Propellers — Propeller Hub — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0226R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must amend the Aircraft Flight Manual before the next flight after 20 October 2020 and conduct visual and non-destructive inspections of the propeller hub within specified flight hours. They must verify blade nut tightening procedures within 30 days of the AD's effective date and re-tighten nuts within 90 flight hours if necessary. Any detected cracks require immediate replacement of the affected part before further flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0061 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co. KG HO-V 72 propellers, commonly installed on Slingsby T67 "Firefly" aeroplanes. The directive mandates inspections and maintenance actions to detect and correct cracks in propeller hubs and ensure proper blade nut tightening to prevent in-flight propeller detachment. It applies to all serial numbers of HO-V 72 propellers and includes requirements for AFM amendments and non-destructive testing.
What changed
EASA AD 2022-0061 supersedes the previous AD 2020-0226R1 and retains its inspection requirements while introducing additional blade checks, inspections, and mandatory re-tightening of propeller blade nuts according to updated Hoffmann Propeller service bulletins. It also requires operators to verify that blade retention nuts were tightened following the correct procedure and mandates corrective actions if discrepancies are found.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential in-flight propeller detachment caused by cracks and improper blade nut tightening, which could result in aircraft damage or injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft. Compliance reduces the risk of unexpected vibrations and structural failures related to the propeller hub.
More for Hoffmann Propeller Gmbh & Co. Kg HO-V 72
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New ADs and bulletins for Hoffmann Propeller Gmbh & Co. Kg HO-V 72 and Slingsby T67 Firefly, summarized like this page, every Monday.