AD/PR/16 Amdt 1 - Inspection of Hub Driving Centres for Incorrect Machining During Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, include a directive aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of propellers, particularly those from Dowty Rotol. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this regulation was introduced to address issues related to the incorrect machining of hub driving centres during modifications of variable pitch propellers on certain aircraft models. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate safety risks by enforcing a mandatory inspection of these components. The regulation applies to various Fokker, Gulfstream, Argosy 100, 200, and 222 models that incorporate specific propeller modifications. Compliance is to be ensured as outlined in the referenced Dowty Rotol Service Bulletins, SB No. 61-858, Rev. 1, or SB No. 61-857, Rev. 1, ensuring that the modifications meet the required standards and do not compromise the aircraft's safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for certain propellers used in aircraft, including variable pitch models manufactured by Dowty Rotol. The legislation applies to specific models of aircraft propellers, namely the R175/4-30-4/13E, R193/4-30-4/50 and /61, R257/4-30-4/60 (Fokker F27), R184/4-30-4/50 (Gulfstream), R186/4-30-4/16 or 16/1 (Argosy 100 and 200), and R212/4-30-4/22/1 (Argosy 222), when they incorporate modification numbers VP 2486 or VP 2381. This regulatory framework is intended to ensure the airworthiness of these propellers by mandating specific inspections and corrective actions as outlined in the relevant service bulletins issued by Dowty Rotol, specifically Service Bulletin No. 61-858, Revision 1, or Service Bulletin No. 61-857, Revision 1. Compliance with these directives is mandatory for all operators and maintainers of the specified aircraft propellers, and adherence to the detailed requirements in the referenced service bulletins is necessary to meet regulatory standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 107, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for propellers, including variable pitch models. The directive AD/PR/16 Amendment 1 (AD/PR/16Amdt 1) mandates the inspection of hub driving centres for incorrect machining during modification. This directive applies to a range of propeller models, including those used on Fokker F27, Gulfstream, Argosy 100 and 200, and Argosy 222 aircraft. The directive ensures that the inspection of the hub driving centres is performed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive require all relevant parties to adhere to the specifications detailed in Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin No. 61-858, Revision 1, or the applicable version, and No. 61-857, Revision 1. These service bulletins provide the necessary procedures and requirements for the inspection to ensure the hub driving centres have been correctly machined during any modifications. Non-compliance with these directives can lead to serious safety issues, potentially compromising the structural integrity and operational safety of the aircraft. In terms of consequences, failure to comply with the AD/PR/16Amdt 1 directive can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. Civil Aviation Act 1988, section 49, allows CASA to enforce penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The penalties may include fines, the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved, and possible legal action against the responsible parties. The severity of the penalties is determined by the extent of non-compliance and the potential risk to aviation safety. It is imperative that all stakeholders adhere to these directives to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation.