Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 191 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61036-61038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24683]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0646; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-224-AD; 
Amendment 39-16814; AD 2011-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy 
and Gulfstream 200 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Cracked nuts * * * were found on aircraft's production line 
during routine post assembly inspection. Investigation revealed that 
the cracks resulted from hydrogen embrittlement combined with high 
hardness. Non-conformity with certified mechanical properties of 
this fastener can potentially lead to an unsafe condition.

The unsafe condition is cracked nuts in multiple locations (including 
aileron fittings, rudder tab assembly and mounting structure for power 
drive units) could result in failure of affected locations and 
consequent reduced controllability or reduced structural capability of 
the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 7, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 7, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2011 (76 FR 
38062). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Cracked nuts (P/N [part number] MS-21042L3) were found on 
aircraft's production line during routine post assembly inspection. 
Investigation revealed that the cracks resulted from hydrogen 
embrittlement combined with high hardness. Non-conformity with 
certified mechanical properties of this fastener can potentially 
lead to an unsafe condition.

    The unsafe condition of cracked nuts in multiple locations 
(including aileron fittings, rudder tab assembly and mounting structure 
for power drive units) could result in failure of affected locations 
and consequent reduced controllability or reduced structural capability 
of the airplane. The required actions include replacing nuts having P/N 
MS21042L3, and in certain locations, a one time radiographic inspection 
for cracked nuts and replacing any cracked nuts. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (76 FR 38062, June 29, 
2011) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 2 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 227 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. 
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are 
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge 
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected 
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators 
to be $38,590, or $19,295 per product.

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

[[Page 61037]]

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 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 this AD:
    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 and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (76 FR 38062, June 29, 2011), 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 AD:

2011-20-04 Gulfstream Aerospace LP: Amendment 39-16814. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0646; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-224-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
7, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial 
numbers 219 through 231 inclusive.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 51: Standard 
Practices/Structures.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Cracked nuts * * * were found on aircraft's production line 
during routine post assembly inspection. Investigation revealed that 
the cracks resulted from hydrogen embrittlement combined with high 
hardness. Non-conformity with certified mechanical properties of 
this fastener can potentially lead to an unsafe condition.

The unsafe condition is cracked nuts in multiple locations 
(including aileron fittings, rudder tab assembly and mounting 
structure for power drive units) could result in failure of affected 
locations and consequent reduced controllability or reduced 
structural capability of the airplane.

Compliance

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

Actions

    (g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, including 
Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, 
Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision 
A, dated January 25, 2010.
    (1) For all airplanes: Replace nuts having part number (P/N) 
MS21042L3 in the applicable areas identified in Steps 4, 5, 6, and 7 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, including Appendix A: Israel 
Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, Radiographic Inspection of 
Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision A, dated January 25, 2010.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 224 through 231 
inclusive: Do the actions in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii).
    (i) Replace nuts having P/N MS21042L3 at the location specified 
in Step 8.H. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, including 
Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, 
Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision 
A, dated January 25, 2010.
    (ii) Do a radiographic inspection for cracking of nuts having P/
N MS21042L3 at the location specified in Step 8.J. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-51-
366, dated March 30, 2010, including Appendix A: Israel Aircraft 
Industries Document IS951400E, Radiographic Inspection of Self-
Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision A, dated January 25, 2010. 
Before further flight replace all cracked nuts.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Mike Borfitz, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

[[Page 61038]]

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) 
Airworthiness Directive 57-10-06-18, dated July 27, 2010; and 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, 
including Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, 
Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision 
A, dated January 25, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated 
March 30, 2010, including Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries 
Document IS951400E, Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N 
MS21042L3, Revision A, dated January 25, 2010, to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The document 
number specified on pages 1 through 14 of Appendix A of this 
document is identified as ``IS951400.''
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-
3520; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference 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 September 16, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-24683 Filed 9-30-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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