EASA AD US-2026-01-03 — Main Landing Gear - Airworthiness Limitations — Revision
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive US-2026-01-03 is a final rule issued by the FAA affecting all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. It mandates revisions to the existing maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations related to the main landing gear. This directive addresses updated safe life limits and corrected part numbers for critical components to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces more restrictive airworthiness limitations by requiring operators to update their maintenance or inspection programs with revised safe life limits and corrected part numbers for the main landing gear cross bolt. It incorporates specific sections of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 Aircraft Maintenance Manuals, Revision 18 and 14 respectively, dated March 29, 2024. The directive clarifies acceptable use of later AMM revisions if identical and does not mandate the entire AMM.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it prevents potential failure of principal structural elements in the main landing gear, which could compromise aircraft structural integrity. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain regulatory approval and ensure safety throughout the service life of these Gulfstream models. It also clarifies compliance methods and labor cost assumptions, aiding in accurate maintenance planning and budgeting.
What To Do
Affected operators must revise their maintenance or inspection programs by February 24, 2026, to incorporate the updated airworthiness limitations specified in Section 05-10-10 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 AMMs, Revision 18 and 14 respectively. Operators may use later AMM revisions if the airworthiness limitations are identical. Compliance involves approximately 90 work-hours per operator at an estimated labor rate of $85 per hour.