Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 126 (Thursday, July 1, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39834-39835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14575]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-204-AD; Amendment 39-13700; AD 2004-13-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra 
SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 
Westwind Astra series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes. 
This AD requires a one-time inspection of the outboard doors of the 
main landing gear (MLG) for evidence of impact with the surrounding 
structure, and for damage to the door seals and seal channels; 
measurements for adequate gaps and clearances; and related 
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent damage to or breakage of the MLG outboard doors, 
which could result in the loss of a door during flight, and consequent 
damage to the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on 
the ground. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective August 5, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 5, 2004.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP 
Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes; and Model 
Gulfstream 100 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 
3, 2004 (69 FR 24103). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection of the outboard doors of the main landing gear (MLG) for 
evidence of impact with the surrounding structure, and for damage to 
the door seals and seal channels; measurements for adequate gaps and 
clearances; and related investigative and corrective actions, if 
necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 125 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 16 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact

[[Page 39835]]

of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $130,000, or $1,040 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-13-18 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-13700. Docket 2003-NM-204-AD.
    Applicability: Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 
Westwind Astra 1125 series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 
airplanes; as listed in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, 
Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent damage to or breakage of the main landing gear (MLG) 
outboard doors, which could result in the loss of a door during 
flight, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to people 
or damage to property on the ground, accomplish the following:

Inspections and Measurements

    (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Within 250 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do general visual 
inspections of the MLG outboard doors for evidence of impact with 
the surrounding structure, measure door gap clearances, and do any 
related investigative and corrective actions, as applicable, by 
accomplishing all of the actions per Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, 
dated June 2, 2003. Do the applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions prior to further flight following the 
inspections.

    Note 1: 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 from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight 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.''

Repair of Cracks or Delamination, If Necessary

    (b) If any evidence of cracking or delamination is found on any 
MLG door during the inspection for delamination or cracking required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, repair in 
accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI) (or its 
delegated agent).

No Reply Requirement

    (c) Although the service bulletin describes procedures for 
completion and submission of a service reply card, this AD would not 
require those actions.

Actions Accomplished Per a Previous Release of the Service Bulletin

    (d) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
per Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 1, dated May 
22, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of 
compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, 
Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003. 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 National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 32-03-03-04 R3, dated June 24, 2003.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 5, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 18, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-14575 Filed 6-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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