Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 83662-83665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25743]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-4223; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-108-AD; 
Amendment 39-18693; AD 2016-22-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain

[[Page 83663]]

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a new revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) based on fatigue and 
damage tolerance testing, and updated analysis. This AD requires 
revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate updated 
inspection requirements and life limits that address fatigue cracking 
of principal structural elements (PSEs). We are issuing this AD to 
ensure that fatigue cracking of PSEs is detected and corrected; such 
fatigue cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
PSEs and critical components.

DATES: This AD is effective December 27, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 27, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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-2016-4223.

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-2016-
4223; 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 address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Wissing, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-
5552; fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on March 14, 2016 (81 FR 13301) (``the NPRM''). 
The NPRM was prompted by a new revision to the ALS of the AMM, Chapter 
05-10-10, based on fatigue and damage tolerance testing, and updated 
analysis. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or 
inspection program to update inspection requirements and life limits 
that address fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs). 
We are issuing this AD to ensure that fatigue cracking of PSEs is 
detected and corrected; such fatigue cracking could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the PSEs and critical components.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Specify Referenced Document

    Gulfstream requested that we revise the SUMMARY section and the 
Discussion section of the NPRM, and paragraph (e) of the proposed AD, 
to refer to the AMM, Chapter 05-10-10, which contains updated 
inspection requirements and life limits.
    We agree with the request. We have revised the SUMMARY and 
Discussion sections of this final rule, and paragraph (e) of this AD 
accordingly.

Request To Remove Certain Language From the NPRM

    Gulfstream requested that we revise the FAA's Determination section 
of the NPRM, which states that the unsafe condition is likely to exist 
or develop ``in other products of the same type design.'' Gulfstream 
requested that we remove the quoted language, and pointed out that they 
believe the statement is irrelevant to the unsafe condition.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. Our phrasing is 
intentional. The finding that the condition is likely to exist or 
develop in other products of the same type design is necessary to 
ensure that the AD falls within the scope of 14 CFR part 39 
(``Airworthiness Directives''.) (Specifically, see 14 CFR 39.5.) 
Additionally, the FAA's Determination section of the NPRM is not 
restated in this final rule. We have not changed this AD regarding this 
issue.

Request for Clarification of Certain Language From the NPRM

    Gulfstream requested clarification regarding which ``operator 
maintenance documents'' require revision. Gulfstream did not provide 
any justification for its request.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Regardless of the 
maintenance program that an operator uses, this AD requires revising 
the applicable maintenance or inspection program documentation. The 
owner or operator is responsible for maintaining its fleet in an 
airworthy condition, including compliance with 14 CFR part 39. This 
final rule has not been changed in this regard.

Request To Clarify Applicability

    Gulfstream requested that we revise the ``Differences Between This 
Proposed AD and the Service Information'' section of the NPRM. 
Gulfstream pointed out that they believe the applicability is 
contradictory to Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to 
the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 
2015. Gulfstream also mentioned that it does not believe an operator 
would be able to log compliance with the proposed AD.
    We agree to clarify. The applicability of this AD differs from the 
effectivity of Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to 
the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 
2015, which excludes airplanes on which certain supplemental type 
certificates (STCs) have been accomplished. Airplanes on which those 
STCs have been accomplished are included in the applicability of this 
AD because those airplanes could have inspections and limits that are 
applicable. If it is determined that an airplane with a listed STC 
cannot accomplish the requirements of this AD, the operator may request 
an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with paragraph 
(i) of this AD.
    Also, we do not agree with the statement in Gulfstream Document GV-
GER-9973, Summary of Changes to the GV Series Airworthiness 
Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 2015, indicating that 
airplanes with specific STCs installed should be excluded from the 
effectivity of Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to

[[Page 83664]]

the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 
2015. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Allow the Use of Later-Approved Service Information

    Gulfstream requested that we revise Note 1 to paragraph (g) of the 
proposed AD. Gulfstream specifically requested adding language that 
would specify ``or later FAA approved revision'' to clarify operator 
compliance with the proposed AD.
    We do not agree to revise Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD to 
allow use of ``later FAA-approved revisions.'' Note 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD specifies the AMM revisions specifically identified in 
Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to the GV Series 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 2015. This AD 
does not require any actions to be done in accordance with the AMM 
revisions specified in Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Additionally, we may not refer to any document that does not yet exist. 
However, we have revised Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD to clarify 
the intent of that note.

Request To Verify the Contact Information for Gulfstream

    Gulfstream requested that we verify the contact information used in 
the ADDRESSES section and paragraph (k)(3) of this AD before 
publication. Gulfstream stated that its contact information and data 
storage location may change before the publication date of the final 
rule.
    We have verified the contact information used in the ADDRESSES 
section of this final rule, and found that no change is necessary.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to 
the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 
2015. The service information describes inspection requirements and 
life limits that address fatigue cracking of the PSEs. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 392 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision of the maintenance or          1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $33,320
 inspection program.                     hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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):

2016-22-04 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-18693; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-4223; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-108-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 27, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 501 through 
693 inclusive and serial number 699; and Model GV-SP airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers 5001 through 5433 
inclusive.

[[Page 83665]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear; 53, Fuselage; 54, Nacelles/Pylons; 55, Stabilizers; and 57, 
Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a new revision to the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), 
Chapter 05-10-10, based on fatigue and damage tolerance testing, and 
updated analysis. We are issuing this AD to ensure fatigue cracking 
of principal structural elements (PSEs) is detected and corrected; 
such fatigue cracking could result in reduced structural integrity 
of the PSEs and critical components.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revise Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
airworthiness limitations specified in Gulfstream Document GV-GER-
9973, Summary of Changes to the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, 
Revision C, dated January 8, 2015. The initial compliance times for 
the tasks identified in Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of 
Changes to the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, 
dated January 8, 2015, are at the applicable times specified in 
Gulfstream Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to the GV Series 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 2015, or 
within twelve months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Gulfstream Document GV-GER-
9973, Summary of Changes to the GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, 
Revision C, dated January 8, 2015, specifies the following AMM 
revisions as additional sources of guidance for the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD. For Model GV airplanes, AMM Revision 
43, dated February 15, 2015; and for Model GV-SP airplanes, G500 or 
G550 AMM Revision 24, dated February 15, 2015, as applicable.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.

(i) 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 (j) 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Ronald Wissing, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5552; 
fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].

(k) 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 Document GV-GER-9973, Summary of Changes to the 
GV Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision C, dated January 8, 
2015. The revision level and date of this document are not specified 
on the title page of the document.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 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 98057-3356. 
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 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 14, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-25743 Filed 11-21-16; 8:45 am]
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