AD NUMBER: 2019-07-08

PRODUCT: GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and Model GA8-TC320 airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: 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 certain wing strut fittings manufactured with incorrect grain orientation, which has an unknown effect on fatigue related concerns.

DATES: This AD is effective May 23, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 50 airplanes of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. It would take about 8 work-hours and $200 for parts to do the initial inspections of this AD, for a cost of $880 per airplane. It would take about 5 work-hours and $200 for parts to do the repetitive inspections, for a cost of $625 per airplane per inspection cycle.

In addition, The FAA estimates that replacing the struts and strut fittings would take about 10 workhours and require parts costing $7,000, for a cost of $7,850 per airplane . Reporting the inspection findings would require about 1 work-hour, for a cost of $85 per airplane and $4,250 per inspection cycle. According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals.

FMI: AD