AD/G1159/31 Amdt 1 - Elevator Trim Tab Outboard Hinge Fittings - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, a key legislative instrument in Australia, addresses the overarching safety and operational standards for civil aviation. This legislative framework is crucial in ensuring that aviation activities within Australian airspace comply with safety, security, and operational efficiency standards. One of the specific amendments under this Act, F2006B10034, pertains to the Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes, targeting a critical safety issue identified with the elevator trim tab outboard hinge fittings. The amendment was introduced to address the problem of cracks in these fittings, which could potentially compromise the aircraft's safety. The policy objective of this amendment is to mandate inspections, repairs, or replacements as specified to mitigate the risk of such failures. This legislative measure was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives that pertain to the Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all model GII and GIIB aircraft, demanding compliance with the specified requirements to ensure safety in flight operations. The legislation mandates that an inspection of the elevator trim tab outboard hinge fittings be conducted unless already accomplished prior to further flight after 31 July 1982, as detailed in Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 325 Amendment 1. The compliance requirements include a repeat inspection as detailed in the requirement document until the repair or replacement is carried out as specified in Aircraft Service Change No. 315. This directive is a response to manufacturer reports of trim tab hinge fitting cracks and is an amendment to increase the scope of applicability and to revise the requirements for repeat inspections, repairs, or replacements.

Key Provisions

The main sections of this legislation, specifically the AD/G1159/31 Amendment 1, pertain to elevator trim tab outboard hinge fittings on Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes (section 1). The directive mandates an inspection of these fittings on all model GII and GIIB aircraft, as detailed in Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 325 Amendment 1, which references FAA AD 82-11-02 Amendment 39-4384 (section 2). Compliance with these requirements involves conducting the inspection before further flight after 31 July 1982, unless it has already been accomplished (section 1). Additionally, repeat inspections must be carried out as detailed in the requirement document until the repairs or replacements are completed as per Aircraft Service Change No. 315 (section 2). The obligations imposed by these regulations are quite specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the inspection of the elevator trim tab outboard hinge fittings is performed meticulously as per the manufacturer's guidance. This involves not only the initial inspection but also subsequent inspections at intervals detailed in the Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 325 Amendment 1. If any issues are detected, the relevant repairs or replacements must be completed in accordance with the Aircraft Service Change No. 315. Failure to comply with these obligations could potentially compromise the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in the AD/G1159/31 Amendment 1 could result in severe consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this particular extract, breaches of airworthiness directives generally carry significant civil and criminal liabilities under Australian aviation law. Non-compliance could lead to penalties that include fines and potential imprisonment for those responsible, particularly if such non-compliance contributes to an aviation incident or accident. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is empowered to enforce these regulations and take appropriate action against violators to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained in the aviation industry.