AD/G1159/6 - Vertical Tail Rear Beam Attaching Bolts - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to establish comprehensive safety standards and procedures within the civil aviation sector, address a critical need for stringent aircraft maintenance and operational guidelines. This legislative instrument specifically targets Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV series aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate potential risks associated with the vertical tail rear beam attaching bolts. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established this directive to ensure that all relevant models comply with safety standards, thereby protecting the integrity and safety of air travel. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament to establish a uniform set of safety directives for the maintenance and operation of aircraft. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by ensuring that specific components, such as the vertical tail rear beam attaching bolts on Gulfstream aeroplanes, are regularly inspected and, if necessary, modified. By setting a clear compliance timeline, the regulations aim to maintain high safety standards and reduce the risk of in-flight incidents.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives applicable to various aircraft, including the Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/G1159/6, pertains to the Vertical Tail Rear Beam Attaching Bolts and mandates their inspection and potential modification to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive applies to all models within the specified Gulfstream series and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service or three months following the directive's issue date of 30 November 1972, whichever is earlier. This regulation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is integral to maintaining the safety standards of the aircraft in operation within Australia's jurisdiction. The directive extends its reach to any entity or individual operating these aircraft, ensuring that all relevant parties adhere to the specified safety measures outlined in Grumman Gulfstream II Aircraft Service Change No. 139.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation (AD/G1159/6) require an inspection and, if necessary, modification of the vertical tail rear beam attaching bolts in all models of the Gulfstream (Grumman) G1159 and G-IV Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, these sections mandate that the inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service, or within three months of 30 November 1972, whichever is later. This directive is grounded in Grumman Gulfstream II Aircraft Service Change No. 139 (section 11/72). The Act imposes clear obligations on the parties or entities it governs. These obligations include ensuring that the vertical tail rear beam attaching bolts are inspected and, if necessary, modified as per the instructions outlined in Grumman Gulfstream II Aircraft Service Change No. 139. This requirement is designed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring safety and compliance with civil aviation standards. The responsibility for compliance lies with the operators, maintenance providers, and other relevant parties involved in the operation and upkeep of these aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in this legislation may result in significant civil or criminal consequences. Although specific penalties are not detailed within this excerpt, it is known that non-compliance with civil aviation regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory measures designed to enforce adherence to safety standards. The potential penalties underscore the importance of timely and accurate compliance with these airworthiness directives.