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VP-F__
22nd Apr 2013, 20:25
Hi all, I have a fixed pitch McCauley prop that was new six years back on my 172. Unfortunately it has only done 100 hours total and I have been told it needs an overhaul because that is what McCauley say. I emailed McCauley for clarification and they confirmed that it is what they recommend, however the FAA do not enforce this.
My question is do EASA, or is it down to the discretion of the engineer? It seems to otherwise be yet another expensive paperwork exercise to go through.:ugh:

NutLoose
22nd Apr 2013, 20:48
Fraid so, every six years, part of Lamp is it is required to be done IAW the manufactures limits, you could try writing to the CAA asking for an extension., though whether you will get one is a different matter. Other possibility is your engineer may be able to write into the servicing schedule for the aircraft a different limit, but you or he will have to justify why he is not using the manufacturers limits.

As for FAA

http://www.caa.cz/file/1974_1_1/download

For what it's worth, several years ago I had a brand new Mcauley prop start to delaminate due to inter granular corrosion and it was under 2 months old and had done about 30 hours, it was Bly visible due to paint erosion and was replaced under warranty.

Beech_Boy
22nd Apr 2013, 20:51
Under FAA regs it is ultimately down to the aircraft owner but a maintenance organisation can make recommendations, and if a real airworthiness issue can report the aircraft as unfit to fly. However, with EASA registered aircraft, it is completely out of the owner/operators hands and you have to carry out inspections as per the manufacturers recommendation whether it by hours/cycles or as in your case, calendar time regardless of hours. Your part M maintenance organisation/CAMO will be able to clarify this for you.
Hope this helps

VP-F__
22nd Apr 2013, 20:52
Thanks Nutloose, I thought that might be the case sadly, ah the money pit that is an aeroplane!

NutLoose
22nd Apr 2013, 21:03
Yep, annoys me because fixed props were always on Condition, would be checked on Airtests every 3 years to see if still performing ok..... We're they flying off left right and centre... no.
Seems like change for no benefit, well unless you are a overhaul shop.


Look at the seatbelt issue, replace every 10 years, now if you never carried a passenger you would change the pax one having never been used, the new AD that came out about certain makes being rewebbed goes on about not up to strength, not airworthy.. Not done to manual... Blah blah blah replace Blah blah blah, BUT the AD states If rewebbed before EASA start date you do not need to do it....

It's either safe or not that is a double standard AD