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

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 6, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17915-17917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7301]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-236-AD; Amendment 39-13565; AD 2004-07-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

[[Page 17916]]


ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra series 
airplanes, that requires detailed inspections and resistance 
measurements of the starter generator electrical cables of both engines 
to detect damage, and replacement of the electrical cable and cable 
support if any damage is found. This amendment also requires eventual 
replacement of the cable support. This action is necessary to prevent 
chafing of the starter generator cable, which could result in 
electrical arcing in the vicinity of a fuel line, and possible fire or 
explosion. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective May 11, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 11, 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 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: 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 Model Astra SPX and 1125 
Westwind Astra series airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on January 7, 2004 (69 FR 895). That action proposed to require 
detailed inspections and resistance measurements of the starter 
generator electrical cables of both engines to detect damage, and 
replacement of the electrical cable and cable support if any damage is 
found. That action also proposed to require eventual replacement of the 
cable support.

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 55 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the inspection and measurement; 4 hours per 
airplane to accomplish the replacement of the cable support if no 
damage is found; and 12 hours per airplane to accomplish the 
replacement of the cable and cable support if any damage is found. The 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. All necessary parts will be 
provided by the manufacturer free of charge. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the proposed inspection and measurement on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $7,150, or $130 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle. For airplanes on which no damage is found, the cost 
impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$14,300, or $260 per airplane. For airplanes on which damage is found, 
the cost impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $42,900, or $780 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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

0
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:

2004-07-21 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-13565. Docket 2002-NM-236-AD.

    Applicability: Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra series 
airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 141 inclusive; certificated in 
any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the starter generator cable, which could 
result in electrical arcing in the vicinity of a fuel line, and 
possible fire or explosion, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin Reference

    (a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin 
referenced in this AD:
    (1) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 1125 Astra and Astra SPX 
Service Bulletin 100-54-252, dated April 24, 2002.
    (2) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include such a requirement.

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (b) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed inspection of the starter generator electrical 
cables of both engines to detect damage, per the service bulletin.


[[Page 17917]]


    Note 1: 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.''

Follow-On Action if No Damage Is Found

    (c) If no damage is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, measure the 
insulation resistance between the starter generator cable and 
firewall support in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (1) If the measured resistance is less than 20 megaohms: Before 
further flight, replace the electrical cables and cable support per 
paragraph (d) of this AD.
    (2) If the measured resistance is greater than or equal to 20 
megaohms, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD 
at intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours, including the follow-on 
measurement in paragraph (c), as applicable, until the applicable 
replacement required by paragraph (d) or (e) of this AD is 
accomplished.

Replacement if Any Damage Is Found

    (d) If any damage is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b), or if the insulation resistance as required to be 
measured by paragraph (c) of this AD is less than 20 megaohms: 
Before further flight, replace the electrical cables and cable 
support per Part C of the service bulletin. This replacement 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) and 
the measurement required by paragraph (c) of this AD, for that 
affected engine.

Replacement if No Damage Is Found

    (e) If no damage is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b), or if the insulation resistance as required to be 
measured by paragraph (c) of this AD is greater than or equal to 20 
megaohms: Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, or at 
the next engine removal, whichever comes first, replace the cable 
support per Part B of the service bulletin. This replacement 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) and 
the measurement required by paragraph (c) of this AD, for that 
affected engine.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream 1125 
Astra and Astra SPX Service Bulletin 100-54-252, dated April 24, 
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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 54-02-06-12, dated July 4, 2002.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on May 11, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 26, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-7301 Filed 4-5-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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