of the mounting bolts and dowels, propeller attachment face, and propeller shaft flange for signs of cracking or excessive fretting. If such signs are found, all mounting bolts and dowels must be replaced.
The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear. Operators must ensure that the specified propeller mounting components are replaced with the correct parts and torqued to the specified levels. They must also regularly check for loss of torque and conduct thorough inspections when necessary. Compliance timelines are specified: the replacement of mounting bolts and washers must be completed within 10 hours of time in service after 15 April 1969, unless already done (section 1). Regular checks for torque loss must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (section 2). Inspections for cracking or fretting are required as needed (section 3).
Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious safety issues. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance with these specific directives within the provided text, non-compliance generally may result in enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, suspension, or revocation of aircraft operating certificates. The exact penalties would depend on the broader legislative framework under which CASA operates, but the consequences can be severe, potentially including criminal charges for individuals or corporate entities found in breach of safety regulations.