EASA AD US-2021-15-03
Wings - Flap Yoke Fitting Assemblies - Replacement / Life Limit
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2021-15-03 addresses certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 airplanes. This directive mandates replacement of flap inboard and outboard yoke fitting assemblies and establishes a 20,000 flight cycle life limit for specific flap yoke fitting part numbers. It aims to prevent flap yoke fitting failure that could lead to asymmetric flap positions and potential loss of airplane control.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement to replace the flap yoke fitting assemblies on affected Gulfstream GVII-G500 airplanes and to update the Airworthiness Limitations section to include a 20,000 flight cycle life limit for the fittings. It also clarifies compliance steps and limits the required actions to specific steps labeled as Required for Compliance in the related service change document.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a structural fatigue issue that could cause flap failure during flight, posing a significant safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely replacement and life limit tracking to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent potential loss of control. Compliance with this AD ensures continued safe operation of the affected Gulfstream GVII-G500 fleet.
What To Do
Operators of Gulfstream GVII-G500 airplanes with serial numbers 72001 through 72085 must replace the flap yoke fitting assemblies within 24 months or 500 flight cycles from August 26, 2021, whichever occurs first. Additionally, they must revise the Airworthiness Limitations section to establish a 20,000 flight cycle life limit for the specified flap yoke fitting part numbers within 24 months of the effective date.
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