EASA AD GA8-9-Amdt1
Wing Strut and Wing Strut Fittings - Inspection and Replacement
Summary
The Commonwealth of Australia Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive AD/GA8/9 Amendment 1 addresses inspection and replacement requirements for wing struts and wing strut fittings on all GippsAero GA8 and GA8-TC 320 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of specific GippsAero part numbers for cracks, corrosion, and damage, and requires replacement of affected parts based on serial numbers identified in GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2017-174 Issue 2. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft components.
What Changed
This amendment updates the mandatory replacement times for the GA8-570026-035 strut from 6000 hours or 3 calendar years to 9000 hours or 5 calendar years, whichever occurs first, as per the revised Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2017-174 Issue 2. It also reinforces inspection and reporting requirements and clarifies compliance timelines for replacement of affected parts. The amendment replaces the previous AD/GA8/9.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a manufacturing quality issue involving incorrect grain orientation in wing strut fittings, which could affect fatigue life and structural integrity. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential in-service failures and ensure regulatory compliance. Accurate inspections, timely reporting, and part replacements help maintain aircraft safety and operational reliability.
What To Do
Operators of GippsAero GA8 and GA8-TC 320 aeroplanes must inspect the specified wing strut and fitting parts for serial numbers listed in the relevant service bulletin and perform visual inspections for damage. All inspection results, including nil findings, must be reported to CASA and GippsAero within 24 hours. Affected parts must be replaced before exceeding the updated life limits or within 100 hours time in service or 12 months if already beyond the limit. Surface protection must be restored after inspections where paint is removed or damaged.
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