Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70040-70042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28572]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0716; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-013-AD; 
Amendment 39-16858; AD 2011-23-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) 
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 certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (type certificate previously held by Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Galaxy and Gulfstream G150 airplanes; 
and Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. 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:

    A broken aileron servo actuator centering spring rod was 
discovered on a model G100 aircraft during a routine scheduled 
maintenance inspection. * * * This latent failure of a centering 
spring rod, if not detected and corrected, in conjunction with the 
disconnection of the normal mechanical control system of the same 
servo actuator would lead to loss [of] control of the flight control 
surface [aileron or elevator]. This condition would reduce the 
control capability of the airplane and imposes a higher workload on 
the flight crew reducing their ability to cope with adverse 
operating conditions.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 15, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 15, 
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 July 14, 2011 (76 FR 
41432). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A broken aileron servo actuator centering spring rod was 
discovered on a model G100 aircraft during a routine scheduled 
maintenance inspection. This centering spring rod is common to all 
Gulfstream Mid Cabin model (G100, G150 and G200) aileron control 
servo actuators and the G200 elevator control servo actuator too. 
The function of the centering spring rod is to maintain the affected 
servo actuator and its associated flight control surface in a 
centered position in the event of a disconnect of the normal 
mechanical control system input from the flight crew to the same 
servo actuator. This latent failure of a centering spring rod, if 
not detected and corrected, in conjunction with the disconnection of 
the normal mechanical control system of the same servo actuator 
would lead to loss [of] control of the flight control surface/
aileron. This condition would reduce the control capability of the 
airplane and imposes a higher workload on the flight crew reducing 
their ability to cope with adverse operating conditions.

The required actions include a detailed inspection of the servo 
actuator centering spring rods for the aileron and elevator to detect 
fractured or broken rods, and replacing the rods if necessary. 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 (July 14, 2011 (76 FR 
41432)) 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 about 200 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 19 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the

[[Page 70041]]

cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $323,000, or $1,615 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take up to 20 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$1,700 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions. Where the service information 
lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have 
assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not 
control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur 
costs higher than estimated here.

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 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 (July 14, 2011 (76 FR 
41432)), 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:

2011-23-07 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-16858. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0716; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-013-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
15, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the products identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by 
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes, 
serial numbers 201 through 286 inclusive.
    (2) Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by 
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Galaxy airplanes; and 
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes; serial 
numbers 004 through 231 inclusive.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls.

Reason

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

    A broken aileron servo actuator centering spring rod was 
discovered on a model G100 aircraft during a routine scheduled 
maintenance inspection. * * * This latent failure of a centering 
spring rod, if not detected and corrected, in conjunction with the 
disconnection of the normal mechanical control system of the same 
servo actuator would lead to loss [of] control of the flight control 
surface [aileron or elevator]. This condition would reduce the 
control capability of the airplane and imposes a higher workload on 
the flight crew reducing their ability to cope with adverse 
operating conditions.

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.

Inspection

    (g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes: Do a one-time detailed 
inspection of the aileron control servo actuators to detect 
fractured or broken centering spring rods, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-27-
123, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2011.
    (2) For Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes: Do a one-time 
detailed inspection of the aileron and elevator control servo 
actuators to detect fractured or broken centering spring rods, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 200-27-374, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2011.

Corrective Actions

    (h) If any centering spring rod is found fractured or broken 
during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, 
replace the centering spring rod in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel 
(CAAI) (or its delegated agent).

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-27-123 or 200-27-
374, both dated October 27, 2010, as applicable, are considered 
acceptable for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    The MCAI AD does not specify a corrective action for fractured 
or broken rods; however, paragraph (h) of this AD requires 
corrective action.


[[Page 70042]]



Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) 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 emailed 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.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directives 27-10-11-03, 
dated December 6, 2010, and 27-10-12-29, dated January 4, 2011; and 
Gulfstream Service Bulletins 150-27-123 and 200-27-374, both 
Revision 1, both dated January 27, 2011; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-27-123, 
Revision 1, dated January 27, 2011; or Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
200-27-374, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2011; as applicable; to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (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; email [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 October 20, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-28572 Filed 11-9-11; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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