AD 92-06-08

92-06-08 GULFSTREAM AMERICAN: Amendment 39-8188; Docket No. 91-CE-66-AD.

Applicability: Model GA-7 airplanes (serial numbers GA7-0001 through GA7-0115), certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent elevator binding and loss of pitch control, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Dye penetrant inspect the elevator spar between stabilizer station 41.0 and 45.0 for cracks by accomplishing paragraphs A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2, and B-3 of the MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS in the instructions for GA-7/Cougar Aircraft Service Kit No. 12, referenced by American General Service Bulletin ME-1A, dated February 21, 1991.

(1) If cracks are found that extend inboard from station 41.0, outboard of station 45.0, or into the spar caps, prior to further flight, replace the elevator and accomplish the following:

(i) Install Service Kit No. 12 by accomplishing paragraphs B-5 through B-20 of the MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS in the instructions for GA-7/Cougar Aircraft Service Kit No. 12, referenced by American General Service Bulletin ME-1A, dated February 21, 1991.

(ii) Balance the new elevator in accordance with Gulfstream American Model GA-7 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-1-1.

(iii) Install the new elevator in accordance with Gulfstream American Model GA-7 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-3-1.

(2) If cracks are found that do not extend inboard from station 41.0, outboard of station 45.0, or into the spar caps, prior to further flight, accomplish the following:

(i) Stop drill any cracks found.

(ii) Install Service Kit No. 12 by accomplishing paragraphs B-5 through B-20 of the MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS in the instructions for GA-7/Cougar Aircraft Service Kit No. 12, referenced by American General Service Bulletin ME-1A, dated February 21, 1991.

(iii) Balance the elevator in accordance with Gulfstream American Model GA-7 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-1-1.

(iv) Reinstall the elevator in accordance with Gulfstream American Model GA-7 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-3-1.

(3) If no cracks are found, prior to further flight, accomplish the following:

(i) Install Service Kit No. 12 by accomplishing paragraphs B-5 through B-20 of the MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS in the instructions for GA-7/Cougar Aircraft Service Kit No. 12, referenced by American General Service Bulletin ME-1A, dated February 21, 1991.

(ii) Balance the elevator in accordance with Gulfstream American Model GA-7 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-1-1.

(iii) Reinstall the elevator in accordance with Gulfstream American Model GA-7 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-3-1.

(b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1669 Phoenix Parkway, Suite 210C, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

(d) The inspection and installation required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the instructions contained in GA-7/Cougar Aircraft Service Kit No. 12, referenced by American General Service Bulletin ME-1A, dated February 21, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from American General Aircraft Corporation, Route 1, AB 306, P.O. Box 5757, Greenville, Mississippi 38703. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street, NW; Room 8401, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment (39-8188) becomes effective on April 17, 1992.