AD/AA-5/25 - Elevator Drain Holes - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/AA-5/25 to address safety concerns related to water accumulation in the trailing edge of the elevators of specific Gulfstream (Grumman American/ American Aviation) AA-5 Series aeroplanes, namely the AA-5A and AA-5B models with serial numbers ranging from AA5A-0001 to AA5A-0896 and AA5B-0001 to AA5B-1310. This directive was enacted under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by mandating inspections and necessary modifications to the elevator drain holes, as documented in Gulfstream American Service Bulletin No. 169. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 30 June 1980, reflecting CASA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, applies to all AA-5A and AA-5B Gulfstream (Grumman American/ American Aviation) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers AA5A-0001 to AA5A-0896 and AA5B-0001 to AA5B-1310. This legislation mandates the inspection and modification of elevator drain holes to address the issue of water accumulation in the trailing edge of the elevators, as reported in overseas instances. The regulation requires compliance within 100 hours’ time in service following 30 June 1980, referencing Gulfstream American Service Bulletin No. 169. The geographic reach of this Act is nationwide, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and applies to all relevant aircraft within Australia’s jurisdiction, ensuring safety and compliance with international aviation standards. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but is enforced through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (subparagraphs 105.125 and 105.127), mandate that all Gulfstream (Grumman American/American Aviation) AA-5 Series Aeroplanes, namely the AA-5A and AA-5B models with serial numbers ranging from AA5A-0001 to AA5A-0896 and AA5B-0001 to AA5B-1310, must undergo an inspection and modification of their elevator drain holes. This directive is intended to address the issue of water accumulation in the trailing edge of the elevators, which has been reported overseas. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1980, as per Gulfstream American Service Bulletin No. 169. The regulations impose specific obligations on the parties or entities governed by these directives. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the inspection and necessary modifications are carried out by authorised personnel in accordance with the guidelines provided in Gulfstream American Service Bulletin No. 169. This involves thoroughly examining the elevator drain holes and implementing modifications as specified to prevent water accumulation, thereby enhancing the aircraft's safety and airworthiness. Additionally, records of the inspection and any modifications must be maintained and made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. Failure to comply with these directives can result in significant legal and operational consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. This may include the issuance of a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty (NPCP) for civil penalties, which can amount to up to $10,500 for each occurrence if the breach is deemed serious. Moreover, continued non-compliance or serious breaches may result in the grounding of the aircraft, which can have severe operational and financial repercussions for the aircraft owner or operator. In cases of deliberate or reckless non-compliance, criminal charges may also be pursued, potentially resulting in more severe penalties under the law.