AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PHZL/79 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell
AD/PHZL/79
Amdt 1
Propeller Vibration Placard 8/2003
Applicability: Hartzell ( )HC-C2YK-( )( )( )/( )( )7666A-( ) propellers installed on undampered 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engines.
Note 1: These engines can be fitted to but are not limited to Mooney M20E and M20F, Piper PA-28R-200, and Pitts S-1T and S-2A aeroplanes.
Note 2: Engine models of this series incorporate no crankshaft dampers unless the third section of the model designation exhibits a numerical digit in its fourth position,
i.e. IO-360-A1B6. The digit "6" in the fourth position, indicates the incorporation of one 6.3 order and one 8th order counterweights.
Requirement: For Normal Category aeroplanes:
- Unless previously accomplished remove any vibration placard that does not have the following statement and replace with one that does.
“Avoid continuous operation Between 2000 and 2350 rpm”
2. Unless previously accomplished re-mark the tachometer face or bezel with a red arc for the restricted engine speed range, between 2000 and 2350 rpm.
3. Include a copy of this Directive with the aeroplane flight manual, where there is an aeroplane flight manual fitted.
For Utility and Aerobatic Category aeroplanes:
- Unless previously accomplished remove any vibration placard that does not have the following statement and replace with one that does.
“Avoid continuous operation Between 2000 and 2350 rpm.
Above 2600 rpm in aerobatic flight”.
2. Unless previously accomplished re-mark the tachometer face or bezel with a red arc for the restricted engine speed range, between 2000 and 2350 rpm, and
between 2600 and 2700 rpm (red line).
Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell
AD/PHZL/79 Amdt 1 (continued)
3. Include a copy of this Directive with the aeroplane flight manual, where there is an aeroplane flight manual fitted.
Note 3: FAA AD 2002-09-08 Amdt 39-12741 refers.
Compliance: Within 100 flight hours from the effective date of this directive.
This Amendment becomes effective on 7 August 2003.
Background: This amendment corrects errors relating to the identification of undampered engines.
This Directive requires placards to be fitted to limit operation of the propeller at certain engine speeds. This will prevent failure of the propeller blade due to vibration. Engine speed limitations were previously published in amendments to the Australian Civil MkI an MkII Flight Manuals.
The original issue of this Directive became effective on 10 July 2003.
Jim Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 June 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 16 July 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PHZL/79 Amendment 1 in 2003 to address safety concerns related to the operation of Hartzell propellers installed on undampered 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engines in Normal, Utility, and Aerobatic Category aeroplanes. This directive aimed to correct errors in the identification of undampered engines and prevent propeller blade failure due to vibration by requiring specific placards and tachometer markings. The directive was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, reflecting CASA's role in ensuring aviation safety in Australia. The policy objective was to mandate actions necessary to correct the unsafe condition related to propeller vibration and engine speed limitations, ensuring compliance within 100 flight hours from the directive's effective date of 7 August 2003.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies to Hartzell HC-C2YK-( )( )( )/( )( )7666A-( ) propellers installed on undampered 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engines, which can be found in various aircraft models such as Mooney M20E and M20F, Piper PA-28R-200, and Pitts S-1T and S-2A aeroplanes. This directive mandates specific actions to address propeller vibration issues, ensuring safe operation. It applies to Normal Category aeroplanes and Utility and Aerobatic Category aeroplanes. For Normal Category aeroplanes, the directive requires the removal of any vibration placard that does not specify "Avoid continuous operation Between 2000 and 2350 rpm" and mandates the addition of this statement, along with re-marking the tachometer face or bezel with a red arc for the restricted engine speed range between 2000 and 2350 rpm. It also stipulates the inclusion of a copy of this directive with the aeroplane flight manual, if fitted. For Utility and Aerobatic Category aeroplanes, similar measures are required with the additional instruction to avoid continuous operation above 2600 rpm during aerobatic flight and a red arc marking between 2600 and 2700 rpm. The compliance period for these actions is within 100 flight hours from the effective date of the directive. This directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and CASR 1998, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to aviation safety.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) focuses on Hartzell propellers, specifically model HC-C2YK-( )( )( )/( )( )7666A-( ), installed on undampered 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engines. The AD applies to these propellers installed on various aircraft types, including Mooney M20E and M20F, Piper PA-28R-200, and Pitts S-1T and S-2A aeroplanes. The AD was issued to address issues related to propeller blade failure due to vibration at specific engine speeds (sections 1 and 2).
The directive mandates several actions to be taken by the aircraft owners or operators. For Normal Category aeroplanes, the requirement is to remove any existing vibration placard that does not contain the statement “Avoid continuous operation Between 2000 and 2350 rpm” and replace it with one that includes this statement. Additionally, the tachometer face or bezel must be re-marked with a red arc to indicate the restricted engine speed range between 2000 and 2350 rpm. For Utility and Aerobatic Category aeroplanes, the placard must also include the statement “Above 2600 rpm in aerobatic flight,” and the red arc on the tachometer must cover the range between 2600 and 2700 rpm. Furthermore, a copy of this AD must be included in the aeroplane flight manual, if one is fitted (section 3).
Non-compliance with this AD may result in serious safety risks, including potential propeller blade failure due to vibration. While the AD does not specify particular offences or penalties, failure to comply with ADs can result in actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. Such actions may include the grounding of the aircraft, fines, or other regulatory penalties. Additionally, operators may face legal liability in the event of accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance with ADs. It is crucial for aircraft owners and operators to adhere to the requirements outlined in this directive to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.