Variable pitch prop "endorsement"?

[Cloudee]

In Australia a manual pitch propeller control (MPPC) design feature endorsement is required. The endorsement requires training and sign off by an instructor with design feature training endorsement. Usually and hour or two on the ground and an hour or so flying. It is then written into your licence. CASA have issued the following manual of standards, I would much prefer the Canadian way.

1 Unit description

Manual propeller pitch control

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to control an aircraft and operate a propeller fitted with a manual propeller pitch control on the ground and in flight during normal and abnormal and emergency situations.

2 Elements and performance criteria

1. 2.1 DFE3.1 – Perform pre-flight and pre-take-off checks for manual propeller pitch control
   1. (a) perform propeller pre-flight checks ensuring the serviceability of the following:
      1. (i) propeller;
         
      2. (ii) spinner (when fitted);
         
      3. (iii) backing plate;
         
   2. (b) CSU control rods and cables are checked to confirm they are intact and secure (when visible);
      
   3. (c) perform propeller pre-take-off checks, including the following:
      1. (i) oil temperature and pressure within limits;
         
      2. (ii) function of propeller pitch control at specified RPM;
         
      3. (iii) function of propeller feather system when applicable.
         
2. 2.2 DFE3.2 – Operate manual propeller pitch control during ground and flight operations
   1. (a) operates manual propeller pitch control on the ground within the limitations and conditions
      
      specified in AFM and POH, ensuring:
      1. (i) idle RPM within limits;
         
      2. (ii) propeller RPM responds appropriately to throttle;
         
      3. (iii) engine RPM is within limitations when take-off power is set;
         
   2. (b) operates manual propeller pitch control in flight within the limitations and conditions specified in AFM and POH and:
      1. (i) sets RPM is set as required;
         
      2. (ii) monitors RPM remains within specified limits;
         
      3. (iii) synchronises engine RPM using propeller control on multi-engine aircraft;
         
      4. (iv) avoids oil congelation in cold weather operations by cycling engine RPM.
         
3. 2.3 DFE3.3 – Manage abnormal and emergency procedures for a manual propeller pitch control
   1. (a) identifies abnormal or emergency operations of manual propeller pitch control or CSU;
      
   2. (b) maintains control of engine RPM;
      
   3. (c) performs appropriate abnormal or emergency procedures;
      
   4. (d) feathers and unfeathers propeller.
      

3 Range of variables

1. (a) activities are performed in accordance with published procedures;
   
2. (b) day VFR in variable weather conditions;
   
3. (c) approved aircraft fitted with tail wheel or conventional undercarriage;
   
4. (d) single- and multi-engine aircraft;
   
5. (e) piston or diesel engine;
   
6. (f) featherable or non-featherable propeller;
   
7. (g) CSU with or without counterweights;
   
8. (h) simulated abnormal and emergency situations;
   

page131image1624570576Authorised Version F2016C00540 registered 30/05/2016

Page 205 of 664 pages

Schedule 2 Part 61 Manual of Standards

Competency standards

page132image1623918864(i) simulated hazardous weather.

4 Underpinning knowledge of the following:

1. (a) effects of loss of oil pressure to the CSU;
   
2. (b) effects of loss of oil pressure on the pitch of the propeller (if applicable);
   
3. (c) effects of counterweights on engine RPM (when applicable);
   
4. (d) the function of oil pressure on the CSU fitted to the aircraft;
   
5. (e) the function of the fine and coarse pitch stops;
   
6. (f) the effect that failure of the fine pitch stops may cause in the aircraft type flown;
   
7. (g) the effects of the use of carburettor heat on an aircraft fitted with a CSU;
   
8. (h) propeller over-speed in an aircraft fitted with a CSU;
   
9. (i) indications of engine ice in an engine fitted with a CSU;
   
10. (j) indications that carburettor ice has been cleared in an engine fitted with a CSU;
    
11. (k) effects on manifold pressure of reducing engine RPM in a normally aspirated engine below full throttle height.