AD/PR/13 - Pitch Lock Assembly - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia, providing a comprehensive regulatory framework. This legislation was introduced to address the need for stringent safety standards and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector, particularly in response to evolving technological advancements and global aviation safety trends. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the primary policy objective of ensuring the safety of air transport in Australia. This specific legislative instrument, F2006B06311, focuses on enhancing the airworthiness of aircraft by mandating modifications to the pitch lock assembly of Dowty Rotol propellers on certain aircraft models to mitigate potential safety risks. The regulatory directive is designed to ensure compliance with safety standards post-overhaul, particularly after 30 June 1971, as outlined in Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin No. 61-764, Revision 1.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has established a specific airworthiness directive, AD/PR/13, targeting the modification of the pitch lock assembly for Dowty Rotol variable pitch propellers used in particular models of aircraft. This directive applies to all model (c) R184/4-30-4/50 (Gulfstream) and model (c) R193/4-30-4/50 and -4/61 (Fokker F.27) aircraft. The modification is mandatory and must be completed before the next overhaul following 30 June 1971, as outlined in Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin No. 61-764, Rev. 1, modification number (c) VP 2774. This directive aims to ensure that the specified aircraft maintain the required safety standards and operational reliability by addressing specific mechanical issues within the propeller systems. The legislation is enforced under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring compliance across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 107, provides specific airworthiness directives for aircraft components, including propellers. Under this part, AD/PR/13 focuses on the modification of pitch lock assemblies for certain variable pitch propellers (sections 107.010 and 107.020). This directive applies to all model (c) R184/4-30-4/50 (Gulfstream) and model (c) R193/4-30-4/50 and -4/61 (Fokker F.27) propellers. The directive references Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin No. 61-764, Revision 1, which outlines modification number (c) VP 2774. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed before installation in an aircraft following the next overhaul completed after 30 June 1971. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators and owners of the specified aircraft models must ensure that the pitch lock assemblies on their variable pitch propellers are modified according to the detailed instructions provided in Dowty Rotol SB No. 61-764, Revision 1. This includes performing the necessary maintenance actions before the next overhaul after the specified date, ensuring that the propellers meet the updated airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and further regulatory action. Failure to comply with the AD/PR/13 directive can have serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence (section 107.040). The penalty for such an offence can include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The specific penalties may vary based on the severity of the breach and any associated risks to aviation safety. Operators and owners must take these obligations seriously to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the safety of their aircraft operations.