AD/G1159/20 - Wing Trailing Edge Structure - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a comprehensive legal framework governing civil aviation within Australia. Among the various parts, Part 39 addresses specific safety directives pertinent to aircraft maintenance and airworthiness, including the schedule of airworthiness directives for particular aircraft models. One such directive is AD/G1159/20, targeting the Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV Series Aeroplanes, which mandates inspections of the wing trailing edge structure to ensure compliance with safety standards as outlined in Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 235. This regulation was introduced to address potential structural issues within the specified aircraft models, ensuring that all such aircraft maintain a high standard of airworthiness and safety. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with structural failures, thereby safeguarding the integrity of air travel and the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives concerning the Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of the specified aircraft, mandating a thorough inspection of the wing trailing edge structure as per the outlined requirements in AD/G1159/20 and Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 235. Compliance with these regulations is imperative for all aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and relevant entities within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the safety standards are upheld across the aviation industry. These directives are enforceable under the jurisdiction of CASA, and failure to comply may result in penalties or operational restrictions for the non-compliant aircraft. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or thresholds but rather apply uniformly to all relevant aircraft within the designated series.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the requirements for airworthiness directives for aircraft types. Section 39-105(1) mandates that any airworthiness directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) must be adhered to by the operators of the affected aircraft. For Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes, the directive AD/G1159/20 pertains to the inspection of the wing trailing edge structure. This directive applies to all models within this series (Section 39-105(2)). The obligations under this directive include conducting thorough inspections of the wing trailing edge structure as specified in the Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 235. Compliance with this directive requires the aircraft operator to follow the detailed inspection procedures outlined in the document to ensure that the structure of the wing trailing edge meets the safety standards set by CASA. Failure to comply with the inspection requirements can lead to significant safety risks, potentially resulting in aircraft being grounded until the necessary inspections are completed. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe legal and financial consequences. Under Section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, any person who fails to comply with an airworthiness directive may be liable to penalties. The maximum penalty for non-compliance can include fines of up to $275,000 for individuals and significantly higher amounts for corporations, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aircraft safety. Additionally, CASA may take enforcement actions, such as suspending or revoking airworthiness certificates, which could result in the aircraft being prohibited from flying until the directive is complied with. These measures are intended to enforce adherence to safety standards and protect the public from potential aviation hazards.