DHC8 Captain reports rejecting the takeoff when autofeather does not arm. The Autofeather system is tested at Maintenance Controls' direction and found functional; the following takeoff was uneventful. The Logbook was found to contain multiple write-ups of the same event all solved by the crew preforming an Autofeather test.

Narrative

Once cleared for takeoff; we conducted our Takeoff Final Items checklist; and I centered the aircraft on the runway. I applied power to the engines and brought the torque up to our assigned setting of approximately 90 percent. After several seconds; and at an approximate airspeed of 40 KIAS; the First Officer stated 'THE AUTOFEATHER DID NOT ARM.' After a quick visual confirmation of the AUTOFEATHER switch; I also noted that it had; in fact; not armed. I called out 'ABORT; ABORT; ABORT;' while immediately rejecting the takeoff by retarding the power levers to DISC and applying toe-brake pressure. I then contacted ATC and told them that we had rejected the takeoff due to a system malfunction; and stated that we did not need any special assistance. I then wrote up the discrepancy into the Maintenance Log; and contacted Dispatch and notified them of the event. Dispatch made note of it; and transferred us to Maintenance Control; where I then spoke to the mechanic on duty. After explaining the event in full to him; he directed us to conduct a test on the AUTOFEATHER system. We conducted this test in accordance with his instructions; and the system tested satisfactory (the AUTOFEATHER ARM light illuminated upon bringing the torque levels to a takeoff power setting). The mechanic then instructed me as to what to insert into the 'Corrective Action' block of the Maintenance Log. I inserted all of the information as directed by him; and signed the block with my name and pilot number; and also printed his name in the block as well per his request. He informed me that it was now satisfactory and safe to attempt another takeoff. I was then transferred back to Dispatch; with whom I then obtained an amended release. After receiving the amended release; checking the current fuel status; and updating the passengers and operations of our status; we conducted our pre-taxi checklist and pre-takeoff checklists and successfully attempted a second takeoff. In the Maintenance Logbook; I observed that this particular AUTOFEATHER problem had been written up multiple times within the previous 11 days by multiple pilots; including an entry from the previous day of our event. Each one of these write-ups was 'resolved' in the same manner (performing this AUTOFEATHER test after rejecting a takeoff; and having the PIC sign it off). This seems to be a reoccurring problem on this particular aircraft.