EASA AD US-2020-12-06
SUPERSEDED BY FAA AD 2022-02-15
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2020-12-06 is a final rule affecting all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-IV airplanes. It addresses reports of un-commanded nose wheel steering turns caused by moisture entering the nose wheel steering servo valve, which can freeze and cause unintended steering during landing. This directive mandates replacement of the nose wheel steering servo valve manifold and revisions to the airplane flight manual to mitigate this unsafe condition.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires operators to replace the nose wheel steering servo valve manifold assembly to prevent moisture ingress and freezing. It also mandates incorporating revised operating procedures into the airplane flight manual and conducting a records inspection for any prior incidents of un-commanded nose wheel steering turns, with results reported to the FAA.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because un-commanded nose wheel steering can lead to lateral runway departures, posing significant safety risks. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to ensure aircraft safety and regulatory adherence, while compliance teams need to manage documentation and reporting requirements.
What To Do
Affected operators must revise the airplane flight manual within 30 days of the directive's effective date and replace the nose wheel steering servo valve manifold as specified. They must also inspect records for any un-commanded nose wheel steering events and report findings to the FAA. The directive became effective on July 20, 2020.
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