Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13824 · Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV Series Airplanes
Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV Series Airplanes
This AD applies to all Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the left and right aileron and elevator actuators to determine the part and serial numbers of each actuator, repetitive inspections of suspect actuators to detect broken damper shafts, and replacement of any actuator having a broken damper shaft. This AD also requires that operators report any broken damper shaft they find to the FAA. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. This AD is prompted by reports of broken or cracked damper shafts within the aileron and elevator actuator assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken damper shafts, which could result in locking of an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-over condition), subsequent loss of aileron or elevator control, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Note 1: This AD refers to certain portions of Gulfstream alert customer bulletins for applicability and inspection information. In addition, this AD specifies inspection requirements beyond those included in the alert customer bulletins. Where the AD and the alert customer bulletins differ, the AD prevails.
The term “alert customer bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the Gulfstream alert customer bulletins, as applicable, specified in Table 1 of this AD. Although the applicable alert customer bulletin recommends completing and submitting the Service Reply Card or reporting compliance with the applicable alert customer bulletin, those actions are not required by this AD.
| For model— | Alert customer bulletin— | Revision— | Dated— |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-1159 and G-1159B series airplanes | Gulfstream GII/GIIB Alert Customer Bulletin 29A | A | August 23, 2004. |
| G-1159A series airplanes | Gulfstream GIII Alert Customer Bulletin 15A | A | August 23, 2004. |
| G-IV series airplanes | Gulfstream G300 Alert Customer Bulletin 32A | A | August 23, 2004. |
| G-IV series airplanes | Gulfstream G400 Alert Customer Bulletin 32A | A | August 23, 2004. |
| G-IV series airplanes | Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin 32A | A | August 23, 2004. |
Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection of the left and right aileron and elevator actuators to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of each actuator, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 ensure visual access to all 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.”
For any actuator identified during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD with a P/N and S/N listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin, and for actuators for which the P/N and/or S/N were missing or unreadable: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of each identified actuator to detect a broken damper shaft, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin.
Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
(1) If no damper shaft is found broken: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
(2) If any damper shaft is found broken: Before further flight, do the action specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin.
(i) Replace the actuator with a new or serviceable actuator having a P/N and S/N listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin, provided the new or serviceable actuator has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
(ii) Replace the actuator with a new or serviceable actuator having a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin. This replacement terminates the requirements of this AD for that actuator only.
(i) Replacement of all suspect actuators with new or serviceable actuators having a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin terminates the requirements of this AD.
Submit a report of any broken damper shafts to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; fax (770) 703-6097. The report must be done at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection date, the airplane model and S/N, the actuator position (left or right aileron or elevator), and the actuator P/N and S/N. Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an aileron or elevator actuator having a P/N and S/N specified in the applicable alert customer bulletin, on any airplane, unless the actuator has been inspected according to paragraph (h) of this AD.
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.
