AD/G1159/22 - Pitot-Static System Connections - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B10024, addresses the need for consistent and stringent safety standards within the aviation industry. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislative instrument is designed to ensure the highest level of safety for all civil aviation operations within Australia, thus closing potential gaps in safety compliance and oversight. The specific objective of this regulation is to mandate adherence to airworthiness directives, particularly for Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes, by requiring inspections of pitot-static system connections. These directives are established to prevent failures in the pitot-static system, which can lead to critical safety issues during flight. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, with a requirement to inspect the specified system within 200 hours of time in service after 31 December 1977, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, as outlined in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models of Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates that any such aircraft must comply with Airworthiness Directive AD/G1159/22, which pertains to the inspection of the Pitot-Static system connections. This requirement is to be fulfilled within 200 hours of time in service following 31 December 1977, as detailed in Customer Bulletin 251. The regulation encompasses the entire Commonwealth of Australia, thereby imposing a national standard for the maintenance and safety of these aircraft. It does not specify exclusions or exemptions, thus applying uniformly to all relevant aircraft within the specified timeframe. The scope of the regulation is further extended or may be modified by subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the inspection of pitot-static system connections on Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes. This requirement is outlined in AD/G1159/22, which was issued as Customer Bulletin 251. The directive applies to all models of these aircraft and mandates that compliance must be achieved within 200 hours of time in service after 31 December 1977. The focus of this directive is to ensure the integrity and safety of the pitot-static system connections, which are crucial for accurate airspeed and altitude readings during flight. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties or entities it governs include conducting a thorough inspection of the pitot-static system connections as specified. This inspection must be carried out by certified technicians or appropriately trained personnel to ensure that all connections are secure, free from damage, and properly sealed. The aircraft operator or owner must ensure that the inspection is completed within the specified timeframe of 200 hours of time in service following the date of the directive. Documentation of the inspection must be kept on file and made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/G1159/22 can lead to various consequences. Firstly, there may be civil penalties imposed by CASA for non-compliance. These penalties can include fines, which may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with the airworthiness directive could result in grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are performed. In more severe cases, CASA may take legal action against the aircraft operator or owner, which could result in criminal charges and associated penalties. The maximum penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft.