Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 233 (Friday, December 4, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75788-75791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30629]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-6546; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-179-AD; 
Amendment 39-18338; AD 2015-24-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the brake inlet 
self-sealing couplings. This AD also requires revising the airplane 
flight manual to include procedures to follow in the event of certain 
display indications. This AD was prompted by reports of the self-
sealing couplings on the brake inlet fitting that have been found 
backed out of the fully seated position. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct inadequate torque on the self-sealing coupling. This 
condition could result in an unannounced total loss of braking 
capability on one or multiple brakes, which could result in a runway 
overrun or asymmetrical braking that can lead to a lateral runway 
excursion.

DATES: This AD is effective December 4, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 4, 
2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 19, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, GA 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. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-6546.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
6546; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gideon Jose, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We have received reports of self-sealing couplings on the brake 
inlet fitting that have been found backed out of the fully seated 
position. Due to the function of these couplings, this issue allows for 
the self-sealing mechanism to activate and cut off hydraulic pressure 
to the brake caliper, resulting in reduced or no braking ability on the 
affected wheel while the brake pressure indications remain normal on 
the flight deck indicators. Multiple coupling failures may lead to loss 
of braking capability on more than one wheel, creating the potential 
for loss of aircraft braking effectiveness on one or multiple brakes. 
Since the flight deck brake pressure indications would appear normal 
under these conditions, the crew will have no indications other than 
the loss of braking control on one or

[[Page 75789]]

multiple brakes. Unannounced total loss of braking capability on one or 
multiple brakes, could result in a runway overrun or asymmetrical 
braking that can lead to a lateral runway excursion.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Gulfstream has issued G650 Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated 
November 13, 2015; and G650ER Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated 
November 13, 2015. The service information describes procedures for a 
breakaway torque check and torqueing the brake inlet self-sealing 
couplings. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
AD.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between the AD and the Service Information.''

Difference Between the AD and the Service Information

    Although Gulfstream G650 Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated November 
13, 2015; and G650ER Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated November 13, 
2015; recommend that the breakaway torque check and torqueing the brake 
inlet self-sealing couplings be repeated only one time, this AD 
requires repetitive accomplishment of the checks and torqueing of the 
brake inlet self-sealing coupling at intervals not to exceed 100 flight 
cycles. We have determined repetitive actions are necessary to address 
the identified unsafe condition. We have coordinated this difference 
with Gulfstream.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD and would terminate the repetitive actions in 
this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, 
we might consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because an 
unannounced total loss of braking capability on one or multiple brakes 
can cause a runway overrun or asymmetrical braking that can lead to a 
lateral runway excursion. Therefore, we find that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2015-6546 and 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-179-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are required for 
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in 
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's 
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent 
judgment in AD compliance. The steps identified as Required for 
Compliance (RC) in any service information identified previously have a 
direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an 
identified unsafe condition.
    For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, 
the following provisions apply: (1) The steps labeled as RC, including 
substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, 
must be done to comply with the AD, and an AMOC is required for any 
deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures; and 
(2) steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods 
in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program 
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including 
substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and 
the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 120 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost            Cost per product      Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakaway torque check and torqueing   2 work-hours x $85 per   $170 per check/torque    $20,400 per check/
 of inlet self-sealing couplings.       hour = $170 per check/   cycle.                   torque cycle.
                                        torque cycle.
AFM revision.........................  1 work-hour x $85......  $85....................  $10,200.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,

[[Page 75790]]

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

    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 this AD:
    (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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-24-06 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-18338; 
Docket No. FAA-2015-6546; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-179-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 4, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 6001 and 
6003 through 6163 inclusive.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:  Model GVI airplanes are 
also referred to by marketing designations G650 and G650ER.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of the self-sealing couplings on 
the brake inlet fitting that have been found backed out of the fully 
seated position. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
inadequate torque on the self-sealing coupling. This condition could 
result in an unannounced total loss of braking capability on one or 
multiple brakes, which could result in a runway overrun or 
asymmetrical braking that can lead to a lateral runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Breakaway Torque Checks and Torqueing

    (1) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a breakaway torque check and torque the brake inlet self-sealing 
couplings, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Gulfstream G650 Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated 
November 13, 2015; or Gulfstream G650ER Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, 
dated November 13, 2015; as applicable.
    (2) Within 100 flight cycles after completing the actions 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform a breakaway torque 
check and torque the brake inlet self-sealing couplings, in 
accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream G650 Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated November 13, 2015; 
or Gulfstream G650ER Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated November 13, 
2015; as applicable. Repeat the actions thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 100 flight cycles.

(h) Revision to Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)--Dispatch Limitations

    Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Limitations section of the AFM to include the statement found in 
figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD. This may be done by inserting 
a copy of this AD into the AFM. When a statement identical to that 
in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD has been included in the 
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted 
into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR04DE15.000


[[Page 75791]]



(i) Revision to AFM--In-flight Warning

    Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Limitations section of the AFM to include the statement found in 
figure 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD. This may be done by inserting 
a copy of this AD into the AFM. When a statement identical to that 
in figure 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD has been included in the 
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted 
into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR04DE15.001

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Gulfstream G650 Alert Customer 
Bulletin 4, dated November 6, 2015; or Gulfstream G650ER Alert 
Customer Bulletin 4, dated November 6, 2015; which are not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(k) No Reporting Requirement

    Although Gulfstream G650 Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated 
November 13, 2015; and Gulfstream G650ER Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, 
dated November 13, 2015; specify to submit certain information to 
the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
    (2) 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.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(l)(3)(i) and (l)(3)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, Gideon Jose, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Gulfstream G650 Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated November 
13, 2015.
    (ii) Gulfstream G650ER Alert Customer Bulletin 4A, dated 
November 13, 2015.
    (3) For Gulfstream service information identified in this AD, 
contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications 
Dept., P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 25, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-30629 Filed 12-3-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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