Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Galaxy Airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 3, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15717-15719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7750]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-65-AD; Amendment 39-12696; AD 2002-07-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
Galaxy Airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 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 Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Galaxy 
airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 series airplanes. This action 
requires repetitive inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) 
actuators for leakage of hydraulic fluid, a one-time inspection of the 
MLG actuators for internal abrasions or scratches, and replacement of 
the MLG actuator with a new or serviceable or new, improved actuator, 
if necessary. This action also provides an optional terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to prevent 
failure of an MLG actuator to fully extend and retract, which could 
prevent proper engagement of the downlock mechanism and result in 
collapse of the MLG during landing. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective April 18, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 18, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 3, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-65-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-65-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, notified the 
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd., Model Galaxy airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 
series airplanes. The CAAI advises of an incident in which the main 
landing gear (MLG) would not lock in the ``up'' or ``down'' position. 
Although the airplane landed safely, the MLG remained unlocked. 
Investigation revealed severe internal abrasion of an MLG actuator, 
which caused metal chips to accumulate in the MLG actuator, preventing 
full travel of the actuator piston and proper engagement of the 
downlock mechanism. The severe abrasion has been attributed to metal-
to-metal contact between the MLG actuator and piston. Subsequent to the 
original report, similar conditions have been found on several other 
airplanes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of 
an MLG actuator to fully extend and retract, which could prevent proper 
engagement of the downlock mechanism and result in collapse of the MLG 
during landing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Israel Aircraft Industries has issued Galaxy Alert Service Bulletin 
GALAXY-32A-125, Revision 1, dated February 4, 2002, which describes 
procedures for repetitive visual inspections of the left and right MLG 
actuators for leakage of hydraulic fluid, and a one-time detailed 
inspection of the MLG actuators for internal abrasions or scratches. If 
leakage of hydraulic fluid or internal abrasions or scratches outside 
certain limits specified in the service bulletin are found on the MLG 
actuator, the service bulletin specifies that the existing MLG actuator 
be replaced with either a new, improved actuator, or a new or 
serviceable actuator that has been inspected for and is without 
internal abrasions or scratches. Replacement of existing MLG actuators 
with new, improved actuators eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections. The CAAI classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued Israeli emergency airworthiness directive 32-02-01-24, dated 
February 13, 2002, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of these type designs that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type designs registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the 
MLG actuator to fully extend and retract, which could prevent proper 
engagement of the downlock mechanism and result in collapse of the MLG 
during landing. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as 
discussed below. This AD also provides for an optional replacement of 
the existing MLG actuators with new, improved actuators, which ends the 
repetitive inspections.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The FAA is currently

[[Page 15718]]

considering requiring the replacement of the existing MLG actuators 
with new, improved actuators, which will end the repetitive inspections 
required by this AD. However, the planned compliance time for the 
replacement is sufficiently long so that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment will be practicable.

Differences Between This AD, the Service Bulletin, and the Foreign 
AD

    This AD differs from the service bulletin and the parallel Israeli 
emergency airworthiness directive described previously in the following 
ways:
    <bullet> The service bulletin and Israeli emergency airworthiness 
directive specify that the initial inspection for hydraulic leakage 
must be performed before the next flight. However, this AD specifies 
that the initial inspection must be done within 3 days after the 
effective date of this AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time 
for this AD, the FAA considered not only the CAAI's recommendation, but 
the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, and the average utilization of the affected fleet. In light 
of these factors, the FAA finds a 3-day compliance time for completing 
the required actions to be warranted, in that it represents an 
appropriate interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to 
continue to operate without compromising safety.
    <bullet> The service bulletin and Israeli emergency airworthiness 
directive specify that the inspection for leakage of hydraulic fluid 
must be done before each flight for 100 flights (flight cycles), at 
which time the MLG actuators must be replaced with new, improved 
actuators. This AD provides for such replacement as an option that, if 
accomplished, ends the required repetitive inspections. As explained 
previously in the ``Interim Action'' section of this AD, the FAA is 
currently considering requiring the replacement of existing MLG 
actuators with new, improved actuators. Since this AD does not require 
such replacement, this AD requires the repetitive inspections for 
leakage to continue until the replacement with new, improved MLG 
actuators is done.

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. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications 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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    <bullet> Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    <bullet> For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    <bullet> Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NM-65-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:

2002-07-02  Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-12696. 
Docket 2002-NM-65-AD.

    Applicability: Model Galaxy airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 003 
through 057 inclusive.

    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 (e) 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.

[[Page 15719]]

    To prevent failure of a main landing gear (MLG) actuator to 
fully extend and retract, which could prevent proper engagement of 
the downlock mechanism and result in collapse of the MLG during 
landing, accomplish the following:

Inspections

    (a) Do the inspections in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
AD, according to Galaxy (Israel Aircraft Industries) Alert Service 
Bulletin GALAXY-32A-125, Revision 1, dated February 4, 2002.
    (1) Within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of the left and right MLG actuators for 
leakage of hydraulic fluid. Repeat this inspection before each 
flight, until paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (2) Within 15 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
do a one-time detailed inspection of the left and right MLG 
actuators for internal abrasions or scratches.

    Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Replacement

    (b) If leakage of hydraulic fluid or an internal abrasion or 
scratch outside the limits specified in Galaxy (Israel Aircraft 
Industries) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-32A-125, Revision 1, dated 
February 4, 2002, is found on either MLG actuator during any 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further 
flight, replace the discrepant MLG actuator with a new, improved 
actuator, or with a new or serviceable actuator that has been 
inspected for and is without internal abrasions or scratches, 
according to the service bulletin. Replacement of the existing MLG 
actuator with a new, improved actuator ends the repetitive 
inspections of that actuator.

Optional Terminating Action

    (c) Replacement of the existing left and right MLG actuators 
with new, improved actuators having part number 4AS2521010-507 (left 
side) or -508 (right side), as applicable, according to Galaxy 
(Israel Aircraft Industries) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-32A-125, 
Revision 1, dated February 4, 2002, ends the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.

Spares

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an MLG actuator with part number 4AS2521010-505 (left side) or -506 
(right side) on any airplane, unless it has been inspected according 
to paragraph (a)(2) of this AD and found to be without any internal 
abrasion or scratch outside the limits specified in Galaxy (Israel 
Aircraft Industries) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-32A-125, Revision 
1, dated February 4, 2002.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Galaxy (Israel 
Aircraft Industries) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-32A-125, Revision 
1, dated February 4, 2002. 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, Mail Station D25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli emergency 
airworthiness directive 32-02-01-24, dated February 13, 2002.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on April 18, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 25, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-7750 Filed 4-2-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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