Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV-SP Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7847-7850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2761]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20280; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-254-AD; 
Amendment 39-13978; AD 2005-04-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV-SP Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (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-SP series airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the avionics standard communication bus 
(ASCB) for any noise interference and repair of the ASCB if noise 
interference is found. This AD also requires revisions of the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) to prohibit dispatch of any flight with the 
integrated standby flight display (SFD) inoperative; to add procedures 
to facilitate recovery of the cockpit display units in the event that 
the cockpit displays go blank; and to add flightcrew briefings on the 
use of standby instruments in case the cockpit display units go blank 
and do not recover. This AD also requires installing an avionics 
software update and a hardware upgrade to the Honeywell Primus Epic 
system to correct a display blanking problem; installing the update 
will allow removal of certain AFM revisions and will end the repetitive 
inspections of the ASCB. This AD is prompted by a report indicating 
that all four cockpit flight panel displays went blank simultaneously. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent a software error from blanking the 
cockpit display units, which will result in a reduction of the 
flightcrew's situational awareness, and possible loss of control of the 
airplane. We are also issuing this AD to address noise interference in 
the ASCB, which can interfere with the display recovery after a 
blanking event and consequently extend the time that the displays 
remain blank. In addition, we are issuing this AD to ensure that the 
flightcrew is advised of the procedures necessary to address blank 
cockpit display units.

DATES: Effective February 23, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
February 23, 2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 18, 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.
    <bullet> 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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206. 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-2005-20280; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-254-AD.

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 
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: Robert Chupka, 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) 703-6070; fax (770) 703-
6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating that 
all four cockpit flight panel displays went blank simultaneously during 
flight, then recovered without any flightcrew action after 
approximately 74 seconds, on a Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplane. 
Two similar incidents occurred on the ground. An engineering 
investigation revealed a software problem on the Honeywell Primus Epic 
system, which can cause a temporary loss of data from the cockpit 
display units. Loss of the cockpit display units will result in a 
reduction of the flightcrew's situational awareness, and possible loss 
of control of the airplane. The engineering investigation also revealed 
noise interference on the avionics standard communication bus (ASCB), 
which is a part of the Honeywell Primus Epic system. Noise 
interference, if not corrected, can possibly interfere with the display 
recovery after a blanking event, and

[[Page 7848]]

consequently extend the time that the cockpit displays remain blank.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    We determined that since the Honeywell Primus Epic system also is 
installed on Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 
170 series airplanes, those airplanes are subject to an unsafe 
condition similar to that addressed in this AD. In light of that 
determination, we issued AD 2004-26-12, amendment 39-13924 (69 FR 
78300, December 30, 2004), to address that unsafe condition on that 
airplane model. We may consider additional rulemaking on other airplane 
models having the Honeywell Primus Epic system that also exhibit a 
similar unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, dated 
October 27, 2004; and Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, dated 
October 27, 2004. The customer bulletins describe procedures for 
inspecting the ASCB for any noise interference and contacting the 
manufacturer if any noise interference indications are found during the 
inspection.
    We have also reviewed Gulfstream G500 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 28, 2004; and 
Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 
28, 2004. The AFM revisions describe procedures to recover the cockpit 
display units in the event that all four cockpit display units go blank 
during flight. Additionally, these AFM revisions describe procedures to 
ensure that the flightcrew is aware that dispatch of any flight with 
any of the following display units inoperative is prohibited: the 
integrated standby flight display (SFD), very high frequency (VHF) 1, 
very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) 1, or air traffic 
control (ATC) 1. The AFM revisions also describe procedures to advise 
the flightcrew that, during the use of Taxi/Before Takeoff, Descent, 
and Before Landing checklists, the briefings (takeoff and approach) 
should include the possibility of the loss of all cockpit display units 
and the subsequent transition to the use of the standby instruments.
    In addition, we have reviewed Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service 
Change 902; and Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 902; both dated 
December 30, 2004. The aircraft service changes describe procedures to 
install software updates to the Honeywell Primus Epic systems and for 
submitting the service reply card, and specify concurrent 
accomplishment of Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service Change 043, dated 
December 30, 2004; and Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 043, 
dated December 30, 2004; as applicable. Gulfstream G500 Aircraft 
Service Change 043 and Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 043 
describe procedures for installing hardware upgrades to the Honeywell 
Primus Epic systems. The hardware upgrades include upgrading and 
retrofitting display controllers, display units, a display driver unit, 
and a data management unit in addition to replacing an existing circuit 
breaker with a new circuit breaker. Installing the software update and 
the hardware upgrade will allow removal of certain AFM revisions and 
will end the repetitive inspections of the ASCB.
    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 a software error from blanking the cockpit 
display units, which will result in a reduction of the flightcrew's 
situational awareness, and possibly loss of control of the airplane. We 
are also issuing this AD to address noise interference in the avionics 
standard communication bus (ASCB), which can interfere with the display 
recovery after a blanking event and consequently extend the time that 
the displays remain blank. In addition, we are issuing this AD to 
ensure that the flightcrew is advised of the procedures necessary to 
address blank cockpit display units, and to ensure that adequate 
standby instrument systems are available to safely complete the flight.
    This AD requires doing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and the Customer Bulletins.''

Differences Between the AD and the Customer Bulletins

    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the referenced customer bulletins describe procedures 
for submitting a sheet recording compliance with the customer bulletin, 
this AD will not require those actions. The FAA does not need this 
information from operators.
    Operators should note that, although the Modification Instructions 
of the referenced aircraft service changes describe procedures for 
submitting a service reply card, this AD will not require those 
actions. The FAA does not need this information from operators.
    Although the customer bulletins specify that operators may contact 
the manufacturer for disposition if any noise interference indications 
are found during the inspection of the ASCB, this AD requires operators 
to repair the ASCB according to a method approved by the FAA.
    The customer bulletins specify a one time inspection; however, they 
do note that a recurring inspection will be added to the applicable 
airplane maintenance manual (AMM). The recurring inspection interval in 
the applicable AMM is specified as 60 days, the same as this AD.
    The customer bulletins state that a certain number of Gulfstream 
Model GV-SP series airplanes with specific serial numbers are affected. 
This AD also specifies certain additional airplanes with serial numbers 
that are not stated in the customer bulletin. These additional 
airplanes may also be subject to the unsafe condition.

Clarification of AFM Revisions

    As indicated in Note 1 of this AD, operators may accomplish the AFM 
revisions required by this AD by inserting a copy of Gulfstream G500 
AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 28, 2004, or 
Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 
28, 2004, into the applicable AFM. Future general revisions to the AFM 
must contain the identical procedures specified in the applicable 
sections of the AFM revisions required by this AD.

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-2005-20280; 
Directorate Identifier

[[Page 7849]]

2004-NM-254-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 
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.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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):

2005-04-06 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13978. 
Docket No. FAA-2005-20280; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-254-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective February 23, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; with serial numbers 5001 through 5062 
inclusive.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that all four 
cockpit flight panel displays went blank simultaneously. There were 
also two reports of similar incidents occurring on the ground. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent a software error from blanking the 
cockpit display units, which will result in a reduction of the 
flightcrew's situational awareness, and possible loss of control of 
the airplane. We are also issuing this AD to address noise 
interference in the avionics standard communication bus (ASCB), 
which can interfere with the display recovery after a blanking event 
and consequently extend the time that the displays remain blank. In 
addition, we are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is 
advised of the procedures necessary to address blank cockpit display 
units.

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.

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (f) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 days: Do an inspection 
of the ASCB for any noise interference indications in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream G500 Alert 
Customer Bulletin 2, dated October 27, 2004, including Appendix A; 
or Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, dated October 27, 
2004, including Appendix A; as applicable. If any noise interference 
indication is found during any inspection required by this AD, 
before further flight, repair the ASCB according to a method 
approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA.

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions

    (g) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, revise 
sections of the applicable AFM in accordance with the actions 
required in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this 
AD. Any further revisions to the AFM must contain the identical 
procedures in the applicable sections of the AFM revisions as 
required by this AD.

    Note 1: This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of 
Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 
28, 2004; or Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, 
dated December 28, 2004; as applicable; into the applicable AFM.

    (1) Revise the Limitations section of the Gulfstream G500 AFM 
and the Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the procedures in 
Section 1-34-140, ``3-in-1'' Integrated Standby Instrument System 
(SFD), of Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, 
dated December 28, 2004; or Section 1-34-140, ``3-in-1'' Integrated 
Standby Instrument System (SFD), of Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-
OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 28, 2004; as applicable; in the 
applicable AFM.
    (2) Revise the Limitations section of the Gulfstream G500 AFM 
and the Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the procedures in 
Section 1-101-10, Checklist Compliance, of Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-
AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 28, 2004; or Section 1-
101-10, Checklist Compliance, of Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-
OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 28, 2004; as applicable; in the 
applicable AFM.
    (3) Revise the Abnormal Procedures section of the Gulfstream 
G500 AFM and the Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the 
procedures in Section 3-16-150, Loss of All Display Units (DUs), of 
Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 
28, 2004; or Section 3-16-150, Loss of All Display Units (DUs), of 
Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 
28, 2004; as applicable; in the applicable AFM.
    (4) Revise the Normal Procedures section of the Gulfstream G500 
AFM and the

[[Page 7850]]

Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the procedures contained 
in the applicable ``Section'' listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                         Table 1.--AFM Revisions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Section                     Applicable gulfstream AFM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 02-04-20, Taxi/Before  G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as
 Takeoff.                       specified in Revision 7, dated December
                                28, 2004.
Section 02-04-20, Taxi/Before  G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as
 Takeoff.                       specified in Revision 9, dated December
                                28, 2004.
Section 02-05-30, Descent....  G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as
                                specified in Revision 7, dated December
                                28, 2004.
Section 02-05-30, Descent....  G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as
                                specified in Revision 9, dated December
                                28, 2004.
Section 02-05-50, Before       G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as
 Landing.                       specified in Revision 7, dated December
                                28, 2004.
Section 02-05-50, Before       G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as
 Landing.                       specified in Revision 9, dated December
                                28, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 2: Instead of inserting the AFM procedures required by this 
AD into the AFM, use of the information contained in Gulfstream G550 
AFM GAC-AC-JAA-550-OPS-0001, Revision 2, dated January 12, 2005, is 
considered acceptable for airplanes operated under/in accordance 
with Joint Aviation Authority/European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
regulations/supervision/oversight.

Terminating Action

    (h) Within 90 days or 300 flight hours after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions required in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2). Doing the actions in paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(2) ends the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, and 
the AFM revisions required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(4) 
of this AD may be removed from the AFMs.
    (1) Install an avionics software update for the Honeywell Primus 
Epic system in accordance with the Modification Instructions of 
Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service Change 902, dated December 30, 
2004; or Gulfstream G550 aircraft Service Change 902, dated December 
30, 2004; as applicable.
    (2) Concurrent with the actions required in paragraph (h)(1) of 
this AD, install hardware upgrades for the Honeywell Primus Epic 
system in accordance with the Modification Instructions of 
Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service Change 043, dated December 30, 
2004; or Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 043, dated December 
30, 2004; as applicable.

No Reporting

    (i) 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)

    (j) 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

    (k) You must use the service information that is specified in 
Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (The appendices to the 
Gulfstream alert customer bulletins are not dated.) 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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206. 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.

                                  Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Gulfstream service information          Pages               Revision level                    Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G500 Airplane Flight Manual GAC-  List of Effective    Revision 7...............  December 28, 2004.
 AC-G500-OPS-0001.                 Pages; Pages A
                                   through H.
G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 2,   1-2; 1-4 (appendix)  Original.................  October 27, 2004.
 including Appendix A.
G500 Aircraft Service Change 043  1-8................  Original.................  December 30, 2004.
G500 Aircraft Service Change 902  1-6................  Original.................  December 30, 2004.
G550 Airplane Flight Manual GAC-  List of Effective    Revision 9...............  December 28, 2004.
 AC-G550-OPS-0001.                 Pages; Pages A
                                   through H.
G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 2,   1-2; 1-4 (appendix)  Original.................  October 27, 2004.
 including Appendix A.
G550 Aircraft Service Change 043  1-8................  Original.................  December 30, 2004.
G550 Aircraft Service Change 902  1-6................  Original.................  December 30, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2761 Filed 2-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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