Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13700 · Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 Airplanes
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 Airplanes
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and Westwind Astra 1125 series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes; as listed in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the outboard doors of the main landing gear (MLG) for evidence of impact with the surrounding structure, and for damage to the door seals and seal channels; measurements for adequate gaps and clearances; and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent damage to or breakage of the MLG outboard doors, which could result in the loss of a door during flight, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on the ground. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent damage to or breakage of the main landing gear (MLG) outboard doors, which could result in the loss of a door during flight, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on the ground, accomplish the following:
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do general visual inspections of the MLG outboard doors for evidence of impact with the surrounding structure, measure door gap clearances, and do any related investigative and corrective actions, as applicable, by accomplishing all of the actions per Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003. Do the applicable related investigative and corrective actions prior to further flight following the inspections.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
(b) If any evidence of cracking or delamination is found on any MLG door during the inspection for delamination or cracking required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI) (or its delegated agent).
(c) Although the service bulletin describes procedures for completion and submission of a service reply card, this AD would not require those actions.
(d) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 1, dated May 22, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli airworthiness directive 32-03-03-04 R3, dated June 24, 2003.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
