Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-IV Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 73 (Friday, April 14, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20072-20073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-8991]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-82-AD; Amendment 39-11680; AD 2000-07-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-IV Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV series airplanes. This 
action requires modification of the power feeder cable assemblies of 
the left and right engine alternators. This amendment is prompted by an 
incident of an in-flight engine fire on a Model G-IV series airplane 
due to chafing of the power feeder cable assembly of an engine 
alternator. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
interference and chafing between the alternator power feeder cables and 
adjacent structure, which could result in an electrical short circuit 
and consequent fire ignition source in the engine compartment.

DATES: Effective May 1, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 1, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 13, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-82-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, M/S D-10, Savannah, 
Georgia 31402-9980. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berryman, Aerospace Engineer; 
ACE-118A, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6098; fax (770) 703-
6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that an in-flight engine fire occurred on a Gulfstream Model G-IV 
series airplane. Inspection revealed that the fire was contained within 
the engine nacelle. Further investigation indicated the ignition source 
of the fire to be an alternator power feeder cable chafing against the 
Approach Idle Solenoid fuel line. Such chafing, if not corrected, could 
result in an electrical short circuit that could spark and ignite a 
fire in the engine compartment.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin 
No. 112, dated February 15, 2000, and Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change No. 410, dated February 11, 2000. The customer bulletin 
references the aircraft service change, which describes procedures for 
modification of the power feeder cable assemblies of the left and right 
engine alternators. Modification procedures include replacing the 
cables, rerouting the cables to ensure adequate clearance between the 
cables and adjacent structure, and ensuring that the cables are 
properly connected to the terminals and that torque values are within 
specified limits. Procedures also include installing additional 
brackets and clamps to secure the cables and eliminate slack in the 
cables.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Gulfstream Model G-IV series airplanes of the 
same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent interference and 
chafing between the alternator feeder cables and adjacent structure, 
which could result in an electrical short circuit and consequent fire 
ignition source in the engine compartment. This AD requires modifying 
the power feeder cable assemblies of the left and right engine 
alternators. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the service information described previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Com- munications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All commu- nications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

[[Page 20073]]

submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-82-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-07-25  Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-11680. 
Docket 2000-NM-82-AD.

    Applicability: Model G-IV series airplanes, serial numbers 1000 
through 1404 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent interference and chafing between the alternator power 
feeder cables and adjacent structure, which could result in an 
electrical short circuit and consequent fire ignition source in the 
engine compartment, accomplish the following:

Modification

    (a) Within 150 total flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable, in accordance with Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin No. 
112, dated February 15, 2000, and Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change No. 410, dated February 11, 2000.
    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 1000 through 1384 
inclusive: Accomplish paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD 
for the left and right engines, in accordance with Paragraphs B. and 
C. of the Modification Instructions of the aircraft service change.
    (i) Replace the alternator power feeder cables with new cables, 
and reroute the cables.
    (ii) Install additional brackets and clamps.

    Note 2: On some airplanes, some of the actions described in the 
aircraft service change were accomplished prior to the effective 
date of this AD. On these airplanes, these actions are not required 
to be repeated, as allowed by the phrase, ``unless accomplished 
previously.'' However, any action described in the aircraft service 
change that has not been accomplished on these airplanes must be 
accomplished in accordance with this paragraph.

    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 1385 through 1404 
inclusive: Accomplish paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) on the 
right engine in accordance with paragraph D. of the Modification 
Instructions of the aircraft service change.
    (i) Install a bracket and spacer.
    (ii) Reroute the alternator power feeder cables.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream IV 
Customer Bulletin No. 112, dated February 15, 2000; and Gulfstream 
IV Aircraft Service Change No. 410, dated February 11, 2000, as 
applicable. (NOTE: The issue date of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change No. 410 is indicated only on the cover page of the document; 
no other page of this document is dated.) This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, M/S 
D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, 
suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 1, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-8991 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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