AD/PROP/2 Amdt 2 - Feathering Propellers - Functional Check

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, particularly AD/PROP/2 Amendment 2, focuses on the functional checks of feathering propellers on piston engine aircraft, excluding powered gliders. This legislation was introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations by mandating regular checks that propellers can feather within specified time limits. The amendment was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and became effective from 13 October 1994. The policy objective behind this regulation is to maintain the operational integrity of propellers, thereby enhancing flight safety and prolonging the lifespan of the propeller system. By requiring checks at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of flight time or 12 calendar months, the regulation aims to mitigate risks associated with propeller failure and maintain optimal engine performance.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, applies to all feathering propellers fitted to piston engine aircraft, with the exception of those used in powered gliders. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that the propellers are capable of feathering within the specified time limits of the aircraft manufacturer, thereby maintaining safety and efficiency in air travel. The regulation mandates a ground functional check to verify that the propellers will fully feather as required. This check must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service or 12 calendar months, whichever comes first. This amendment became effective from 13 October 1994, reinforcing the need for regular maintenance to prevent engine oil sludge build-up and to aid in the redistribution of grease in the blade bearings. The regulation extends its application through the requirement for compliance with the intervals specified and incorporates the manufacturers' time limits into the inspection process, as detailed in the old series Airworthiness Advisory Circular No 117-3 for further reference.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 107, mandate that all feathering propellers fitted to piston engine aircraft, with the exception of powered gliders, must undergo a ground functional check to ensure they will fully feather within the specified time limits set by the aircraft manufacturer (AD/PROP/2 Amendment 2, 11/94). This requirement aims to ensure that the propellers are capable of feathering when needed, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft during flight operations. The check must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service or 12 calendar months, whichever comes first, to ensure regular and timely maintenance. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Aircraft operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to the stipulated intervals for conducting the ground functional checks on feathering propellers. This involves ensuring that the propellers feather within the time limits specified by the manufacturer. It is important that these checks are documented and recorded in accordance with the regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with the safety directives provided by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may result in significant consequences. Any breach of the directive could lead to potential safety risks, as propellers that do not feather properly may compromise the aircraft's performance and safety. The regulations do not explicitly state specific offences or penalties for non-compliance in this context, but non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory penalties. Operators must therefore ensure strict adherence to the prescribed checks to avoid any adverse outcomes.