Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18844 · Flight controls
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
This AD applies to all Gulfstream Model G-1159B airplanes, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model G-1159B airplanes are also referred to by marketing designation GIIB.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159B airplanes. This AD was prompted by a review of airplane maintenance records, which revealed that incorrect rudder assemblies were installed on certain airplanes. This AD requires certain inspections, and replacement or modification of the rudder assembly if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do an inspection to determine the part number of the rudder assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. If the rudder assembly does not have P/N 1159CS20004-3, within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, verify that the rudder assembly part number recorded in the aircraft maintenance records matches the part number of the rudder assembly installed on the airplane and if the rudder assembly part number does not match, correct the aircraft maintenance records accordingly.
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, a rudder assembly having P/N 1159CS20004-3 is found, before further flight, do a general visual inspection of the middle and upper rudder hinges to determine if a one-piece or two-piece hinge is installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, and do the applicable action specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes with a one-piece hinge installed: Do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (h)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Modify the rudder assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016.
Note 2 to paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this AD: Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, refers to Gulfstream GII Aircraft Service Change Number 300, Amendment 1, dated May 21, 1984, as an additional source of guidance for accomplishment of the rudder modification.
(ii) Replace the rudder assembly with a rudder assembly that has been modified as specified in Gulfstream GII Aircraft Service Change Number 300. Do the replacement using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with a two-piece hinge installed: Re-identify the rudder assembly as having incorporated the actions in Gulfstream GII Aircraft Service Change Number 300, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016.
(1) Where Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, specifies to record the rudder part number and serial number on the service reply card, that action is not required by this AD.
(2) Where Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, specifies to contact Gulfstream for instructions on modifying the rudder assembly, this AD requires modifying the rudder assembly before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
