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/G164/18
Amdt 1
Aileron Bellcrank - Inspection and Modification 8/82
Applicability: All models G-164B with S/Nos. 1B to 656B; G164C with S/Nos. 1C to 44C;
G-164D with S/Nos. 1D to 16D.
Document: Gulfstream American AG-CAT SB No. 75 Revision A.
Note: FAA AD 82-13-06 refers.
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, inspect initially within 100 hours time in service after 31 August 1982, and thereafter at intervals of 300 hours time in service until modified.
2. If excessive elongation is found during inspection, modify or replace the bellcrank before further flight.
Background: Conditions continue to exist whereby failure of the aileron cable attachment at the LH and RH aileron bellcrank assemblies may occur.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a crucial part of the regulatory framework ensuring safety in civil aviation within Australia. One particular regulation, AD/G164/18 Amendment 1, specifically addresses the inspection and modification requirements for the aileron bellcrank on Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address the identified problem of potential failure of the aileron cable attachment at the left and right aileron bellcrank assemblies, which could compromise the safety of these aircraft. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate regular inspections and necessary modifications to prevent such failures, thereby enhancing the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft models.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this directive to ensure that specific models of the G-164 series, identified by their serial numbers, are regularly inspected and maintained. This regulatory action follows a recommendation from Gulfstream American AG-CAT Service Bulletin No. 75 Revision A and references the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 82-13-06. The directive requires initial inspections within 100 hours of service post-August 1982, followed by periodic inspections every 300 hours until the bellcrank is modified. If excessive elongation is detected during these inspections, the bellcrank must be either modified or replaced before any further flight, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of these aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the maintenance and operational standards of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations outlines the requirements for airworthiness directives, including those pertaining to Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models G-164B with serial numbers ranging from 1B to 656B, G164C with serial numbers from 1C to 44C, and G-164D with serial numbers from 1D to 16D. The regulations mandate an initial inspection within 100 hours of service after 31 August 1982 and subsequent inspections at intervals of 300 hours of service until the specified modification is carried out. If excessive elongation is detected during inspection, the bellcrank must be modified or replaced before further flight. This directive is based on identified conditions where failure of the aileron cable attachment at the left-hand and right-hand aileron bellcrank assemblies may occur, as referenced in Gulfstream American AG-CAT Service Bulletin No. 75 Revision A and FAA AD 82-13-06. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but is intended to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards throughout Australia.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes, include Section AD/G164/18 Amendment 1, which addresses the inspection and modification of the aileron bellcrank. According to Section 1 of this directive, an initial inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1982, and subsequent inspections must occur at intervals of 300 hours time in service until the modification is completed. If during the inspection it is found that the aileron bellcrank has excessive elongation, it must be modified or replaced before the aeroplane can be flown again.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include the requirement for all operators of G-164B models with serial numbers 1B to 656B, G164C models with serial numbers 1C to 44C, and G-164D models with serial numbers 1D to 16D to adhere strictly to the inspection and modification schedules outlined in the Airworthiness Directive. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the aeroplane and its passengers. Operators must ensure that the aileron bellcranks are inspected and, if necessary, modified or replaced within the specified timeframes. This directive references the Gulfstream American AG-CAT Service Bulletin No. 75 Revision A and is also aligned with the FAA AD 82-13-06.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically regarding the inspection and modification of the aileron bellcrank as outlined in AD/G164/18 Amendment 1, can result in serious consequences. If an operator fails to conduct the required inspections or does not address any issues found during these inspections, they may face enforcement actions. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is clear that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties under Australian aviation law. Such penalties can include fines, suspension of the operator’s licence, or even prosecution, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance.