COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SD3-60/41 Propeller Attaching Bolts 13/94
Applicability: All model SD3-60 series aircraft fitted with Hartzell HC-B5MP-( ) propellers. Requirement: Action in accordance with Hartzell Alert SB A203.
Compliance: Within 120 hours time in service from 8 December 1994.
Thereafter, reinspect at intervals not exceeding 120 hours time in service.
Note: This directive does not apply until the propeller AND engine flanges have been in operation for 3000 or more hours since new.
Background: The FAA has previously advised that at least 12 failures of the P/N B-3339 propeller attaching bolts had occurred. This Directive is being raised after advice from the propeller manufacturer that further cracked and failed propeller attaching bolts have been reported.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, include specific provisions to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Among these provisions is Part 39, which addresses safety directives, including AD/SD3-60/41 concerning propeller attaching bolts for SD3-60 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the identified problem of propeller attaching bolt failures, particularly in aircraft fitted with Hartzell HC-B5MP-( ) propellers. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures by mandating regular inspections and compliance with specific maintenance protocols as outlined by the manufacturer. The directive emphasises the importance of adhering to manufacturer-specific service bulletins, such as Hartzell Alert SB A203, to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety in civil aviation operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in Part 39 - 105, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/SD3-60/41 concerning the propeller attaching bolts for all model SD3-60 series aircraft fitted with Hartzell HC-B5MP-( ) propellers. This directive applies to any aircraft within its scope, necessitating compliance with Hartzell Alert SB A203. The requirement for action must be undertaken within 120 hours of the directive's date, which is 8 December 1994, and subsequent reinspections should occur at intervals not exceeding 120 hours of time in service. This directive's applicability is contingent upon the propeller and engine flanges having accumulated 3000 or more hours of operation since new. The directive aims to address the potential risk of propeller attaching bolt failure, following reports of multiple incidents reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the propeller manufacturer. The legislative instrument extends its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring compliance across the relevant aircraft models within the specified timeframes.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, establish stringent safety requirements for aircraft operation, with the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addressing critical safety concerns. Section AD/SD3-60/41 pertains to propeller attaching bolts for all model SD3-60 series aeroplanes equipped with Hartzell HC-B5MP-( ) propellers (s.105). This directive mandates compliance with Hartzell Alert SB A203, which outlines specific actions to be taken regarding the maintenance and inspection of these bolts to prevent failures (s.105).
These provisions require aircraft operators to adhere to the specified maintenance schedule. For instance, operators must ensure that inspections and necessary actions are performed within 120 hours of time in service from the directive's effective date, 8 December 1994 (s.105). Furthermore, reinspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 120 hours of time in service thereafter (s.105). Notably, the directive does not apply until the propeller and engine flanges have accumulated 3000 or more hours since new (s.105).
Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all affected aircraft operators. Operators must diligently follow the inspection and maintenance procedures as specified by Hartzell Alert SB A203 to mitigate the risk of propeller attaching bolt failures (s.105). This includes conducting inspections within the stipulated timeframes and ensuring that any necessary repairs or replacements are carried out promptly to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft (s.105).
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant consequences. Operators who neglect to adhere to the inspection and maintenance requirements could face regulatory scrutiny, potential grounding of affected aircraft, and financial penalties. The severity of the consequences underscores the importance of strict compliance with these safety provisions to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation (s.105).