AD/G21/3 - Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attachment and Strut Upper Terminal - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B10117, addresses specific maintenance requirements for the Grumman G21 (Goose) Series aeroplanes to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislation was introduced to address the need for regular and rigorous inspection of critical components, particularly the horizontal stabiliser forward attachment fittings and the upper terminal of the stabiliser strut. The policy objective behind this directive is to prevent structural failures that could lead to catastrophic accidents, thereby enhancing the overall safety standards within the civil aviation sector. Compliance with these inspection intervals, mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of these aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates stringent safety standards for all aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction, including the Grumman G21 (Goose) Series Aeroplanes as outlined in AD/G21/3. This legislation applies to all models of these aeroplanes and requires rigorous inspections of the horizontal stabiliser forward attachment fittings and the upper terminal of the stabiliser strut. The inspections must be conducted visually, focusing on the detection of any cracks extending radially from the outside edge of the lugs to the inside of the hole into which the shoulder bushings are pressed. These inspections are mandated both initially before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness and periodically thereafter, with checks required at intervals not exceeding 50 hours and 100 hours of time in service respectively. The regulations are applicable across the entire Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and are reinforced by FAA AD 53-24-1 Amendment 39-1264. This regulatory framework ensures the continued safety and airworthiness of the Grumman G21 Series Aeroplanes operating within Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness directives for the Grumman G21 (Goose) Series Aeroplanes through AD/G21/3. This directive mandates a critical inspection of the horizontal stabiliser forward attachment fittings, namely P/Nos. 12548 and 12093, as well as the upper terminal P/N 12561-1 of the stabiliser strut P/N 12560. The inspection requirement is to visually check for any cracks that extend radially from the outside edge of the lugs to the inside of the hole where the shoulder bushings are pressed. This directive ensures that the inspection is performed initially before the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 50 hours for the forward attachment fittings and 100 hours for the upper terminal strut. The obligations imposed by this regulation require operators of Grumman G21 Series Aeroplanes to adhere to the specified inspection intervals. The inspections must be conducted meticulously to ensure the safety of the aircraft's horizontal stabiliser and its associated struts. The operators are responsible for maintaining detailed records of these inspections and ensuring that any detected defects are promptly addressed in accordance with the established maintenance protocols. This is essential to uphold the airworthiness of the aircraft and to comply with the regulatory standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the inspection requirements and the timely rectification of any detected defects may result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential criminal charges against the operators or responsible personnel. The specific penalties may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but they can include substantial financial penalties and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is empowered to take appropriate enforcement actions to ensure adherence to these critical safety directives, thereby protecting the safety of all those involved in aviation activities.