AD/PR/23 - Feathering Springs - Operational Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives, such as AD/PR/23 concerning the operational inspection of feathering springs for variable pitch propellers by Dowty Rotol. This legislative instrument was enacted to address the need for ensuring that specific aircraft propellers meet the necessary safety standards by requiring a ground feathering check. This directive applies to particular propeller aircraft models, including Gulfstream Aerospace Commander 690C, 690D, 695 and 695A, as well as Fairchild Aircraft models SA-227AC, SA-227AT, and SA-227TT, Jetstream 31, and CASA 212. The primary policy objective is to prevent any undetected assembly failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft by mandating a once-only inspection before the aircraft's first flight or by a specific compliance deadline for already installed propellers. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as part of the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, established these regulations to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The regulatory requirement is for a ground feathering check in accordance with Dowty Rotol Service bulletin 61-A995, which must be carried out either before the aircraft's first flight or by a specified compliance date for propellers already in use. This directive is aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 107, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes detailed directives for various aircraft components and systems. In this context, AD/PR/23 addresses the operational inspection of feathering springs for variable pitch propellers, particularly those manufactured by Dowty Rotol. This directive applies to specific propeller aircraft models, including the Gulfstream Aerospace Commander 690C, 690D, 695 and 695A, the Fairchild Aircraft SA-227AC (Metro III), SA-227AT (Merlin IVC), SA-227TT (Merlin IIIC), the Jetstream 31, and the CASA 212. The requirement is to conduct a ground feathering check as per Dowty Rotol Service bulletin 61-A995. For newly fitted propellers, this check must be performed prior to the aircraft's first flight, while for existing installations, the inspection must be completed by 14 January 1984. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and ensures that all specified aircraft meet safety standards through the prescribed inspection procedure.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 107, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives for propellers, focusing on variable pitch propellers by Dowty Rotol. The directive in question is AD/PR/23, which mandates a feathering springs operational inspection for certain aircraft models (12/83). The directive applies to specific propeller aircraft, including the Gulfstream Aerospace Commander 690C, 690D, 695, and 695A, as well as various Fairchild Aircraft models such as the SA-227AC, SA-227AT, SA-227TT, Jetstream 31, and CASA 212 (Applicability). The requirement is to conduct a ground feathering check in accordance with Dowty Rotol Service bulletin 61-A995. This inspection must be carried out both on fitment to the aircraft prior to its first flight and, for those propellers already installed, no later than 14 January 1984 (Compliance). The purpose of this check is to ensure that no undetected assembly failure exists. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the required feathering check is performed as stipulated. For new propeller installations, this check must occur before the aircraft's first flight. For existing installations, the inspection must be completed by the specified deadline of 14 January 1984. Compliance with these obligations is critical, as the directive aims to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by identifying and rectifying any potential issues with the propeller feathering mechanism. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/PR/23 could result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These penalties can include substantial fines and potential legal action against the aircraft operator or owner. In severe cases, non-compliance may lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and any necessary repairs are completed. Such actions are taken to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained in civil aviation.