If you’re flying behind a prop that was worked on by the Southern California Propeller Service in Inglewood, Calif., it’s likely going to cost you. The FAA is considering a $3,000 fix for about 1,000 propellers that were overhauled by the company. The feds say they are proposing an AD to prevent blade failure that could result in the separation of the prop and loss of control of the airplane. The agency first heard about the problem in March of 1998, after a Hartzell prop blade installed on a Piper PA-34-200 failed. Investigation of the 200-hour prop revealed it had been improperly welded using a procedure called hot straightening. Inspections of other propellers repaired or overhauled by Southern California Propeller Service turned up a laundry list of other critical safety problems, a total of 43 reports in all. According to the FAA, the business continued working on props even after the FAA revoked their repair-station certificate in June 1998. Once the AD is enacted, you will need to move quickly. The feds say this is such a serious issue that everyone affected by it should have what will amount to another overhaul performed within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of the AD. Comments on the proposed AD must be received by the FAA by July 19, 2004.
AD Proposed On Hartzell, McCauley, Sensenich Props
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA is proposing a $3,000 repair for approximately 1,000 propellers overhauled by Southern California Propeller Service due to improper welding and other safety issues.
- The problem was discovered in 1998 after a propeller blade failure, with investigations revealing numerous critical safety issues resulting from the company's practices.
- Southern California Propeller Service continued operations even after their repair-station certificate was revoked.
- Affected aircraft owners will have 10 hours time-in-service after the AD's effective date to complete the mandatory repair.
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