AD/G159/25 - Aileron and Elevator Tabs - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Orders, enacted under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were designed to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation safety in Australia. Specifically, the Civil Aviation Orders 1998, as amended, outline various safety directives and requirements to ensure the safety of air travel within Australian airspace. One such directive is found in Part 105 of Schedule of Airworthiness, which pertains to Gulfstream (Grumman) G.159 series aeroplanes. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, introduced these orders to fill a legislative gap in maintaining and enforcing stringent safety standards for aircraft operations. The policy objective is to ensure that all airworthy aircraft comply with safety directives to prevent accidents and maintain public safety. One particular directive under Part 105 is AD/G159/25, which mandates inspections of aileron and elevator tabs for Gulfstream 1 and TC4C aeroplanes. This directive, applicable to all such aircraft, requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1974, as specified in Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 255. This directive aims to address potential safety issues related to the aileron and elevator tabs, ensuring that any defects or issues are identified and rectified promptly to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The enactment of these directives by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority underscores the commitment to stringent safety oversight and the continuous improvement of aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Orders, specifically under Part 105 Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, govern the maintenance and safety standards for certain aircraft within Australia. This legislative instrument, identified as AD/G159/25, applies to all Gulfstream 1 and TC4C aeroplanes. It mandates that inspections of the aileron and elevator tabs be conducted within 100 hours of time in service following 31 October 1974, as per the requirements outlined in Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 255. This directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that these specific aircraft meet the necessary safety standards for continued operation within Australia. The legislation does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but its application is limited to the specified aircraft models and timeframe, with compliance monitored by the designated authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument focus on the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Gulfstream (Grumman) G.159 series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the inspection of aileron and elevator tabs (section 10/71). This requirement applies to all Gulfstream 1 and TC4C aeroplanes, as stipulated in the document Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 255. The directive mandates that these inspections must be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplanes' time in service after 31 October 1974. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that the specified inspections are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. Operators of Gulfstream 1 and TC4C aeroplanes must adhere to the instructions outlined in Grumman Customer Bulletin No. 255 to maintain the aeroplanes' airworthiness. This involves regular checks and maintenance of the aileron and elevator tabs to prevent any potential safety issues that could arise from their malfunction. Failure to comply with these directives may lead to civil or criminal consequences, although specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed in the provided excerpt. However, it is implied that non-compliance could result in regulatory action from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which oversees the enforcement of these safety directives. The potential penalties could range from fines to more severe consequences, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected aeroplanes.