{"id":"F2006B06071","name":"AD/PB/5 - Propeller Blade Retainer Ferrule","slug":"ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":114469,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06071-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nPropellers \\- Variable Pitch \\- Beechcraft","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/PB/5 Propeller Blade Retainer Ferrule","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/PB/5 Propeller Blade Retainer Ferrule 9/2003","content":"# AD/PB/5 Propeller Blade Retainer Ferrule 9/2003\n\nApplicability: Cessna 120 and 140 aeroplanes equipped with Continental C-85 Series engine and Beech R003 propeller fitted with R003-201 blades.\n\nRequirement: 1. Remove the R003-201 propeller blades and visually inspect the propeller blade retainer ferrule for cracks at the fillet joining the cylindrical outer surface of the ferrule with the retaining face of the flange. Particular caution should be exercised not to injure or contaminate the thrust bearing, which must be pressed away from the flange for the inspection. The propeller manufacturer's assembly and service instructions are to be followed during disassembly and reassembly of the propeller.\n\n2. If any indication of a crack is found, both blades should be replaced with the R003-225 blades.\n\nNote 1: FAA AD 47-43-08 and Beechcraft Propeller Service Letter No. 1 refer.\n\nNote 2: R003-225 blades are sufficiently similar to R003-201 blades to be considered aerodynamically interchangeable in the same diameter without a flight test.\n\nCompliance: 1. At intervals not to exceed 25 flight hours from the effective date of this Directive.\n\n2. Before further flight.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 4 September 2003.\n\nBackground: Failure of the propeller blade retainer ferrule could lead to catastrophic failure of the propeller with loss of control of the aeroplane. This Directive requires an inspection of the propeller to identify any cracks that may form allowing removal of the blades before a failure occurs.\n\n![Signature of James Coyne, Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.](image.002.png)  \n\nJim Coyne\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 25 July 2003\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 13 August 2003.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"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"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD implements a targeted inspection-and-replace regime matching its stated safety purpose: identify cracks in the propeller blade retainer ferrule and remove/replace blades if cracking is found (Requirement; Background). Applicability and mandated remedies are specific and do not expand beyond the described aircraft, propeller model and blade part numbers (Applicability; Requirement; Notes)."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability: only Cessna 120/140 with Continental C‑85 and Beech R003 propeller fitted with R003‑201 blades (Applicability).","Simple mandatory actions: remove blades, visually inspect ferrule fillet, follow manufacturer's disassembly/reassembly instructions (Requirement 1).","Binary remedial action: any crack → replace both blades with specified replacement part R003‑225 before next flight (Requirement 2).","Short compliance interval for recurring inspections (every 25 flight hours) creates operational scheduling burden (Compliance 1).","Safety-critical context: failure consequence is catastrophic propeller failure, so inspection must be done correctly and may require qualified maintenance personnel (Background; Requirement).","References to external FAA AD and manufacturer service letter introduce cross-referenced material to consult (Notes)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of Cessna 120 and 140 aeroplanes fitted with Continental C‑85 engines and Beech R003 propellers with R003‑201 blades to remove the blades and visually inspect the propeller blade retainer ferrule for cracks (pressing the thrust bearing away to see the fillet) and to follow the propeller manufacturer’s assembly/service instructions. Inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 25 flight hours and any crack found requires replacing both blades with R003‑225 blades before further flight."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Airworthiness Directive maintains its original narrow scope. It addresses a specific mechanical defect in a specific propeller model fitted to specific aircraft. There is no evidence of scope creep; the directive remains tightly focused on the ferrule cracking issue identified in the background."},"complexity_factors":["Single, clearly defined applicability (specific aircraft model, engine, and propeller combination)","Only 2 defined part numbers referenced (R003-201 and R003-225)","Straightforward two-step requirement: inspect, then replace if cracked","Simple compliance structure: recurring 25-hour interval plus immediate grounding condition","No cross-references to other legislation or regulations beyond the enabling power (CASR 1998 subreg 39.1(1))","Minimal conditional logic (only 'if crack found, then replace')","Short document (approximately 250 words of substantive content)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety order requires owners/operators of Cessna 120/140 aircraft with the specified Continental engine and Beechcraft propeller to remove blades and inspect the propeller retainer ferrule for cracks every 25 flight hours (effective 4 Sept 2003). If any crack is found, both blades must be replaced with upgraded R003-225 blades before flight. It aims to prevent catastrophic propeller failure and loss of control by catching ferrule cracks early."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule","history":"/api/acts/ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pb-5-propeller-blade-retainer-ferrule/documents"}}