CUSTOMER BULLETIN

SUBJECT

ALERT 

NUMBER 21 

WINGS (ATA 57) 

INSPECTION – AFT INBOARD WING-TOFUSELAGE ATTACH FITTING 

MAY 18, 2012 
Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin No. 21 

“May 18, 2012” 

Page 1 of 3 

Wings (ATA 57), Inspection – Aft Inboard Wing-to-Fuselage Attach Fitting

I. Planning Information:

A. Effectivity: 

Gulfstream III aircraft, serial numbers 346, 355, 385 and 486 

B. Reason: 

Gulfstream released GIII ASC 229 in May of 1991 to provide a corrosion repair, without 

requiring wing de-mate, for the aft inboard attach fitting location. During a recent 

inspection, a GIII aircraft was found with a repair doubler that was trimmed beyond 

blueprint limits. Incorrect machining of the doublers results in improper mating of the 

clothes-pin fittings. The resulting excessive clearance between the structural members 

results in a change in load path and reduced structural strength of the assembly below 

certified limits. As a result of reduced strength, catastrophic failure of the aircraft may 

result. The above aircraft have been identified as having ASC 229 installed with the 

potential to have this condition. 

C. Description: 

This alert customer bulletin is a one-time action to inspect the aft inboard wing-tofuselage attach fitting doubler plate. 

Note: All ASC references in this document are intended to be inclusive of any 

amendments or revisions unless otherwise stated. 

D. Compliance: 

Compliance with this alert customer bulletin is required before further flight. 

E. Approval: 

This alert customer bulletin has been FAA approved as this issue is the subject of FAA 

Airworthiness action. It does not contain any modification information nor revise the 

approved configuration and as such does not require any other regulatory approval.

F. Manpower: 

Inspection - 2 man-hours per side 

G. Material: 

None 

H. References: 

GIII Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Chapter 57 
Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin No. 21 

“May 18, 2012” 

Page 2 of 3 

I. Tooling/Equipment: 

Standard aircraft maintenance tools 

J. Warranty Coverage:

None 

K. Weight and Balance: 

N/A 

II. Accomplishment Instructions:

CAUTION: PROTECT WIRE BUNDLES, CONNECTORS AND SURROUNDING 

STRUCTURE DURING ANY MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE FROM SHAVINGS, 

DEBRIS AND CONTAMINATION. MAINTAIN A PROPERLY CLEANED WORK 

AREA THROUGHOUT THE PROCEDURE TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF 

THE AFFECTED COMPONENT / SYSTEM. VISUALLY INSPECT WORK AREA 

USING ADDITIONAL LIGHT AS NECESSARY TO VERIFY ABSENCE OF ANY 

DEBRIS PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF PROCEDURE. FAILURE TO COMPLY 

MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS AND / OR SYSTEMS.

A. Prepare aircraft for safe maintenance as follows: 

1. Remove electrical power, turn all cockpit switches off and disconnect battery quick 

disconnects. 

B. Gain access to the left and right wing aft inboard attach fittings and proceed as follows: 

1. If necessary, remove any fillet seal from around the seal plate / doubler and 

clothespin fitting. 

2. Inspect the clearance (gap) of exposed rounded portion of the clothespin fitting 

between the chromed area of the fitting and the doubler (see Figure 1). Cumulative 

measurements of Gaps A and B must not exceed 0.0046” maximum. If clearance 

exceeds 0.0046 inch contact Gulfstream Customer Support at 800-810-GULF or 

912-965-4178 for further assistance. Record measurements in the Comments 

section of the attached Service Reply Card. 

3. Clean the attach fitting area of all debris. If the fillet seal was removed reapply per 

GIII AMM Chapter 57. 

C. Ensure work area is clean and clear of foreign objects (FOD). 

D. Record compliance with this alert customer bulletin in the aircraft’s permanent 

maintenance records and return aircraft to flight status. 

E. Fax a copy of the Service Reply Card with measurements found to Gulfstream Customer 

Support at 912-963-0219. 
Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin No. 21 

“May 18, 2012” 

Page 3 of 3 

F. Report compliance with this alert customer bulletin to Gulfstream Computerized 

Maintenance Program (CMP) via electronic transmittal or fill out and fax the attached 

service reply card. 

If technical assistance is required, contact your area Gulfstream Field Service Representative or call 

Gulfstream Customer Support at 800-810-GULF (4853) or 912-965-4178 (fax 912-965-4184). 

View Looking Forward, Right Wing Inboard Fitting 

(Inset View, Cutaway of Pin, Wing plank and Doubler) 

Figure 1

Doubler 

Clothespin 

Fitting

Cumulative Measurements of Gaps A and B 

between chromed area and doubler must not 

exceed 0.0046” Maximum 

Wing Plank 

Seal Plate 

(Not shown in inset) 

Gap A Gap B 
Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin No. 21 

“May 18, 2012” 

Customer Bulletin prepared by Gulfstream Aerospace, 500 Gulfstream Road, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206, USA. 

© 2012 Gulfstream Aerospace 

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this publication. No part may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any part or form or 

by any means, electronic, photocopying, microfilm, microfiche, mechanical, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Gulfstream Aerospace. 

This technical data is controlled under the Export Administration Regulations by General License TSU. It may not be transferred to a third party 

without the prior written approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

GA 611A 2/97 

Service Reply Card 

Please fax this page to Gulfstream CMP at 800-944-1775 or 912-963-0265. 

The following Alert Customer Bulletin (ACB) has been addressed: 

CB Number A/C A/C Type Compliance Date 

990210 GIII 

Aircraft Hours 

Aircraft Landings 

This Alert Customer Bulletin is not applicable because: 

Serial Number not affected 

Appliance not installed 

______Previously complied with (annotate method of compliance below) 

 

Signature Title/Certificate Number Company 

Comments / Suggestions: 

Right Side Pin: Inboard Gap _______ Outboard Gap _______ 

Left Side Pin: Inboard Gap _______ Outboard Gap _______