Aircraft Propeller Maintenance Guide
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jeshua97kingAircraft Propeller Maintenance Guide
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jeshua97kingTTCAA Structured Propeller Questions
1) Propeller Strike – what would you do in that event
Refer the procedure as per AMM
PART A - Propeller
- Remove the propeller and send the appropriate maintenance organisation (AMO)
or MRO for dismantling and inspection.
- The blade should be suitably packed and accompanied by its logbook and all
necessary documentation for its overhaul reason.
- All parts including blades, bearings, and pitch change mechanisms are
inspected for signs of impact damage including cracks and misalignment and
bending.
- Check for oil leaks and signs of damage to pitch change mechanisms.
- Carry out NDT test on steel ad Al alloy blades to check for cracking
- Carry out NDT tests on composite blades checking for delamination/debonding.
- Any bent blades (outside limits) must be only straightened by the AMO/MRO.
PART B – Engine
- Inspect the engine outer case for cracks and signs of impact damage
- Check the main bearers for damage, security, bowing and cracks.
- Check the engine for oil leaks – particularly around the propeller drive shaft.
- Check condition of an oil sample – check oil filters and magnetic plugs for any
debris
- Check propeller shaft alignment/run out. If any damage found the
engine/bearing/bearers should be change.
- Fit replacement propeller and carry out engine run
- Check engine and propeller for correct operation noting cockpit indications
- Check for vibration
- Inspect engine afterwards for signs of overheating and leaks
Documentation
- VP logbooks and engine logbooks should be securely filed and kept up to date.
- Record maintenance task in aircraft technical logbook and CRS is to be signed
2) Remove, inspect and install variable pitch propeller
- Maintenance should be carried out by an appropriately licensed aircraft
maintenance engineer.
- Before performing any service functions on the propeller, ascertain that the
master switch (power switch) is OFF, the magneto switches are OFF
(grounded), and the mixture control is in the IDLE CUT-OFF position.
- Propeller assembly, removal and installation can be carried out with the
blades initially in full reverse with changeover to the feathered position during
the installation procedure as this method limits damage to the propeller yoke
shaft during installation. This method also requires manual movement of the
propeller blades to the feathered position.
- Acquire necessary tools and equipment.
Propeller Removal
- Remove the spinner nose cap and release air charge
- Remove the spinner by removing the safety wire and check nut from the
propeller and remove screws that secure the spinner to the aft bulkhead
- Remove engine cowling for access
- If the aircraft is equipped with a propeller de-icer system, disconnect
electrical leads
- Place a drip pan under the propeller to catch oil spillage
- Cut the safety wire around the propeller mounting studs and remove studs
from the engine flange.
- Pull the propeller from the engine shaft
- The spinner bulkhead may be removed.
Inspection
- Check for oil and grease leaks
- Clean the spinner, propeller hub interior and exterior and blades with a
noncorrosive solvent.
- Inspec the hub parts for cracks
- Steel hub parts should not be permitted to rust
- Check all visible parts for wear and safety
- Inspect blades for damage or cracks. Nicks in leading edge should be filed
out and all edges rounded.
- For severe damage, it us recommend internal repairs and replacement of
parts be referred to overhaul by an approved maintenance repair station.
- Check blades to determine whether they turn freely on the hub pivot tube.
This can be done by rocking the counterweights back and forth through the
slide freedom allowed by the pitch change mechanism
- Grease blade hub through fittings.
Propeller Installation
- Clean propeller and engine flanges
- Install spinner bulkhead on propeller and torque bolts to specifications as
per AMM
- Lubricate and install O-ring in propeller shaft hole
- Mount propeller on engine
- Screw each stud into its mating flange bushing a few threads at a time until
all are tight.
- Torque bolts as per AMM specifications
- Safety the mounting bolts with appropriate safety wire, routing the wire
through the lock pins.
- Install spinner, align the spinner screw holes with the holes in the spinner
bulkhead
- torque check nut as per AMM specifications and safety check nut.
- Charge the cylinder through valve with dry air or nitrogen gas to the
prescribed pressure – refer to propeller placard for this.
- Test for leakage by using a soap solution or equivalent and applying it around
the valve stop. Internal leaks will show up as flow or air through the tube.
- Install spinner cap.
- Install engine cowling.
A duplicate inspection should be carried out immediately after procedures are
completed.
Documentation
- All ‘off aircraft parts’ should be appropriately labelled indicating the following
information: component name, part number, serial number, aircraft
registration, date.
- VP logbooks should be securely filed and kept up to date.
- Record maintenance task in aircraft technical logbook and CRS is to be
signed.
