Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the left and right aileron and elevator actuators to determine the part and serial numbers of each actuator, repetitive inspections of suspect actuators to detect broken damper shafts, and replacement of any actuator having a broken damper shaft. This AD also requires that operators report any broken damper shaft they find to the FAA. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. This AD is prompted by reports of broken or cracked damper shafts within the aileron and elevator actuator assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken damper shafts, which could result in locking of an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-over condition), subsequent loss of aileron or elevator control, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.