{"id":"F2006L01312","name":"AD/PHZL/68 Amdt 4 - Turbine Engine; Steel Hub Propellers","slug":"ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":58793,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L01312-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell","sectionType":"division","heading":"Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell","content":"### Propellers - Variable Pitch - Hartzell\n\n| AD/PHZL/68 Amdt 4 | Turbine Engine; Steel Hub Propellers | 7/2006 DM |\n| ----------------- | ------------------------------------ | --------- |\n\n| Applicability: | All Hartzell model HC-A3VF-7( ), HC-B3TF-7( ), HC-B3MN-3( ), HC-B3TN-2 ( ), HC-B3TN-3( ), HC-B3TN-5( ), HC-B4MN-5( ), HC-B4MP-3( ), HC-B4TN-3( ),HC-B4TN-5( ), HC-B5MA-3( ), HC-B5MP-3( ), HC-B5MP-5( ), HC-B3MN-5( ), HC-B3TN-4( ), HC-B4MP-4( ) and HC-B5MN-3( ) propellers with hub serial numbers (S/N) as listed in Table 1 of this Directive. |\n| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Requirement: | 1. Replace affected propeller hubs as listed by serial number (S/N) in Table 1 with hubs not listed by S/N in Table 1.The two-letter prefix of some existing propeller hub serial numbers may be followed by a third letter 'A.' The presence or absence of this letter has no significance in determining compliance.Since a hub may be used in various propeller models, the S/N and the model number shown in Table 1 of this AD may not coincide. Precedence is given to the hub S/N in determining compliance requirements. The hub model is only given as a reference.2. Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection of blades for cracks as per Hartzell Aluminium Blade Manual 133C.3. Carry out Magnetic Particle Inspection of the Blade clamps as per Hartzell Service Manual 202A. |\n| | Note 1: FAA AD 96-18-14 Amdt 39-9738 refers. |\n| Compliance: | 1. As listed for the applicable S/N hubs as listed in Table 1 of this Directive.Hub replacement must be accomplished by the end of the calendar month indicated at the top of the appropriate column in Table 1 of this AD. The S/N ranges in this table identify the propeller hubs that require replacement by the end of that month.2. At Propeller disassembly for hub replacement.3. At Propeller disassembly for hub replacement. |\n\n```html\n

This Amendment becomes effective on 3 May 2006.

Background:

This Directive was originally issued to address several hub, blade, and shank failures reported overseas on Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft. In one incident, an aircraft was involved in a fatal accident. Due to the similarity of construction and load transfer paths between the 3, 4 and 5 bladed propeller models and propellers installed on the MU-2 aircraft, the FAA has mandated replacement of certain Hartzell turbine propeller hubs over a 10 year time period.

Amendment 1 altered Table 1 and removed reference to AD/PHZL/43 Amdt 6. Table 1 was updated to reflect removal of certain serial number hubs from the Table of applicability. References previously made to AD/PHZL/43 Amdt 6 are now directed to the Hartzell Blade Manual 133C.

Amendment 2 clarified Requirement 2 of the Directive and reflected the requirements of the referenced FAA Directive.

Amendment 3 clarified the requirements relating to identification of the hub serial number and the existence in some cases of a suffix to the 2 letter prefix.

This amendment is issued to correct the omission of a section of Table 1.

The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 2 January 1997.

Amendment 1 of this AD became effective on 11 July 2002.

Amendment 2 of this AD became effective on 20 January 2005.

Amendment 3 of this AD became effective on 13 April 2006.

TABLE 1.

Replacement due by end:

MAR 97

SEP 97

MAR 98

SEP 98

MAR 99

SEP 99

Hub Model No.

Serial No. Series

HC-B3TN-3

BU

1-377

378-754

755-1881

1882-3008

3009-3840

3841-4673

HC-B3MN-3

GB

HC-B3MN-5

FZ

HC-B3TN-5

BV

1-86

87-172

173-529

530-885

886-1622

1623-2359

HC-B3TN-4

FK

HC-B3TN-2

AG

1-59

60-118

119-174

175-231

232-238

HC-B3TF-7

EX

1-3

4-7

HC-A3VF-7

DS

1

2-20

21-39

HC-B4TN-5

CD

1-94

95-187

188-663

664-1139

1140-1399

1400-1660

HC-B4TN-3

EA

1-169

170-338

339-437

438-537

538-758

759-979

HC-B4MN-5

FL

1-35

36-70

71-238

239-406

HC-B4MP-3

FW

1-15

16-31

HC-B4MP-4

FU

1-3

4-7

\n```\n\n| | Replacement due by end: | MAR 97 | SEP 97 | MAR 98 | SEP 98 | MAR 99 | SEP 99 |\n| ------------- | ----------------------- | ------ | ------ | ------- | ------- | ------- | ------- |\n| Hub Model No. | Serial No. Series | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-5 | EZ | | 1 | | | | |\n| HC-B5MA-3 | HB | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MN-3 | ES | | 1 | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-3 | EV | 1-51 | 52-101 | 102-223 | 224-345 | 346-478 | 479-612 |\n| HC-B5MP-3 | FT | | | 1-3 | 4-6 | | |\n\n| | Replacement due by end: | MAR 2000 | SEP 2000 | MAR 2001 | SEP 2001 | MAR 2002 | SEP 2002 |\n| ------------- | ----------------------- | --------- | --------- | --------- | --------- | ---------- | ----------- |\n| Hub Model No. | Serial No. Series | | | | | | |\n| HC-B3TN-3 | BU | 4674-5707 | 5708-6742 | 6743-7864 | 7865-8987 | 8988-10409 | 10410-11832 |\n| HC-B3MN-3 | GB | | | | | | |\n| HC-B3MN-5 | FZ | | | | | | |\n| HC-B3TN-5 | BV | 2360-2689 | 2690-3020 | 3021-3410 | 3411-3600 | 3601-4035 | 4036-4270 |\n| HC-B3TN-4 | FK | | | 1 | 2-3 | | |\n| HC-B3TN-2 | AG | | | | 239-244 | 245-295 | 296-351 |\n| HC-B3TF-7 | EX | 8-47 | 48-87 | 88-112 | 113-136 | 137-138 | 139-140 |\n| HC-A3VF-7 | DS | 40-109 | 110-179 | 180-230 | 231-280 | 281-313 | 314-345 |\n| | | | | | | | |\n| HC-B4TN-5 | CD | 1661-1848 | 1849-2036 | 2037-2133 | 2134-2230 | 2231-3134 | 3135-3342 |\n| HC-B4TN-3 | EA | 980-1003 | 1004-1028 | 1029-1036 | 1037-1043 | 1044-1092 | 1093-1142 |\n| HC-B4MN-5 | FL | 407-411 | 412-416 | 417-423 | 424-429 | 430-436 | 437-1002 |\n| HC-B4MP-3 | FW | 32-371 | 372-711 | 712-1024 | 1025-1338 | 1339-1393 | 1394-2034 |\n| HC-B4MP-4 | FU | | 8 | | | | |\n\n| | Replacement due by end: | MAR 2000 | SEP 2000 | MAR 2001 | SEP 2001 | MAR 2002 | SEP 2002 |\n| ------------- | ----------------------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | --------- |\n| Hub Model No. | Serial No. Series | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-5 | EZ | 2 | 3-4 | | | | |\n| HC-B5MA-3 | HB | 1 | 2-3 | 4-28 | 29-52 | 53-78 | 79-1018 |\n| HC-B5MN-3 | ES | 2-7 | 8-13 | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-3 | EV | 613-720 | 721-826 | 827-894 | 895-961 | 962-1002 | 1003-2030 |\n| HC-B5MP-3 | FT | 7 | | | 8 | | |\n\n| | Replacement due by end: | MAR 2003 | SEP 2003 | MAR 2004 | SEP 2004 | MAR 2005 | SEP 2005 |\n| ------------- | ----------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | ----------- | ----------- | ----------- | ----------- |\n| Hub Model No. | Serial No. Series | | | | | | |\n| HC-B3TN-3 | BU | 11833-13487 | 13488-15141 | 15142-16299 | 16300-17457 | 17458-18308 | 18309-19160 |\n| HC-B3MN-3 | GB | | | 1-162 | 163-324 | 325-361 | 362-438 |\n| HC-B3MN-5 | FZ | | | 1-23 | 24-45 | 46 | |\n| HC-B3TN-5 | BV | 4271-4523 | 4524-4776 | 4777-4809 | 4810-4843 | 4844-4945 | 4946-6022 |\n| HC-B3TN-4 | FK | | | | | | 4 |\n| HC-B3TN-2 | AG | 352-447 | 448-543 | 544-682 | 683-821 | 822-886 | 887-950 |\n| HC-B3TF-7 | EX | 141-208 | 209-275 | 276-330 | 331-386 | 387-472 | 473-558 |\n| HC-A3VF-7 | DS | 346-396 | 397-446 | 447-454 | 455-482 | 483-496 | 497-511 |\n| HC-B4TN-5 | CD | | | | | | |\n| HC-B4TN-3 | EA | | | | | | |\n| HC-B4MN-5 | FL | | | | | | |\n| HC-B4MP-3 | FW | | | | | | |\n| HC-B4MP-4 | FU | | | | | | |\n\n| | Replacement due by end: | MAR 2003 | SEP 2003 | MAR 2004 | SEP 2004 | MAR 2005 | SEP 2005 |\n| ------------- | ----------------------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- |\n| Hub Model No. | Serial No. Series | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-5 | EZ | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MA-3 | HB | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MN-3 | ES | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-3 | EV | | | | | | |\n| HC-B5MP-3 | FT | | | | | | |\n\n![](image.001.png) \nJames Coyne \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n1 May 2006","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/PHZL/68 Amdt 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/PHZL/68 Amdt 4","content":"## AD/PHZL/68 Amdt 4","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Turbine Engine; Steel Hub Propellers","sectionType":"part","heading":"Turbine Engine; Steel Hub Propellers","content":"## Turbine Engine; Steel Hub Propellers","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"7/2006 DM","sectionType":"part","heading":"7/2006 DM","content":"## 7/2006 DM","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. Successive amendments altered which hub serial‑number ranges are captured (Table 1), clarified how to identify hub serial numbers (including the irrelevance of an 'A' suffix), redirected references to Hartzell manuals, and clarified inspection requirements. The current amendment corrects an omission in Table 1. Those changes adjusted the set of hubs subject to mandatory replacement and clarified compliance mechanics."},"complexity_factors":["Large, detailed Table 1 listing multiple hub serial‑number ranges across many Hartzell hub models with staggered calendar‑month deadlines (Compliance; Table 1).","Obligation structure split between mandatory hub replacement (Requirement 1) and inspection tasks to be done at disassembly (Requirements 2–3), creating sequencing constraints.","Identification rule gives precedence to hub serial number over hub model and ignores an optional third-letter suffix 'A', which requires precise record checks (Requirement 1, Amendment 3).","Cross‑references to external materials (FAA AD 96‑18‑14 and Hartzell Blade Manual 133C and Service Manual 202A) mean operators must follow multiple documents to meet inspection standards (Note 1; Requirements 2–3).","Multiple historical amendments and a correction (Amendments 1–4) altered Table 1 and clarified wording, increasing interpretive complexity and requiring operators to track amendment history (Background).","Some table cells are empty or span many years, producing potential ambiguity about applicability and timing for specific serial ranges (Table 1 layout).","Compliance burden for owners/operators: locating S/N, scheduling replacement by specified month, disassembly timing, and paying for replacement hubs and NDT inspections."],"plain_english_summary":"This Directive requires owners/operators to replace specified Hartzell variable‑pitch steel‑hub propeller hubs listed by serial number in Table 1, and to perform fluorescent penetrant inspection of blades and magnetic particle inspection of blade clamps when disassembling the propeller for hub replacement. It applies to aircraft fitted with the listed hub serial numbers and imposes staggered calendar‑month replacement deadlines. Owners/operators pay for replacement and inspections; compliance follows the hub serial number (not necessarily the propeller model) and cross‑references FAA AD 96‑18‑14 and Hartzell service/manual guidance."},"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"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Originally issued in 1997 to address specific failures on Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft, the directive has expanded significantly through four amendments. Amendment 1 removed references to another AD and updated serial number tables. Amendment 2 clarified inspection requirements. Amendment 3 added rules for serial number suffixes. Amendment 4 corrected omissions in Table 1. The scope has grown from a targeted MU-2 fix to a broad mandate covering 17 different propeller models across multiple aircraft types, with a 10-year phased replacement program."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive tabular data with serial number ranges and phased compliance deadlines spanning 1997-2005","Cross-reference to FAA AD 96-18-14 and Hartzell technical manuals (133C and 202A)","Multiple amendment history (Amendments 1-4) with cumulative changes to applicability and requirements","Serial number identification rules including special handling of 'A' suffix prefixes","Model number vs serial number precedence rule (serial number takes precedence even if model numbers don't match)","Staggered compliance schedule with 20+ distinct deadline columns across multiple tables"],"plain_english_summary":"This mandatory CASA Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of turbine aircraft fitted with certain Hartzell variable‑pitch propeller hubs (specific models and serial numbers listed in the AD) to replace those hubs by staggered deadlines (dates range from 1997–2005). When hubs are removed, blades and blade clamps must be inspected for cracking using fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle methods. The AD prevents hub failures that can lead to loss of control or catastrophic accidents."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers","history":"/api/acts/ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-phzl-68-amdt-4-turbine-engine-steel-hub-propellers/documents"}}