AD 2021-17-14 Requires Non-Destructive Testing On The Forward (Front) Spar Vertical Stiffener

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G280 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report that during fullscale fatigue testing, a crack was found in the area of the attachment of the wing rib 0 to the front spar. This AD requires non-destructive testing on the forward (front) spar vertical stiffener and rib 0 for any cracking, installation of a doubler to the forward (front) spar and rib 0 attachment, and repair if necessary, as specified in a Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective October 14, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The CAAI, which is the aviation authority for Israel, has issued CAAI AD I-57-2020-06-01, dated January 27, 2021 (CAAI AD I-57-2020-06-01) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G280 airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G280 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2021 (86 FR 30819). The NPRM was prompted by a report that during full-scale fatigue testing, a crack was found in the area of the attachment of the wing rib 0 to the front spar. The NPRM proposed to require non-destructive testing on the forward (front) spar vertical stiffener and rib 0 for any cracking, installation of a doubler to the forward (front) spar and rib 0 attachment, and repair if necessary, as specified in CAAI AD I-57-2020-06-01.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address any cracking at the area of the wing rib 0 to the front spar, which could affect the structural integrity of the wing. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov