COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes
AD/G164/14 Elevator Control Horn Attach Bolts - Inspection
and Replacement
8/83
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the AN4-12A bolts attaching the elevator control horn, P/N A1841-3, to the left and right side elevator P/N A1201-5A and A1801-4A respectively for a standard torque rating of 50-70 in. lbs. and for corrosion. If looseness is detected remove bolts and inspect for wear. Replace worn or corroded bolts.
2. Replace the AN4-12A bolts attaching the elevator control horn, P/N A1841-3, to the left and right side elevator P/N A1201-5A and A1201-4A respectively.
Compliance: 1. Within the next 25 hours time in service after 1 October 1973 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.
2. At intervals not exceeding 1000 hours time in service, or 1 year whichever occurs first.
Background: This reprint is to correct a typographical error in compliance para. 2 : hourly intervals.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to provide comprehensive regulation of civil aviation in Australia, including the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft. This legislative instrument, specifically Part 39 - 105, focuses on issuing Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address identified safety issues. The AD/G164/14 pertains to the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, and it was introduced to rectify a critical safety concern with the elevator control horn attach bolts. The policy objective behind this regulation is to ensure the ongoing safety of aircraft by mandating regular inspections and replacements of specified bolts to prevent potential failures due to corrosion or wear. Compliance with these directives is essential to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and protecting the safety of all persons involved in aviation activities.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation applies to all Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, mandating that the specified models undergo inspections and replacements of elevator control horn attach bolts. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is comprehensive across the Commonwealth of Australia, as CASA is the national authority responsible for civil aviation safety. The regulations apply to all operators of Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) aeroplanes within Australian airspace, irrespective of the location of the aircraft registration or operation. The directives set forth specific inspection and replacement requirements for the AN4-12A bolts, ensuring adherence to a standard torque rating and addressing potential corrosion or wear. The regulations detail compliance schedules, mandating inspections and replacements at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service, or annually, whichever occurs first. This continuous oversight ensures the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft as per the stipulated standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) under Part 39 - 105, within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a specific directive for Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/G164/14. This directive pertains to the inspection and replacement of elevator control horn attach bolts, particularly the AN4-12A bolts, which are critical for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the elevator control system. Section 1 of this directive requires that these bolts, which attach the elevator control horn (P/N A1841-3) to the left and right side elevators (P/N A1201-5A and A1801-4A), be inspected for both torque rating and corrosion. If any bolts are found to be loose, they must be removed and inspected for wear, with worn or corroded bolts replaced. Section 2 mandates the replacement of these bolts, ensuring that the maintenance is thorough and that all identified issues are addressed to prevent potential failures.
Compliance with this directive is crucial for the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Section 1 of the compliance requirements stipulates that the inspection must be performed within the next 25 hours of time in service after 1 October 1973 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Additionally, Section 2 of the compliance section requires that these inspections and replacements occur at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours of time in service or once per year, whichever comes first. These regular checks ensure that the bolts remain in good condition, thereby maintaining the safety and reliability of the aircraft's elevator control system.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive may result in severe consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to civil penalties, including fines, and potential criminal charges. The seriousness of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the requirements set forth in the directive to ensure the safety of all involved in aviation activities. The directive's correction of a typographical error in compliance paragraph 2 highlights the importance of precise and accurate adherence to regulatory requirements to avoid any misunderstandings or non-compliance.