Published 2017-10-02 · Federal Register document 2017-20831
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Publication summary
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-17-01, which applied to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP airplanes and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-01 required an inspection for sealant applied to the exterior of the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), and a revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM), as applicable. This AD requires revising the AFM and revising the applicability to include additional airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the type design sealant applied to the APU enclosure failed certain tests. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:54.997910+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2017-90ba553c3b802c53
- Source row
- results[306]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 90ba553c3b802c5316e8d18f30db5da9f7731a87f58278ec2965f199ef4375e9
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2017-20-08
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2017-11-06
Read 12 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 6, 2017.
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Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR 40061,
August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01'').
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Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
airplanes, certificated
[[Page 45709]]
in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of
this AD.
(1) Model G-IV airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 and
subsequent.
(2) Model GIV-X airplanes, having S/Ns 4001 and subsequent.
(3) Model GV airplanes, having S/Ns 501 and subsequent.
(4) Model GV-SP airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 and subsequent.
(5) Model GVI airplanes, having S/Ns 6001 and subsequent.
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Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49, Airborne
Auxiliary Power; and 53, Fuselage.
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Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the type design
sealant (Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 3374), as applied to
the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), does not meet
the requirement in 14 CFR 25.1191(b)(1) for a firewall to be
fireproof, and failed a certification test and a company test. We
are issuing this AD to provide the flight crew with operating
procedures for airplanes that have AMS 3374 or Gulfstream Material
Specification (GMS) 4107 sealant applied to the APU enclosure. Under
certain anomalous conditions such as an APU failure/APU compartment
fire, AMS 3374 or GMS 4107 sealant could ignite the exterior
surfaces of the APU enclosure and result in propagation of an
uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23644–24457, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 38ee8b4e440ca56fa7ebf3948961bca0619089aefc8d8aab7f430362af30595c
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
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Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
Limitations Section of the applicable Gulfstream AFM specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD to include the
information in the applicable Gulfstream AFM supplement (AFMS)
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. These
AFMSs introduce operating limitations on the use of the APU during
certain ground and flight operations. This AFM revision may be done
by inserting a copy of the applicable AFMS into the applicable AFM
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. When the
AFMS has been included in the general revision of the AFM, the
general revision may be inserted into the AFM, provided the relevant
information in the general revision is identical to that in the
applicable AFMS specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of
this AD.
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AFMSs
(h) AFMSs
For the AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
insert the applicable AFMS into the applicable Gulfstream AFM
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD.
(1) Gulfstream GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the
Gulfstream G300 AFM, dated January 15, 2003; and the Gulfstream G400
AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the
Gulfstream G350 AFM, dated October 28, 2004.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27,
2016, to the Gulfstream GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the
Gulfstream G500 AFM, dated December 5, 2003.
(5) Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM, dated September 7,
2012.
(6) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2,
2014.
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Credit for Previous Actions
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the action required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed before the
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD. This
service information was incorporated by reference in AD 2009-17-01.
(1) Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02,
Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009, to the Gulfstream GIV AFM, the
Gulfstream G300 AFM, and the Gulfstream G400 AFM.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, Revision
1, dated June 25, 2009, to the Gulfstream G450 AFM and the
Gulfstream G350 AFM.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2009-03, Revision 1, dated
June 25, 2009, to the Gulfstream GV AFM.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, Revision
1, dated June 25, 2009, Gulfstream G550 AFM and the Gulfstream G500
AFM.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) 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) AMOCs approved previously for paragraph (h) of AD 2009-17-01
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph
(g) of this AD.
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Related Information
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ky Phan,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Section, FAA, Atlanta
ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
404-474-5536; fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) 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 GIV/G300/G400 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GIV
AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the Gulfstream G300 AFM, dated January
15, 2003; and the Gulfstream G400 AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
(ii) Gulfstream G450/G350 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G450
AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the Gulfstream G350 AFM, dated
October 28, 2004.
(iii) Gulfstream GV Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Supplement GV-
2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GV AFM, dated April
11, 1997.
(iv) Gulfstream G550/G500 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G550
AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the Gulfstream G500 AFM, dated
December 5, 2003.
(v) Gulfstream GVI (G650) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G650-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI
(G650) AFM, dated September 7, 2012.
(vi) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream
GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2, 2014.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 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 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.
[[Page 45710]]
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Explicit historical replacement wording
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2017-20-08 · 0 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.
These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.
Why these observations are shown
They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.
Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: 50ac02e29ffb722114d2b9a870b88b1fe43b66aed15e7d79c6375f533cd0dd2a. Source manifest: 6e537fc2da95e3c580bb6f061e4a9c81570064da692bf55194c5ac60fd441cf7.
Official source · 2017-10-02
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 189 (Monday, October 2, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45705-45710]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20831]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9522; Product Identifier 2016-NM-144-AD; Amendment
39-19065; AD 2017-20-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-17-01,
which applied to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP airplanes
and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-01 required an inspection for
sealant applied to the exterior of the auxiliary power unit (APU)
enclosure (firewall), and a revision of the airplane flight manual
(AFM), as applicable. This AD requires revising the AFM and revising
the applicability to include additional airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a report indicating that the type design sealant applied to the APU
enclosure failed certain tests. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 6, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 6,
2017.
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/
[[Page 45706]]
product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
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-2016-9522.
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-
9522; 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: Ky Phan, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion and Services Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5536; fax: 404-474-5606;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR 40061,
August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01''). AD 2009-17-01 applied to certain
Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP airplanes, and Model GV airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2017 (82 FR
737) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that
the type design sealant (Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 3374),
applied to the APU enclosure, does not meet the requirement in 14 CFR
25.1191(b)(1) for a firewall to be fireproof, and failed a
certification test and a company test. The NPRM proposed to require
revising the AFM and revising the applicability to include additional
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to provide the flight crew with
operating procedures for airplanes that have AMS 3374 or Gulfstream
Material Specification (GMS) 4107 sealant applied to the APU enclosure
(firewall). Under certain anomalous conditions such as an APU failure/
APU compartment fire, AMS 3374 or GMS 4107 sealant could ignite the
exterior surfaces of the APU enclosure, and result in propagation of an
uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
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 Withdraw the NPRM
Gulfstream requested that the NPRM be withdrawn. The commenter
stated that the FAA's findings and decisions in the proposed AD are not
based on analysis of the commenter's supporting data and accepted risk
and safety assessment methodologies. The commenter asserted that its
risk assessments, performed using the FAA's Transport Airplane Risk
Assessment Methodology (TARAM) Handbook, are within the allowable
guidelines of the FAA's TARAM Handbook.
We do not agree with the commenter's request because this final
rule is consistent with FAA policy and orders. The FAA's TARAM is used
to assess risk associated with a wide variety of potential safety
issues. The FAA typically follows the defined risk guidelines contained
in the TARAM Handbook for transport category airplanes. However,
occasionally, other factors affect the decision on whether to issue an
AD. FAA Order 8110.107A, ``Monitor Safety/Analyze Data,'' paragraph 2-
10.e. states:
In rare situations the Aviation Safety Engineer or FAA
management may, based on factors unrelated to the risk analysis,
make recommendations not consistent with risk guidelines for ADs or
other mandatory corrective actions. The decision to accept or reject
these recommendations is made during the CARB [Corrective Action
Review Board].
One such factor, unrelated to risk analysis, is whether the
affected system provides an emergency or safety function. Examples of
emergency/safety systems include seatbelts, life rafts, oxygen systems,
and firewalls. Failure of emergency systems typically do not cause an
accident, but can greatly increase the probability of fatalities in the
event of an additional unrelated failure. TARAM analyses of emergency/
safety systems typically indicate a low TARAM risk. This is due to the
fact that the precipitating event is very rare, for example, high-g
decelerations due to an accident, ditching, explosive decompression,
and engine fire. Ultimately, the decision regarding whether to mandate
airworthiness action for a condition is the responsibility of the FAA's
CARB, which for this AD was comprised of representatives from the
Atlanta ACO Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, Atlanta MIDO
Section, and the Aircraft Evaluation Group. The CARB unanimously
concluded that factors other than the TARAM risk indicated the need to
mandate corrective action for Gulfstream APU firewalls assembled using
AMS 3374 sealant, in addition to the previously mandated requirements
for Gulfstream APU firewalls assembled using GMS 4107 sealant.
Several 14 CFR part 25 regulations are intended to prevent the
spread of a fire to other critical areas of an airplane in the event of
an in-flight or ground fire; one of these regulations is 14 CFR 25.1191
(``Firewalls''). The 14 CFR part 25 regulations include requirements
for (1) fire detection, (2) fire suppression, and (3) fire containment
by a firewall. The AMS 3374 sealant, as applied to the Gulfstream APU
firewall type designs that are the subject of this AD, has been shown
by fire testing to result in backside (cold side) ignition of the
firewall when exposed to a 2,000 degree Fahrenheit flame for 15
minutes, thus violating the 14 CFR part 25 requirement for the firewall
to be fireproof (refer to FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 20-135,
``Powerplant Installation and Propulsion System Component Fire
Protection Test Methods, Standards and Criteria,'' dated February 6,
1990 (``AC 20-135''), for firewall fire testing guidance.) Previous
fire testing also confirmed that Gulfstream APU firewalls assembled
with GMS 4107 exhibited backside ignition during those tests. The
backside ignition of the Gulfstream APU firewalls occurred in an area
of the airplane that does not have fire detection or fire suppression.
This is a non-compliance with the requirements of 14 CFR 25.1191(b)(1)
for firewalls to be fireproof. If an APU fire occurred in flight or on
the ground on such a non-compliant airplane, it could result in
backside ignition of the firewall, potentially resulting in propagation
of an uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane. The
area outside and adjacent to the Gulfstream APU firewall contains many
airplane critical systems such as empennage structure, flight control
components, fuel lines, and oil lines. The FAA finds that APU
operations on the affected Gulfstream models without a firewall that is
fireproof, as required by 14 CFR 25.1191, constitutes an unsafe
condition. The FAA performed an
[[Page 45707]]
additional TARAM analysis, which indicated a higher risk than the
results of the original Gulfstream TARAM analysis. However, we want to
point out that neither TARAM analysis was the sole consideration for
mandating corrective action. We have made no changes to this AD in this
regard.
Request for Separate AD Action for AMS 3374 Sealant
Gulfstream requested that the FAA issue a separate rulemaking
action to address the use of AMS 3374 sealant. The commenter deems it
inaccurate to associate the GMS 4107 sealant unsafe condition with the
application of the AMS 3374 sealant. Gulfstream also considers the
corrective actions to be significantly different for the two types of
sealants.
We disagree with the commenter's request. Many of the Gulfstream
airplanes affected by this AD have both GMS 4107 and AMS 3374 sealants
used in the fabrication of APU firewalls. The use of GMS 4107 and/or
AMS 3374 sealants, per the Gulfstream type design for the APU firewalls
that are the subject of this AD action, has resulted in backside
ignition of the APU firewall in fire tests that were intended to
demonstrate that the firewalls are fireproof. The corrective action for
both types of sealants is identical, applying restrictions on APU
operations. The corrective actions specified in the AD being
superseded, AD 2009-17-01, did not address APU firewalls fabricated
using AMS 3374 sealant. Subsequent fire testing has shown that AMS 3374
sealant, used as specified in the Gulfstream type design, does not
comply with the regulations that require a firewall to be fireproof;
therefore, AD 2009-17-01 must be superseded to include APU firewalls
fabricated using AMS 3374 sealant. Future rulemaking to incorporate a
solution proposed by Gulfstream might be considered when and if a
proposed solution is made available to the FAA. We have made no changes
to this AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify Terminology
Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise the NPRM by removing all
of the statements that AMS 3374 sealant is flammable. The commenter
stated that it is not accurate to make a general statement that AMS
3374 sealant is flammable because there are many applications where AMS
3374 sealants are compliant with applicable fireproof certification
requirements.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. The FAA's
certification requirement is that firewalls be fireproof, not that the
sealant be fireproof. The FAA does not have specific requirements for
sealant, apart from the requirement that its use in the assembly of
firewalls must result in a fireproof firewall assembly.
Also, the commenter's statement that there are many applications
where AMS 3374 sealants are compliant with applicable fireproof
certification requirements may be partially correct. There could be
firewalls assembled using AMS 3374 sealants that do meet the applicable
fireproof certification requirements. The issue addressed by this final
rule is that Gulfstream's application of AMS 3374 sealant to the APU
firewall assemblies affected by this rulemaking action is not compliant
with the airworthiness requirement for the firewall to be fireproof.
The AMS 3374 sealant does meet the requirements of an industry
specification, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard AMS
3374. Compliance with an SAE standard is not equivalent to, and does
not satisfy, compliance with the FAA certification requirement that
firewalls be fireproof. AC 20-135 is used throughout the aviation
industry as guidance material for how to show compliance with the FAA's
requirement that firewalls be fireproof. Regarding the use of sealants,
AC 20-135 provides the following guidance:
Outgassing. A characteristic of bonded construction firewall
materials and seal materials is the outgassing of the volatile
constituents of the bonding resins or seal materials. This can occur
from either the hot or cool side surface of the specimens during the
test. These gasses are, in most instances, highly flammable.
Ignition occurring on the cool side is unacceptable in passing the
fire test. . . . For these types of construction, no ``cool side''
ignition is allowed and verification is required.
There are many variables that determine if a given firewall
configuration meets the airworthiness requirement to be fireproof.
Sealants are known to outgas volatile constituents. In the case of the
Gulfstream APU firewall type design, outgassed constituents of AMS 3374
sealant ignited on the backside during fire testing, and therefore, the
firewall does not meet the definition of fireproof per AC 20-135. We
have changed the wording in this final rule to specify that the type
design sealant (AMS 3374), as applied in the Gulfstream APU firewall,
does not meet the airworthiness requirement in 14 CFR 25.1191(b)(1),
for a firewall to be fireproof.
We do not agree that AMS 3374 sealant is compliant with applicable
fireproof certification requirements because the FAA does not
certificate sealants; the FAA certificates that firewalls are
fireproof. Therefore, we have made no changes to this AD in this
regard.
Request To Revise the Estimated Costs of Compliance
Gulfstream requested that the estimated costs of compliance in the
NPRM be revised to include costs associated with an operator's
inability to use the APU during normal operations, and the cost
associated with a terminating action. The commenter noted that the
estimated costs in the NPRM are associated with physically revising the
AFM by inserting the applicable AFM supplement (AFMS). The commenter
stated that the costs associated with a terminating action that would
allow an operator to use its APU in flight is much more expensive, and
depending on the number of airplanes that need to be retrofitted, the
costs are likely to be tens of millions of dollars.
The FAA did not include any costs associated with an operator's
inability to use the APU during normal operations because APU usage is
not required by the FAA for the operation of any of the affected
aircraft. This final rule does allow APU usage during certain
emergencies.
We acknowledge that the costs associated with a terminating action,
which would allow an operator to have use of its APU in flight, may be
higher because the costs associated with retrofit of the airplane are
likely to be higher than for implementing the change to the AFMS. This
final rule only provides the costs associated with implementing the
AFMS that restricts APU operations. There are no hardware or
modification costs associated with this final rule.
We do not agree with the commenter's request to revise the
estimated costs of compliance. The FAA uses a standard labor rate of
$85 per hour for evaluation of all airworthiness actions, regardless of
who performs the corrective action. The only cost associated with this
final rule is for revising the AFM by inserting the applicable AFMS.
Therefore, we have made no changes to this final rule regarding this
issue.
Additional Change Made to This Final Rule
The FAA no longer considers this final rule to be an ``interim
action'' and reference to ``interim action,'' which was included in the
NPRM, has been omitted from this final rule. The FAA will accept the
AFMS restrictions on APU operation as terminating action. If Gulfstream
proposes design changes that would eliminate the APU firewall unsafe
condition addressed by this AD,
[[Page 45708]]
the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
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 the following Gulfstream AFMSs. The AFMSs provide
operating limitations on the use of the APU during certain ground and
flight operations. These documents are distinct since they apply to
different airplane models.
<bullet> Gulfstream GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the
Gulfstream G300 AFM, dated January 15, 2003; and the Gulfstream G400
AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
<bullet> Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and
the Gulfstream G350 AFM, dated October 28, 2004.
<bullet> Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27,
2016, to the Gulfstream GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
<bullet> Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and
the Gulfstream G500 AFM, dated December 5, 2003.
<bullet> Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM, dated September 7,
2012.
<bullet> Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03,
dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October
2, 2014.
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 1,220 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision....................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $103,700
= $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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR 40061, August 11, 2009), and
adding the following new AD:
2017-20-08 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19065;
Docket No. FAA-2016-9522; Product Identifier 2016-NM-144-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 6, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR 40061,
August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
airplanes, certificated
[[Page 45709]]
in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of
this AD.
(1) Model G-IV airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 and
subsequent.
(2) Model GIV-X airplanes, having S/Ns 4001 and subsequent.
(3) Model GV airplanes, having S/Ns 501 and subsequent.
(4) Model GV-SP airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 and subsequent.
(5) Model GVI airplanes, having S/Ns 6001 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49, Airborne
Auxiliary Power; and 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the type design
sealant (Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 3374), as applied to
the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), does not meet
the requirement in 14 CFR 25.1191(b)(1) for a firewall to be
fireproof, and failed a certification test and a company test. We
are issuing this AD to provide the flight crew with operating
procedures for airplanes that have AMS 3374 or Gulfstream Material
Specification (GMS) 4107 sealant applied to the APU enclosure. Under
certain anomalous conditions such as an APU failure/APU compartment
fire, AMS 3374 or GMS 4107 sealant could ignite the exterior
surfaces of the APU enclosure and result in propagation of an
uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
Limitations Section of the applicable Gulfstream AFM specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD to include the
information in the applicable Gulfstream AFM supplement (AFMS)
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. These
AFMSs introduce operating limitations on the use of the APU during
certain ground and flight operations. This AFM revision may be done
by inserting a copy of the applicable AFMS into the applicable AFM
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. When the
AFMS has been included in the general revision of the AFM, the
general revision may be inserted into the AFM, provided the relevant
information in the general revision is identical to that in the
applicable AFMS specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of
this AD.
(h) AFMSs
For the AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
insert the applicable AFMS into the applicable Gulfstream AFM
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD.
(1) Gulfstream GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the
Gulfstream G300 AFM, dated January 15, 2003; and the Gulfstream G400
AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the
Gulfstream G350 AFM, dated October 28, 2004.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27,
2016, to the Gulfstream GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the
Gulfstream G500 AFM, dated December 5, 2003.
(5) Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM, dated September 7,
2012.
(6) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated
July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2,
2014.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the action required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed before the
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD. This
service information was incorporated by reference in AD 2009-17-01.
(1) Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02,
Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009, to the Gulfstream GIV AFM, the
Gulfstream G300 AFM, and the Gulfstream G400 AFM.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, Revision
1, dated June 25, 2009, to the Gulfstream G450 AFM and the
Gulfstream G350 AFM.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2009-03, Revision 1, dated
June 25, 2009, to the Gulfstream GV AFM.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, Revision
1, dated June 25, 2009, Gulfstream G550 AFM and the Gulfstream G500
AFM.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) 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) AMOCs approved previously for paragraph (h) of AD 2009-17-01
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ky Phan,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Section, FAA, Atlanta
ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
404-474-5536; fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.
(l) 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 GIV/G300/G400 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GIV
AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the Gulfstream G300 AFM, dated January
15, 2003; and the Gulfstream G400 AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
(ii) Gulfstream G450/G350 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G450
AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the Gulfstream G350 AFM, dated
October 28, 2004.
(iii) Gulfstream GV Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Supplement GV-
2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GV AFM, dated April
11, 1997.
(iv) Gulfstream G550/G500 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream G550
AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the Gulfstream G500 AFM, dated
December 5, 2003.
(v) Gulfstream GVI (G650) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G650-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream GVI
(G650) AFM, dated September 7, 2012.
(vi) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated July 27, 2016, to the Gulfstream
GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2, 2014.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 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 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.
[[Page 45710]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 18, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-20831 Filed 9-29-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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