AD/TBM 700/8 - Propeller Control

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a crucial part of the regulatory framework governing aviation safety within the country. Among its various provisions, Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses specific safety concerns for particular aircraft models. The Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/TBM 700/8 focuses on the propeller control of these aircraft, specifically those with serial numbers 1 to 22, 24 to 92 inclusive. The directive was introduced to address a critical safety issue related to the propeller governor screws, requiring that they be lockwired to enhance control reliability, as mandated by Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-042-76. Compliance with this directive is essential, with an action required within 100 hours of time in service from 8 December 1994. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure the airworthiness of the specified TBM 700 series aircraft by mitigating risks associated with the propeller control system. By aligning with the standards set forth by the French aviation authority, DGAC AD 94-109-(B), the regulation underscores the importance of international cooperation and adherence to globally recognised safety protocols. This measure is integral to maintaining the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia, ensuring that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before being returned to service.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which are regulatory requirements designed to ensure the ongoing safety and airworthiness of aircraft. In this context, the regulation AD/TBM 700/8 focuses on Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes, mandating specific action concerning the propeller control system for aircraft within the serial number range of 1 to 22, and 24 to 92 inclusive. The directive necessitates compliance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-042-76, which includes locking the propeller governor screws with lockwire, as referenced in DGAC AD 94-109-(B). The requirement must be met within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following the directive's issuance on 8 December 1994. This regulation applies to aircraft operators and maintenance personnel who must ensure adherence to the prescribed safety measures to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness status.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the operational safety of certain aircraft. One such directive, AD/TBM 700/8, pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 series aeroplanes and mandates action in accordance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-042-76. This directive applies to all TBM 700 series aircraft within serial numbers (S/N) 1 to 22 and 24 to 92 inclusive (13/94). The primary requirement is that the propeller control governor screws must be lockwired to enhance governor control, a modification detailed in the aforementioned service bulletin. For compliance, the action must be completed within 100 hours of time in service from 8 December 1994. The directive references DGAC AD 94-109-(B) for additional context. The obligations imposed by AD/TBM 700/8 on the owners and operators of the affected TBM 700 series aircraft are clear and specific. Aircraft owners and operators must ensure that the propeller control governor screws are lockwired as per Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-042-76. This requirement is mandatory and must be carried out within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours of time in service from the specified date, 8 December 1994. The directive underscores the importance of maintaining compliance to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply with AD/TBM 700/8 could result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is a serious matter. Operators who fail to adhere to the requirements set out in AD/TBM 700/8 may face enforcement actions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. The seriousness of these consequences highlights the importance of timely and accurate compliance with the directive. The regulatory framework under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is designed to ensure the highest standards of safety in civil aviation. The directive AD/TBM 700/8 is a critical component of this framework, targeting specific safety concerns with Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 series aeroplanes. The requirement to lockwire the propeller governor screws is a direct measure to mitigate potential risks associated with the aircraft's operation. By enforcing strict compliance and penalties for non-compliance, the regulations aim to uphold the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations. The detailed requirements and consequences outlined in AD/TBM 700/8 underscore the regulatory body's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.