COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell
AD/PHZL/46
Amdt 2
Propeller De-Icer System Slip Ring - Inspection 4/90
Applicability: All propeller models HC-B3TN-3C or -3D equipped with propeller de-icer system using spinner bulkhead P/N D-3472 or D-3474, and fitted to Embraer EMB-110 series aircraft.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Embraer Service Bulletin No 110-030-0006 Revision 2.
Note: Brazilian AD 79-12-02 refers to SB 110-030-0006 initial issue.
Compliance: 1. Inspect within 50 hours time in service after 28 November 1979.
2. Repeat inspection at periods not exceeding 50 hours time in service, for an additional 5 inspections.
3. Thereafter, inspect at periods not exceeding 300 hours time in service.
4. Inspection cycle to be repeated for replacement propellers.
Background: The aircraft manufacturer advises of the need to inspect for cracking of the resin that attaches the de-icer slip ring. The manufacturer has further revised his Service Bulletin which increased the 200 hour inspection to 300 hours.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 107, establishes various airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft components. One such directive, AD/PHZL/46 Amendment 2, pertains to the inspection of the propeller de-icer system slip ring for Hartzell propellers on Embraer EMB-110 series aircraft. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the problem of cracking in the resin that attaches the de-icer slip ring, a critical component that helps prevent ice accumulation on the propeller blades. The directive aligns with Embraer's Service Bulletin No 110-030-0006 Revision 2, which outlines the necessary inspection intervals to maintain airworthiness standards. The policy objective is to mitigate safety risks associated with de-icer system failures, ensuring that all applicable aircraft remain compliant with safety regulations. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this directive is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which in this case, concerns propellers equipped with a variable pitch de-icer system. The regulation applies to all propeller models HC-B3TN-3C or -3D that have a propeller de-icer system using a spinner bulkhead P/N D-3472 or D-3474, and are installed on Embraer EMB-110 series aircraft. The requirement is to follow the Embraer Service Bulletin No 110-030-0006 Revision 2, which addresses the inspection of the de-icer slip ring for cracking of the resin that attaches it. The inspection must be conducted within 50 hours of time in service after 28 November 1979, and then repeated at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service for an additional five inspections. After these initial inspections, the requirement is to inspect at intervals not exceeding 300 hours time in service, with this cycle repeated for any replacement propellers. This directive extends its application to ensure the continued safety of the specified aircraft propellers within Australia, aligning with international standards as indicated by the reference to Brazilian AD 79-12-02.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 107, mandate specific actions concerning the airworthiness of propellers equipped with a de-icer system. Section AD/PHZL/46 Amendment 2 focuses on the inspection requirements for propellers HC-B3TN-3C or -3D, fitted to Embraer EMB-110 series aircraft. These propellers must comply with Embraer Service Bulletin No 110-030-0006 Revision 2, which outlines detailed inspection protocols. The key requirement is to inspect the de-icer slip ring for any signs of cracking in the resin that attaches it.
To ensure compliance, Section 107 mandates a structured inspection schedule. Initially, an inspection is required within 50 hours of time in service after 28 November 1979. This initial inspection must be followed by five additional inspections, each to be conducted at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service. After these six inspections, the subsequent inspections should occur at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service. Importantly, these inspection requirements must also apply to any replacement propellers that are installed on the aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are quite specific. Operators of Embraer EMB-110 series aircraft must adhere strictly to the outlined inspection schedule. This includes keeping accurate records of each inspection and ensuring that any identified issues are promptly addressed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The regulation also requires that all inspections be performed by qualified personnel who are knowledgeable about the specific requirements and procedures outlined in the Embraer Service Bulletin.
Failure to comply with the inspection requirements can have serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, but non-adherence to airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved, fines, and potentially criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to safety issues. The severity of the penalties will depend on the circumstances and the impact of the non-compliance on aviation safety.