EASA SIB CE-09-37R1: True Flight Aerospace LLC (Grumman American) Model AA-5 Horizontal Stabilizer Forward Spar Attachment

What to do

Operators and maintenance personnel should perform detailed visual inspections of the horizontal stabilizer forward spar attachment structure and surrounding aft fuselage area in accordance with True Flight Aerospace Critical Service Bulletin SB-192 dated August 20, 2009. Inspections should be conducted at every annual or 100-hour inspection and after any hard landing, tail strike, or notable impact to the tail area. If cracks or deformation are found, reporting to the FAA via a Malfunction or Defect Report is encouraged.

Summary

The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB CE-09-37R1 issued by the FAA Aircraft Certification Service addresses an issue with the horizontal stabilizer forward spar attachment and surrounding structure in the aft fuselage area of True Flight Aerospace LLC (Grumman American) Model AA-5 airplanes. This bulletin provides updated information including the addition of True Flight Aerospace Critical Service Bulletin SB-192 dated August 20, 2009. The bulletin is informational and does not mandate regulatory action under 14 CFR part 39.

What changed

SAIB CE-09-37R1 revises the original SAIB CE-09-37 by adding the True Flight Aerospace Critical Service Bulletin SB-192 dated August 20, 2009. This update reflects findings of cracked and deformed structure in the horizontal stabilizer forward spar attachment area discovered during inspections of multiple AA-5 airplanes. The revision encourages more detailed inspections based on the new service bulletin.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for owners, operators, and maintenance personnel of True Flight Aerospace Model AA-5 airplanes because it highlights a potential structural concern in the horizontal stabilizer forward spar attachment area. Early detection of cracks or deformation can prevent further damage and maintain aircraft structural integrity. Although not currently an unsafe condition requiring mandatory action, awareness and proactive inspections help ensure continued airworthiness and safety.