COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell
AD/PHZL/53
Amdt 2
Blade Clamps 5/89
Applicability: All model ( )HC-( ) ( )(X,V) Series propellers fitted with P/No C-3-( ) blade clamp assemblies.
Requirement: 1. Replace all propeller blade clamp assemblies S/No. 0 to D5293 or inspect as follows:
(a) Visually inspect the internal inboard radius area of the clamp, especially next to the clamp bolt hole, for corrosion. Remove from service all clamps showing signs of corrosion.
(b) Magnetic particle inspect all internal and external surfaces of the clamp in accordance with Hartzell specification No H-S-7.
(c) Dye penetrant inspect all external surfaces of clamp assemblies S/No 0 to D5293 which, after initial inspection 1(a) and 1(b), remain in service.
2. Replace all propeller blade clamp assemblies which have mismatching serial numbers on each clamp half or have unreadable serial numbers.
3. Carry out the following on propeller blade clamp assemblies with S/No. D5294 to K6336:
(a) using a 10x power magnifying glass, inspect the inner bearing race radius, especially next to the inner clamp bolt hole, for defects in the form of corrosion, tool marks, gouges, scratches, etc.
(b) remove all evidence of defects in the clamp inner bearing race radius. Replace all reworked clamps that exceed the rework limitations defined in SI No. 159B.
(c) magnetic particle inspect the clamp for evidence of cracks in accordance with Hartzell Specification H-S-7. Replace all cracked clamps.
(d) replate all reworked clamps before placing back in service in accordance with Hartzell Specification H-S-5.
Note: Hartzell SI No 159B and FAA AD85-14-10 Amdt 39-5414 refer.
Compliance: Except for requirement 1(C), at next overhaul, recondition or repair which necessitates disassembly after 30 November 1986 or within 12 months, whichever occurs first. For requirement 1 (C), inspect clamps at each inspection for issue of maintenance release.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Background: Due to the high stresses in this area, surface damage of any type impairs the airworthiness of the clamp. This Directive has been amended to provide an additional inspection as an alternative to replacement of some clamps. This directive further amended to clarify the S/No 0 to D5293 clamp inspection requirements.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998 (F2006B06215), were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was introduced to address safety concerns in the maintenance and operation of aircraft, particularly focusing on propellers and their components. The policy objective is to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness through detailed directives, ensuring that aircraft remain safe for operation. The specific amendment in question addresses issues with blade clamps in Hartzell propellers, requiring detailed inspections and replacements to prevent corrosion and other forms of damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the propellers, thereby ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 107, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all model HC-( ) ( )(X,V) Series propellers fitted with P/No C-3-( ) blade clamp assemblies. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is Commonwealth-wide, applying uniformly across Australia. The legislation mandates specific actions concerning the inspection and replacement of propeller blade clamp assemblies to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. The requirements include replacing blade clamp assemblies with certain serial numbers, conducting visual and magnetic particle inspections, and ensuring clamps are free of defects and properly replated. Compliance must be met at the next overhaul, reconditioning, or repair necessitating disassembly after 30 November 1998, or within 12 months, whichever occurs first, with additional inspections for certain clamps at each inspection for issue of a maintenance release. This directive does not apply to all requirements uniformly, as noted in the exception for certain inspection procedures.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 107, specifically in the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contain critical provisions for the maintenance of Hartzell propellers in certain aircraft models. AD/PHZL/53 Amendment 2 pertains to blade clamps and outlines detailed requirements to ensure the airworthiness of these components. The directive applies to all model HC-(X,V) Series propellers fitted with P/No C-3-( ) blade clamp assemblies (Section 1). The main requirements include replacing all blade clamp assemblies with serial numbers 0 to D5293 or conducting a detailed inspection if they remain in service (Section 1(a)-(c)). Additionally, clamps with mismatching or unreadable serial numbers must be replaced (Section 2). For blade clamp assemblies with serial numbers D5294 to K6336, a thorough inspection and potential rework are mandated (Section 3(a)-(d)). These inspections and replacements must be completed at the next overhaul, reconditioning, or repair necessitating disassembly after 30 November 1986, or within 12 months, whichever comes first, except for the dye penetrant inspection of clamps, which must occur at each inspection for issue of a maintenance release (Compliance section).
The obligations imposed by this directive are stringent and detail-oriented, requiring operators to meticulously inspect and potentially replace specific blade clamp assemblies to maintain the airworthiness of the propellers. Operators must ensure that all clamps are either replaced or inspected according to the specified criteria, including visual inspection for corrosion, magnetic particle inspection, and dye penetrant inspection where necessary. Additionally, clamps with mismatched or unreadable serial numbers must be replaced outright. For blade clamps within the specified serial number range, detailed inspections and rework protocols must be followed, including the use of magnifying tools, removal of defects, and replating as per Hartzell specifications. These obligations are crucial to prevent surface damage, which can severely impair the airworthiness of the clamps due to the high stresses they experience.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. Non-compliance may result in the grounding of aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are performed, potentially leading to substantial delays and operational disruptions. Moreover, the directive explicitly references other specifications and amendments, such as Hartzell SI No 159B and FAA AD85-14-10 Amdt 39-5414, indicating a broader regulatory framework and expectation of adherence. Any breaches of these regulations could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including fines and other penalties as stipulated under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. The exact penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the directive itself but would typically align with the regulatory framework governing aviation safety in Australia.