AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV Series Aeroplanes
AD/G1159/41 Engine Fire Extinguisher Bottle Electrical Connections
2/2002
Applicability: Model G-IV series aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/N) 1253 through 1464 inclusive.
Requirement: 1. Perform a general visual inspection of the electrical connections of the fire extinguisher bottles for correct connections, in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No 30, dated 2 November 2001.
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
2. If any incorrect electrical connection is detected during the Requirement 1 inspection, correct that connection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No 30.
Note 2: FAA AD 2001-26-07Amdt 39-12571 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within the next 25 flight hours after the effective date of this Directive, but no later than 3 March 2002 and thereafter before further flight, immediately following any maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight, immediately following the Requirement 1 inspection.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 21 February 2002.
Background: The FAA has received a report that, during an inspection of a Gulfstream Model G-IV series airplane, the electrical connections for the left and right fire extinguisher bottle squibs were found to be improperly installed. The improper installation occurred either during manufacturing or during subsequent maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles.
Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV Series Aeroplanes
AD/G1159/41 (continued)
The manufacturer states that a contributing factor for improper connection of the fire extinguisher bottle is the potential for the identification labels to migrate up the wiring harness, which increases the possibility for a technician to connect the wiring to incorrect terminals.
This condition, if not corrected, could cause fire extinguishing agent to be discharged into the wrong location, which could result in failure to extinguish an in-flight fire on an affected engine and jeopardize operation of the opposite engine. The FAA considers this interim action and further rulemaking may be necessary. G-IV aeroplanes with serial numbers below 1253 were the subject of AD/G1159/33 Amdt 3.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 January 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 30 January 2002.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive AD/G1159/41, issued in 2002, was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in response to a reported issue with the electrical connections for the fire extinguisher bottles on Gulfstream G-IV series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive addresses the unsafe condition where the electrical connections for the fire extinguisher bottles were found to be improperly installed, which could potentially result in the failure to extinguish an in-flight fire, thereby jeopardising the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The policy objective of the directive is to ensure that the specified aeroplanes are maintained in an airworthy condition by correcting any identified electrical connection errors, thereby mitigating the risk of in-flight fires and enhancing overall flight safety. The directive mandates a visual inspection and corrective action as per the instructions provided in Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No 30, with specific timelines for compliance to ensure prompt rectification of the identified unsafe condition.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Gulfstream (Grumman) G-IV series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1253 through 1464 inclusive. This directive mandates that the specified actions regarding the electrical connections of the fire extinguisher bottles be undertaken to address the identified unsafe condition. The requirement includes a general visual inspection of these electrical connections as outlined in Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No 30, dated 2 November 2001, and correction of any incorrect connections found during the inspection. This inspection and corrective action must be completed within specific timeframes: the inspection should be performed within the next 25 flight hours after the effective date of the directive and before further flight following any maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles, while corrections must be made immediately following the inspection and before further flight. This Airworthiness Directive extends its application throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, as it is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to Gulfstream G-IV series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1253 to 1464. The directive requires an inspection of the electrical connections of the fire extinguisher bottles to ensure they are correctly connected, as outlined in Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No 30 dated 2 November 2001. A general visual inspection is defined as a thorough visual examination of the area under normal lighting conditions, which may involve the removal or opening of access panels or doors to check for obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. If any incorrect electrical connections are found, they must be corrected in accordance with the instructions provided in the Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No 30. This inspection must be conducted within the next 25 flight hours after the AD's effective date, no later than 3 March 2002, and before any further flight after maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles. Additionally, if any incorrect connections are identified during the inspection, they must be corrected immediately before further flight.
Operators and owners of affected aircraft must ensure that the required inspections and corrective actions are carried out. This includes having appropriately trained personnel perform the inspections and corrections. Operators must also maintain records of compliance with this directive, including the dates of inspections and any corrective actions taken. These records must be made available to CASA upon request. The AD mandates that these inspections and corrections be carried out in a timely manner, with strict deadlines to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD can result in severe penalties. CASA can take enforcement action against operators who do not comply with the AD, which can include fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. The severity of the penalty may depend on the extent of non-compliance and the risk posed to safety. The AD highlights the critical nature of these electrical connections for the safe operation of the aircraft. Non-compliance could lead to significant safety risks, including the failure to extinguish an in-flight fire, which could result in catastrophic consequences. Thus, it is imperative that operators adhere strictly to the AD's requirements to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.