AD/GY80/6 - Aileron and Elevator Control Gimbal Joints - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australian airspace. Among these regulations, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives which are crucial in maintaining the safety standards for aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/GY80/6, focuses on the inspection of aileron and elevator control gimbal joints for Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the need for regular maintenance and inspection of critical components to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. By setting a compliance timeline within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1974, the policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew and maintaining the integrity of the national aviation system.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/GY80/6 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models within this series and mandates a specific inspection of the aileron and elevator control gimbal joints. The directive is issued in compliance with Sud Aviation Service Bulletin No. 35 and requires that the specified inspection is conducted within 100 hours of time in service following 30 April 1974. The scope of this regulation encompasses all entities operating Aerospatiale GY 80 series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards established by CASA. This directive extends to all operators and owners of these aircraft, ensuring that maintenance and operational safety standards are uniformly upheld across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) relating to the Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes, which is detailed in AD/GY80/6 (paragraph 1). This AD mandates the inspection of aileron and elevator control gimbal joints, referencing Sud Aviation Service Bulletin No. 35. The inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service following 30 April 1974. The obligations imposed by this directive require operators of Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes to ensure that the specified inspections are conducted in a timely and thorough manner. The regulations demand adherence to the procedures outlined in Sud Aviation Service Bulletin No. 35, which includes detailed inspection protocols and requirements. Operators must keep precise records of these inspections to demonstrate compliance with the AD. Failure to conduct the required inspections within the stipulated timeframe could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from being operated until the issue is resolved (paragraph 2). Failure to comply with the AD/GY80/6 provisions can lead to several consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose civil penalties for non-compliance. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, CASA may issue a Direction to the operator to address any non-compliance. For serious breaches, CASA can suspend or cancel the aeroplane's certificate of airworthiness. Additionally, the operator may face financial penalties, including fines, and legal actions that could result in criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to safety incidents (paragraph 3). The maximum penalties for such offences are not explicitly stated in the AD but can be severe, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives.