{"id":"F2006B06069","name":"AD/PB/3 - Pitch Control Bolt - Inspection","slug":"ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":114467,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06069-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/PB/3 - Pitch Control Bolt - Inspection","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nPropellers \\- Variable Pitch \\- Beechcraft\n\nAD/PB/3 Pitch Control Bolt \\- Inspection 2/70\n\nApplicability: All model 278 propellers not incorporating Kit No. 278-0002S installed on Beechcraft Models H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35 with S/Nos. D-4866 to D-7126.\n\nRequirement: Remove the propeller spinner and rotate blades to the high pitch position and accomplish the following:\n\n    Visually inspect the pitch control bolt's hex adjusting flat for numerical marking to determine if the bolts are Beech P/N 278-336. If the bolts cannot be so identified, replace with serviceable Beech P/N 278-336 bolts before further flight.\n\n    2. Inspect, using dye penetrant procedures, Beech P/N 278-336 bolts having 75 or more hours time in service since new or last overhaul for evidence of cracks in the exposed thread runout area between the hex flats and the aft pitch setting nut. If a crack is detected, replace the bolt before further flight with a serviceable Beech P/N 278-336 bolt.\n\nNote 1. Bolt replacement should be accomplished in accordance with Model 278 Propeller Manual P/N 115090-19-1 Revised 1 May 1963.\n\nNote 2. Beechcraft SI No. 0302-248 and FAA AD 69-26-4 also refer.\n\nCompliance: For para. 1 \\- Within 25 hours time in service after 23 January 1970\\. For para. 2 - At intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Directive's applicability, inspection requirements, and compliance intervals are stated within the text and apply to the specified propeller models and serial-number range; there is no text indicating an expansion or narrowing of scope from the instrument's stated purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Targeted applicability to a narrow fleet subset defined by propeller model, kit exclusion, and serial-number range (Applicability).","Two-step identification requirement: visual check for Beech P/N 278-336 marking and mandatory replacement if unidentifiable (Requirement, para.1).","Non-destructive testing mandate: dye-penetrant inspection of bolts with ≥75 hours since new/overhaul, focusing on a specific thread runout area (Requirement, para.2).","Recurring inspection interval and initial compliance deadline: initial action within 25 hours and recurring inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours (Compliance).","‘Replace before further flight’ operational constraint creates an immediate grounding cost if defects found (Requirement paras.1–2).","Workscope includes physical tasks (spinner removal, blade rotation) and reference to the propeller manual for bolt replacement procedures, implying need for trained personnel and access to workshop procedures (Requirement; Note 1).","Cross-references to manufacturer service information and an FAA AD create multiple documentary sources for correct compliance (Note 2)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Directive requires operators of Beechcraft H35/J35/K35/M35/N35/P35 with specified Model 278 propellers (excluding Kit No. 278-0002S) to inspect pitch control bolts for correct part-number marking and for cracks using dye-penetrant inspection, and to replace defective or unidentified bolts before further flight (Requirement). Aircraft owners/operators bear the cost and must have inspections start within 25 hours and recur every 100 hours (Compliance)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, original Airworthiness Directive issued in 1970 with a specific, narrow safety purpose. It has not expanded beyond its original intent of addressing pitch control bolt failures in specific Beechcraft propeller installations."},"complexity_factors":["Single discrete safety directive with narrow applicability (specific aircraft models and serial numbers)","Only 2 substantive requirements with clear conditional logic (if X, then Y)","Minimal defined terms (only standard aviation abbreviations like P/N for Part Number, S/Nos for Serial Numbers)","No cross-references to other legislation sections — only references to technical manuals and related service bulletins in non-binding Notes","Straightforward compliance timeline with specific flight hour intervals","Document is a standalone Airworthiness Directive (AD) — a technical safety order rather than complex enabling legislation"],"plain_english_summary":"This safety directive requires owners/operators of certain Beechcraft H35/J35/K35/M35/N35/P35 aircraft fitted with Model 278 propellers (without the upgrade kit) to inspect and, if needed, replace the pitch control bolt. It mandates a visual check for the correct part number and, for bolts with over 75 hours service, a dye‑penetrant crack inspection, with replacements before flight if unidentified or cracked. It affects aircraft owners, maintenance personnel and CASA enforcement, aiming to prevent in‑flight propeller control failure."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection","history":"/api/acts/ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pb-3-pitch-control-bolt-inspection/documents"}}