AD/G21/4 - Rudder Control Push-Rod Assembly P/N 12727-1 - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to establish and enforce standards for civil aviation safety within the country. One specific piece of legislation, F2006B10118, pertains to the Grumman G21 (Goose) Series Aeroplanes and addresses the issue of rudder control push-rod assembly maintenance. This regulation was introduced to ensure the structural integrity and safe operation of these aircraft by mandating thorough inspections of the rudder control push-rod assembly. The policy objective is to prevent potential failures in the rudder control system, thereby enhancing flight safety and reducing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failure. Compliance with these directives is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of the Grumman G21 (Goose) Series Aeroplanes, ensuring they meet the stringent safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, mandate specific airworthiness directives for certain aircraft, including the Grumman G21 (Goose) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation specifically applies to all models within this series and sets forth mandatory inspections for the rudder control push-rod assembly P/N 12727-1. The directive requires the removal of the specified push rod assembly, which is situated below the pilot’s compartment floor approximately 240 mm to the right of the aircraft centre line, and mandates a thorough cleaning and inspection of both rod end fittings for any cracks using a dye penetrant technique with a magnifying glass. This inspection must occur initially before the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This legislation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring compliance across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific safety directives for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/G21/4, pertains to the Grumman G21 (Goose) series aeroplanes and requires the inspection of the rudder control push-rod assembly, part number 12727-1 (section 10/77). The directive outlines a clear process: the assembly must be removed, thoroughly cleaned, and inspected for any cracks using a dye penetrant technique, aided by a magnifying glass with at least 10x magnification. This assembly is located below the pilot’s compartment floor, approximately 240 mm to the right of the aircraft's centre line. These provisions are imperative for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the Grumman G21 series aeroplanes. The regulations necessitate that the inspection of the rudder control push-rod assembly occurs initially before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness. Furthermore, this inspection must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The intention behind these requirements is to ensure that any potential defects are identified and rectified promptly, thus preventing in-flight failures that could compromise safety. In terms of compliance, the regulations impose clear obligations on the operators of Grumman G21 series aeroplanes. They must ensure that the rudder control push-rod assembly P/N 12727-1 is inspected and maintained according to the stipulated intervals. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious safety risks, as the assembly's integrity is crucial for the effective operation of the rudder controls. The directive references FAA AD 63-27-2 Amendment 655, indicating that the inspection methodology is consistent with broader international safety standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with the specified airworthiness directives. However, failure to adhere to these regulations could lead to significant civil or criminal consequences, including the potential grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the resulting risks to aviation safety. Operators must therefore ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid any adverse consequences.