Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 213 (Thursday, November 4, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64255-64258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24519]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19492; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-200-AD; 
Amendment 39-13844; AD 2004-22-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP series airplanes. This AD 
requires a one-time general visual inspection for contact or 
insufficient clearance between the crew oxygen bottle/supports and any 
wiring harness, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, adjusting the 
wiring harness to obtain a minimum clearance between the crew oxygen 
bottle and wiring, and applying Teflon sheeting, as applicable; and for 
certain other airplanes, reworking certain wiring bundles. This AD is 
prompted by reports of insufficient clearance between certain wiring 
harnesses and the crew oxygen bottle on several in-production and in-
service airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the 
electrical wires of the wiring harness against the crew oxygen bottle, 
which could result in electrical shorting and possible fire in the 
underfloor structure of the airplane.

DATES: Effective November 19, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
November 19, 2004.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 3, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-10, Savannah, 
Georgia 31402-9980. You can examine this information 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.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket 
number is FAA-2004-19492; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-200-AD.

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Examining the Dockets

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT

[[Page 64256]]

street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Technical information: Gerald Avella, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, 
Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6066; fax (770) 703-6097.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports indicating that 
insufficient clearance was found between certain wiring harnesses and 
the crew oxygen bottle on several in-production and in-service 
Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP series airplanes. Interference between 
the wiring harness and crew oxygen bottle could cause chafing of the 
electrical wires of the wiring harness and consequent electrical 
shorting. Electrical shorting, if not prevented, could result in a fire 
in the underfloor structure of the airplane.

Other Related AD

    On August 26, 1998, we issued AD 98-18-15, amendment 39-10731 (63 
FR 46870, September 3, 1998), which addresses the same unsafe condition 
as this AD. AD 98-18-15 is applicable to certain other Gulfstream Model 
GV series airplanes (serial numbers 501 through 549 inclusive) that are 
not included in the applicability of this AD. That AD currently 
requires a one-time inspection to measure the clearance between a 
certain wiring harness and the crew oxygen bottle; corrective actions, 
if necessary; and eventual relocation of the crew oxygen bottle and 
rework of the lines and tubing associated with the crew and passenger 
oxygen bottles.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the following customer bulletins:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Alert customer bulletin--                  Revision level--                          Date--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream GV Alert Customer Bulletin   Original...........................  September 13, 2004.
 21 (for Model GV series airplanes).
Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer          Original...........................  September 13, 2004.
 Bulletin 1 (for Model GV-SP (G500)     A..................................  September 8, 2004.
 series airplanes), including
 Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987.
Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer          Original...........................  September 13, 2004.
 Bulletin 1 (for Model GV-SP (G550)     A..................................  September 8, 2004.
 series airplanes), including
 Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The customer bulletins describe procedures for doing a one-time 
inspection of the area around the forward end of the crew oxygen 
bottle, including any supports, for contact or insufficient clearance 
with any wiring harness, and related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary. The related investigative action includes 
inspecting the wiring for damage if the wiring harness is in contact 
with the crew oxygen bottle or any supports. The corrective action 
includes applying Teflon sheeting to the wiring harness if necessary; 
and contacting the manufacturer if wiring damage is found. Gulfstream 
GV Alert Customer Bulletin 21 also describes procedures for adjusting 
the wiring harness to obtain a minimum clearance of 0.250 inch between 
the crew oxygen bottle and wiring if necessary, and applying Teflon 
sheeting if necessary. Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 1 and 
Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 1 also describe procedures for 
reworking certain wiring bundles. The reworking includes the following 
actions:
    <bullet> Adding new harness supports to the existing harness 
supports at stations 241, 253, and 265;
    <bullet> For certain airplanes, relocating the completion center 
wire bundle through the new support, and for certain other airplanes, 
relocating wire bundle R77 ORG through the new support; and
    <bullet> Inspecting any remaining harness bundles in the area 
around the passenger and crew oxygen bottles, and redressing any 
harness bundles that do not meet the minimum separation requirement of 
0.500 inch.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the electrical wires of the 
wiring harness against the crew oxygen bottle, which could result in 
electrical shorting and possible fire in the underfloor structure of 
the airplane. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and Customer Bulletins.''

Differences Between the AD and Customer Bulletins

    In this AD, the inspections for clearance and damage to wiring 
specified in the Gulfstream customer bulletins are referred to as 
``general visual inspections.'' We have included the definition for a 
general visual inspection in a note in this AD.
    Although the customer bulletins specify that operators may contact 
the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, this AD 
would require operators to repair those conditions according to a 
method approved by the FAA.
    Although the customer bulletins referenced in this AD specify to 
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19492; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-200-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA

[[Page 64257]]

personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain 
language at http://www/faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to 
examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2004-22-16 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13844. 
Docket No. FAA-2004-19492; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-200-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective November 19, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model GV series airplanes, 
serial numbers (S/N) 550 through 693 inclusive and 699; and Model 
GV-SP series airplanes, S/N 5001 through 5051 inclusive; 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of insufficient clearance 
between certain wiring harnesses and the crew oxygen bottle on 
several in-production and in-service airplanes. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent chafing of the electrical wires of the wiring 
harness against the crew oxygen bottle, which could result in 
electrical shorting and possible fire in the underfloor structure of 
the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Customer Bulletin References

    (f) The term ``customer bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the following customer bulletins, 
as applicable:
    (1) Gulfstream GV Alert Customer Bulletin 21, dated September 
13, 2004 (for Model GV series airplanes);
    (2) Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 1, dated September 
13, 2004, including Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987, Revision A, 
dated September 8, 2004 (for Model GV-SP (G500) series airplanes); 
and
    (3) Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 1, dated September 
13, 2004, including Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987, Revision A, 
dated September 8, 2004 (for Model GV-SP (G550) series airplanes).

Inspection for Contact and Clearance

    (g) For all airplanes: Within 25 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection 
for contact or insufficient clearance between the crew oxygen 
bottle/supports and any wiring harness, and related investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary, by doing all of the actions in 
Part I of the applicable customer bulletin. If any damage is found 
during the general visual inspection required by this AD, and the 
customer bulletin specifies contacting Gulfstream for appropriate 
action: Before further flight, repair the damage according to a 
method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the 
Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's 
approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``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 
ensure visual access to all 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.''

Adjustment of Wiring Harness

    (h) For Model GV series airplanes: If the clearance between the 
crew oxygen bottle/supports and any wiring harness is found to be 
0.250 inch or more during the inspection required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD, no further action is required by this AD. If the 
clearance between the crew oxygen bottle/supports and any wiring 
harness is found to be less than 0.250 inch during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, within 150 flight hours after 
completing paragraph (g) of this AD, adjust the wiring harness to 
obtain a minimum clearance of 0.250 inch between the crew oxygen 
bottle and wiring, and apply Teflon sheeting as applicable, in 
accordance with Part II of the applicable customer bulletin.

Reworking of Wiring Bundle

    (i) For Model GV-SP series airplanes: Within 150 flight hours 
after completing paragraph (g) of this AD, rework the wiring bundle 
by complying with Drawing 1159SB59987, in accordance with Part II of 
the applicable customer bulletin.

Reporting Requirement

    (j) Although the customer bulletins referenced in this AD 
specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use the service information that is specified in 
Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

[[Page 64258]]



                                  Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Alert customer bulletin--                  Revision level--                          Date--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream GV Alert Customer Bulletin   Original...........................  September 13, 2004.
 21.
Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer          Original...........................  September 13, 2004.
 Bulletin 1, including Gulfstream       A..................................  September 8, 2004.
 Drawing 1159SB59987.
Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer          Original...........................  September 13, 2004.
 Bulletin 1, including Gulfstream       A..................................  September 8, 2004.
 Drawing 1159SB59987.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by 
reference of those documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 
1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-10, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. You can review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 25, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24519 Filed 11-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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