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/G164/15
Amdt 1
Rudder Main Spar 4/94
Applicability: Model G-164 with serial numbers 1 through 400.
Model G-164A with serial numbers 401 through 1674. Model G-164B with serial numbers 1B through 79B.
Requirement: 1. Action in accordance with Grumman Service Bulletin 61.
2. Visually inspect the interior and exterior of the rudder main tubular spar for corrosion.
Note: The hole fabricated through the bottom of the rudder fitting during compliance with SB 61, is required to be sealed after the spar is inspected and corrosion inhibited.
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, prior to 30 June 1994.
2. (a) For aircraft operating in a salt water environment:
Prior to 31 March 1995, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed one calendar year.
2. (b) For all other aircraft:
Prior to 31 March 1995, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed three calendar years.
Background: The manufacturer received reports of significant corrosion on the main tubular spar of the rudder assembly. Amendment 1 is issued to introduce a calendar time compliance in lieu of operating time, a separate compliance for aircraft that are operating in a severe corrosive environment, and an additional internal inspection of the spar for corrosion in response to a local report of a rudder main spar failure that was precipitated by internal corrosion.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, govern various aspects of aviation safety and operations. Part 39 - 105, specifically within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the maintenance and inspection of aircraft to ensure their continued airworthiness. One such directive, AD/G164/15 Amendment 1, pertains to the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes. This amendment was introduced to address the issue of significant corrosion on the rudder main tubular spar, which had led to structural failures. The policy objective of this amendment is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by requiring regular inspections and maintenance to prevent corrosion-related failures, thus ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected models. The directive mandates inspections and actions based on specific compliance intervals, varying between aircraft operating in salt water environments and those in less corrosive conditions.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 through 400 for model G-164, 401 through 1674 for model G-164A, and 1B through 79B for model G-164B. The regulation mandates compliance with Grumman Service Bulletin 61 and requires a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the rudder main tubular spar for corrosion, with an additional requirement to seal the hole fabricated through the bottom of the rudder fitting after the inspection and corrosion inhibition. The inspection interval varies based on the operational environment of the aircraft, with a more stringent schedule for aircraft operating in salt water environments. This regulation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensures the safety of these aircraft by addressing the risk of rudder main spar failure due to corrosion.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39-105, mandate specific airworthiness directives for certain Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, notably those with serial numbers within defined ranges. Section 1 of the AD/G164/15 Amendment 1 stipulates that affected aircraft must adhere to Grumman Service Bulletin 61 and conduct a visual inspection of the rudder main tubular spar for corrosion. This includes inspecting both the interior and exterior of the spar. A critical aspect of this inspection process is sealing the hole created at the bottom of the rudder fitting during the implementation of Service Bulletin 61, after the spar inspection and corrosion inhibition have been completed.
The obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by this directive are clear. Owners and operators of Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 aeroplanes with the specified serial numbers must ensure that the actions outlined in Grumman Service Bulletin 61 are carried out. This involves not only a thorough visual inspection for corrosion but also the sealing of the aforementioned hole to prevent further deterioration. For aircraft operating in salt water environments, these actions must be completed before 31 March 1995 and repeated annually thereafter. For other aircraft, the compliance deadline is the same, but the inspection interval is extended to three years.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in these regulations can lead to significant consequences. Although the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These may include fines, aircraft grounding, and potential criminal charges for those responsible for the non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.