COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Propellers - Variable Pitch - McCauley
AD/PMC/36
Amdt 1
Propeller Blade Shank - Inspection 3/83
Applicability: Propeller models 2A34C201, 2A34C203, 2A34C216, B2D34C207, B2D34C214, B2D34C217, B2D34C218, B2D34C219, B2D34C220, C2A34C204, D2AF34C308, D2AF34C310, D3A34C401, D3A34C402, D3A34C403, D3A34C404 with S/Nos.
beginning 79, 80, 81 and 82 fitted with blade model 78TCA-0, 80VA-0, 80VHA-3.5, 90DA-8, 90DCA-2, 90DCA-8, 90DCA-10, 90DCA-14, 90DCB-8, 90DEA-12,
90DFA-10, 90DHB-8, 90DHB-16E with S/Nos. detailed in the compliance document.
For propeller models prior to the above listed S/Nos. the propeller log book should be checked to ensure that they have not undergone blade replacement which may be affected by this Directive.
Document: 1. McCauley SB 146; and
2. McCauley SB 146-1.
Compliance: Part 1: All propeller and blade models listed in McCauley SB 146, within 25 hours time in service after 23rd December 1982 unless previously accomplished.
Part 2: All propeller and blade models listed in McCauley SB 146-1 - within 25 hours time in service after 7th February, 1983 unless previously accomplished.
Background: The manufacturer advises of the need to inspect affected blades for forging folds or fatigue cracks.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were introduced to provide comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation safety, including the establishment of airworthiness standards and directives. One such directive, AD/PMC/36Amdt 1, pertains specifically to the inspection of propeller blade shanks for certain variable pitch propellers manufactured by McCauley. This directive addresses the problem of potential forging folds or fatigue cracks in the blades of specified propeller models, aiming to ensure the continued airworthiness of these components. The policy objective, as stated in the compliance document, is to mandate inspections within a specified timeframe to prevent the propagation of such defects, thereby maintaining the safety and reliability of the aircraft involved.
The directive applies to a range of McCauley propeller models with specific serial numbers, necessitating checks to ascertain whether any blade replacements may be affected by the directive. Compliance with this directive is critical, as it requires inspections to be completed within 25 hours of time in service following specified dates, ensuring that the safety measures are promptly implemented. This directive is a critical component of the broader regulatory framework established by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reinforcing the commitment to high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive AD/PMC/36 Amendment 1, concerning the inspection of propeller blade shanks, applies to specific McCauley propeller models and blade types with serial numbers that fall within the ranges and specifications outlined in the compliance document. The directive mandates inspections for certain forging folds or fatigue cracks to ensure the airworthiness of the propellers. This applies to propeller models 2A34C201, 2A34C203, 2A34C216, B2D34C207, B2D34C214, B2D34C217, B2D34C218, B2D34C219, B2D34C220, C2A34C204, D2AF34C308, D2AF34C310, D3A34C401, D3A34C402, D3A34C403, D3A34C404 with serial numbers beginning 79, 80, 81, and 82, and blade models 78TCA-0, 80VA-0, 80VHA-3.5, 90DA-8, 90DCA-2, 90DCA-8, 90DCA-10, 90DCA-14, 90DCB-8, 90DEA-12, 90DFA-10, 90DHB-8, 90DHB-16E with detailed serial numbers in the compliance document. For propeller models before the listed serial numbers, checks should be made in the propeller log book to confirm that they have not undergone blade replacements that may be affected by this directive. Compliance is required within 25 hours of time in service after specific dates unless the inspection has already been performed.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include provisions for the inspection of certain propeller blades to ensure airworthiness. Under AD/PMC/36 Amendment 1, particular propeller blade shanks must be inspected for defects such as forging folds or fatigue cracks. This directive applies to a range of propeller models with specific serial numbers (SN) beginning 79, 80, 81, and 82, and specific blade models such as 78TCA-0, 80VA-0, 80VHA-3.5, and others listed in the compliance document (sections 1 and 2). Additionally, for older propeller models, the logbook should be checked to ensure no affected blade replacements have occurred.
Entities and individuals subject to this directive are required to conduct inspections as stipulated in McCauley SB 146 and McCauley SB 146-1. For propeller models listed in McCauley SB 146, inspections must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 23 December 1982, unless the inspection has already been performed. Similarly, for propeller and blade models listed in McCauley SB 146-1, inspections must be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after 7 February 1983, or earlier if the inspection has already been done. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft and may result in severe consequences.
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the CASA Schedule of Airworthiness Directives can lead to serious repercussions. The legislation does not explicitly state offences or penalties, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a serious matter that can result in both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties may include imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The exact penalties are determined by the courts but can be significant, reflecting the critical importance of maintaining aircraft airworthiness.