AD 2020-17-09 Due To Unsafe Condition As A Design Change To The Fuselage Strut Pick Up Ribs No. 5 And 6

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Models GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a design change to the fuselage strut pick up ribs No. 5 and 6 that requires a reduced life limit. The FAA is issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective September 29, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Models GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 12, 2019 (84 FR 39782). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on MCAI originated by an aviation authority of another country. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the aviation authority for Australia, issued AD No. AD/GA8/10, dated October 17, 2018 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), which states:

Airworthiness Limitations are promulgated in the GippsAero Service Manual [Airworthiness Limitations Section] ALS Chapter 4 Airworthiness Limitations. The change to the Airworthiness Limitations by GippsAero on 15 May 2018 was the result of the manufacturer changing the design of the fuselage strut pick up ribs no. 5 and 6. The revised rib designs have a different life limitation to the earlier rib designs. These Airworthiness Limitations are approved by CASA and non-compliance with these limitations could result in an unsafe condition developing. The Service Manual Chapter 4 Airworthiness Limitations dated 15 May 2018 are mandatory in Australia however foreign National Aviation Authorities may not automatically require revision of service manuals without the issue of this AD.

While the U.S. type certificate holder is GA8 Airvan C/O GippsAero, service manuals for the GA8 and GA8-TC320 model airplanes are issued by GippsAero.

FMI: www.regulations.gov, www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2019-0615-0002