COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - McCauley
AD/PMC/31 Propeller Blade Actuating Pin Installation - Inspection
11/76
Applicability: | Propeller Model | Series No | Propeller Model | Serial No |
| D2A34C49( ) | 692417 | 2A34C66( ) | 727628 |
| D2A34C49( ) | 703405 | 2A34C66( ) | 732194 |
| D2A34C50( ) | 64746 | E2A34C73( ) | 720673 |
| D2A34C50( ) | 690329 | E2A34C73( ) | 721615 |
| D2A34C58( ) | 721610 | E2A34C73( ) | 732503 |
| OR | 734269 | 2A36C23( ) | 64358 |
| F2A34C58( ) | 736436 | 2A36C23( ) | 66786 |
| | | D2A36C33( ) | 61005 |
| | | D2A36C33( ) | 611491 |
Note: The Sixteen propellers listed by specific S/No. are the only ones affected by this Airworthiness Directive.
Requirement: The above referenced propellers may have blade ferrules with incorrectly drilled (shallow) actuating pin holes. Dismantle the propeller and inspect to ensure that the correct pins are installed in the blade ferrules, and that the blade actuating pin holes in the ferrules are drilled and tapped to the depth listed in McCauley Service Manual 720415.
Repair or replace as necessary, any improperly installed blade actuating pins, washers, or blade ferrules, and re-assemble the propeller in accordance with McCauley Service Manual 720415, or later applicable issue. Note that the shallow actuating pin hole modification listed in McCauley SB No. 99 is not applicable to the above propeller models.
or FAA AD 76-19-04.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 November 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, introduced by the Australian Parliament, serve to regulate civil aviation within Australia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. Part 39, specifically 107, contains Airworthiness Directives to address safety issues related to aircraft components. One such directive, AD/PMC/31, was issued in 1976 to address the problem of propellers, specifically McCauley propellers, having blade ferrules with incorrectly drilled (shallow) actuating pin holes. This directive aims to ensure that the correct pins are installed in the blade ferrules and that the blade actuating pin holes are drilled and tapped to the correct depth as specified in the McCauley Service Manual 720415, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of the propellers in service. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Airworthiness Directive AD/PMC/31 concerning the inspection of the propeller blade actuating pin installation for certain McCauley propellers. This regulation applies directly to the specific propeller models and serial numbers listed in the directive, ensuring these aircraft components meet safety standards. The directive is applicable to any aircraft operator or owner that uses the affected propellers, thereby encompassing a narrow yet specific group of entities within the aviation industry. Geographically, the regulation operates under the Commonwealth of Australia, meaning it applies across the entire nation, including all states and territories. The directive does not extend its application beyond the listed propeller models and serial numbers, focusing solely on these particular instances to address the identified safety issue. Compliance with the directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976, reinforcing the urgency and specificity of the regulation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, Section 107, in conjunction with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), specifically addresses the inspection and repair requirements for certain McCauley propellers (AD/PMC/31). This AD is pertinent to a defined series of propellers listed by their specific serial numbers, such as D2A34C49, 692417, and others. The primary requirement of this directive is to inspect the blade actuating pin holes in the blade ferrules to ensure they are correctly drilled and tapped to the specified depth, as outlined in the McCauley Service Manual 720415. Any discrepancies, such as shallow actuating pin holes, must be rectified by repairing or replacing the affected components, and re-assembly must adhere to the McCauley Service Manual 720415 or any subsequent applicable issues. It is critical to note that the modification for shallow actuating pin holes detailed in McCauley Service Bulletin No. 99 does not apply to the mentioned propeller models.
Entities governed by this directive must ensure that the specified propellers undergo the necessary inspection and repair within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976. This involves dismantling the propeller, inspecting the blade actuating pin holes in the ferrules, and making any required repairs or replacements. The propeller must then be re-assembled in strict accordance with the McCauley Service Manual 720415 or any later applicable issues. Failure to comply with these requirements could potentially compromise the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft, leading to serious safety risks.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict obligations on the operators and maintainers of the affected aircraft to adhere to the directive's requirements. Non-compliance can lead to the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the directive, they could potentially include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory actions that could severely impact the operational status of the affected aircraft. It is essential for all parties involved to ensure full compliance to avoid these adverse consequences.