AD/G164/10 - Elevator Pushrod Assembly - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide the legal framework for civil aviation safety and operations within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations outlines the Airworthiness Directives administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/G164/10, targets the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, aiming to address issues associated with the elevator pushrod assembly. This directive was introduced to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections of the elevator pushrod assembly at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards and prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which include AD/G164/10 concerning the elevator pushrod assembly inspection of Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers 1 to 400, excluding those modified to Grumman Service Bulletin No. 41. The geographic scope of this regulation is national, with jurisdiction over all civil aviation activities within Australia, thereby ensuring that all aircraft operators comply with the specified safety measures. The regulation mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service, with compliance verified through documentation as outlined in Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 41. The application of this directive is comprehensive, covering all relevant aircraft within the specified parameters, and it is reinforced through subordinate instruments to maintain consistent enforcement across the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft models, including the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes. The directive in question, AD/G164/10, pertains to the Elevator Pushrod Assembly and mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (Section 1). This directive applies to all models with serial numbers from 1 to 400 that have not been modified to Grumman SB No. 41 (Section 2). The compliance requirements are outlined in Grumman G164 SB No. 41, which provides the specific procedures and standards that need to be adhered to during these inspections (Section 3). The obligations imposed by this legislation are significant for the parties involved, primarily the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Operators must ensure that the inspections are conducted in accordance with the specified intervals and the guidance provided in Grumman G164 SB No. 41. This includes maintaining accurate records of inspection times and results, as well as ensuring that any identified issues are addressed promptly and in compliance with the directive (Section 4). Maintenance personnel are required to be adequately trained and certified to perform these inspections, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy and compliant with safety standards (Section 5). Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the AD/G164/10 directive can result in various civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators who do not adhere to the mandated inspection intervals or who fail to address identified issues may face enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft (Section 6). In more severe cases, non-compliance can lead to criminal charges, particularly if the failure to comply results in an aviation accident or incident. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations can include substantial fines for corporations and imprisonment for individuals, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aviation safety (Section 7).