AD/AA-5/5 - Elevator Trim Tab Hinge - Inspection - CANCELLED

What this does: This document officially cancels a 1973 aircraft safety rule (called an Airworthiness Directive or AD) that required inspections of the elevator trim tab hinge on specific light aircraft. The original rule was issued to ensure there was enough metal surrounding bolt holes in the hinge to prevent structural failure.

Who it affects: Owners and operators of Gulfstream (Grumman American/American Aviation) AA-5 series aeroplanes—a type of light, single-engine aircraft.

Why it matters: The original 1973 directive gave aircraft owners 100 hours of flying time after 31 May 1973 to complete the inspection. Because this deadline passed decades ago, every affected aircraft would have already complied. This cancellation formally removes the obsolete requirement as of 4 June 2009, cleaning up the regulations without affecting safety.