Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22742 · Electrical power system wiring
GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes
This AD applies to GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 airplanes, all serial numbers up to and including GA8-20-262; and Model GA8-TC320 airplanes, all serial numbers up to and including GA8-TC 320-20-261; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. This AD is prompted by reports of insufficient electrical bonding of the solenoid (relay) box assembly that could result in degraded performance, errors, or intermittent failures of equipment connected to electrical Bus 1, Bus 2, associated electrical control, and protective devices fitted within or attached to the solenoid box. This AD requires inspecting for an existing wire connecting the relay box earth point to the ground power socket, and if one is not present, installing a mechanical connection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect for a mechanical connection between the relay box earth point to the ground power socket in accordance with Part A, steps 1. through 4. of the Accomplishment Instructions in GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1, dated February 24, 2023 (GippsAero SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1), except where step 4. specifies to proceed to the Documentation section to update the airplane logbook, that action is not specifically required by this AD.
(2) If no mechanical connection between the relay box earth point to the ground power socket is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, install a mechanical connection in accordance with Part B, steps 1. through 3. of the Accomplishment Instructions in GippsAero SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1.
