AD/G164/13 - Outboard TE Boom Support Brackets - Replace

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/G164/13. This legislation was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safety and airworthiness of certain aircraft models, particularly those of the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 series. The directive mandates the replacement of outboard TE boom support brackets for models G164 and G164A with serial numbers prior to 967, to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1972, as specified in Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 50. This regulation aims to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the identified structural components of these aircraft, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, specifically pertain to the maintenance and operation of Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. AD/G164/13 mandates the replacement of outboard TE boom support brackets for models G164 and G164A with serial numbers prior to 967. This directive applies to aircraft operators and maintenance personnel who must ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1972. The regulation is part of a broader framework aimed at maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace, and it is enforced across the Commonwealth, ensuring that the specified maintenance actions are undertaken by relevant parties to maintain operational safety standards. This legislative instrument does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, implying that the requirement applies universally to the specified aircraft models within the stipulated timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, outline specific airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft. In this instance, AD/G164/13 pertains to Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the replacement of outboard trailing edge (TE) boom support brackets (section 105.01). This directive applies to models G164 and G164A with serial numbers (S/Nos.) prior to 967, ensuring these aircraft meet specific safety standards (section 105.02). Entities governed by these regulations must ensure compliance with the specified airworthiness directive. Specifically, operators of the affected aircraft models are required to replace the outboard TE boom support brackets within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1972. This directive necessitates adherence to the Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 50, which provides detailed instructions on the replacement procedure to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft (section 105.03). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/G164/13 can result in serious safety implications and potential legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establish that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The maximum penalties for such breaches are detailed in the regulations and can vary based on the severity of the violation and the impact on aviation safety (section 105.04). The regulations emphasise the importance of adhering to these directives to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Non-compliance not only poses risks to the safety of the aircraft and its occupants but also to the broader aviation community. The legal framework provided by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 ensures that all stakeholders are aware of their obligations and the consequences of failing to meet these critical safety standards (section 105.05).