Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 88 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19922-19925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08956]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1163; Product Identifier 2017-CE-041-AD; Amendment 
39-19260; AD 2018-09-04]
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 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by the potential for fatigue cracks developing in the 
main landing gear actuator attachment fitting that had a certain repair 
incorporated. This AD requires incorporating new revisions into the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Limitations section of 
the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) that 
establish an inspection cycle for the repaired MLG side brace actuator 
fittings. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 11, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 11, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, 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. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is 
also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1163.

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-2017-
1163; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: William O. Herderich, Aerospace 
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5547; fax: (404) 474-5605; 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 Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2017 (82 FR 58362). 
The NPRM was prompted by the potential for fatigue cracks developing in 
the main landing gear actuator attachment fitting that had a certain 
repair incorporated. The NPRM proposed to require incorporating new 
revisions into the

[[Page 19923]]

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Limitations section of 
the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) that 
establish an inspection cycle for the repaired MLG side brace actuator 
fittings. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

Comments

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

Request To Change Compliance Time

    Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation stated that the compliance time 
for the actions required in the proposed AD should be changed to be in-
line with the service information incorporated by reference in the 
proposed AD.
    Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation stated that the compliance time 
specified in the service information incorporated by reference in the 
proposed AD is 24 months from September 16, 2016. Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation believes that the 100-hour time-in-service (TIS) compliance 
time after the effective date of the proposed AD significantly reduces 
the original compliance time and may cause an undue burden on the 
owner/operators of the affected airplanes.
    We agree that the compliance time can be changed to more fully 
coincide with the service bulletin without affecting the safety risk of 
this AD. We have changed the compliance time of this AD to ``Within the 
next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this 
AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.'' The 3-month compliance time combined with the 
35 days after publication in the Federal Register effective date should 
coincide with the compliance time in the service bulletin.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 192A, dated 
June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, 
Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream 
Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model 
Gulfstream G350); Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin 192A, dated June 
15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, 
Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream 
Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model 
Gulfstream G450); Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated 
June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, 
Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream 
Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model 
Gulfstream IV); Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated 
June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, 
Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream 
Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model 
Gulfstream G300); and Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, 
dated June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-
SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for 
Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for 
model Gulfstream G400). For the applicable models, the service 
information describes procedures for inspecting maintenance records to 
determine if repair SE05732102 for the main landing gear side brace 
fitting has been incorporated and determining initial and repetitive 
inspection requirements for the main landing gear side brace fitting. 
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 709 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Cost on
               Action                      Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per       U.S.
                                                                                          product     operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect Maintenance Records........  1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable............          $85      $60,265
                                      hour = $85.
Incorporate new revisions into the   1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable............           85       60,265
 Instructions for Continued           hour = $85.
 Airworthiness of the Limitations
 section of the FAA-approved
 maintenance program (e.g.,
 maintenance manual).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 19924]]

applicable to small airplanes, gliders, domestic business jet transport 
airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and 
Innovation Division.

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):

2018-09-04 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19260; 
Docket No. FAA-2017-1163; Product Identifier 2017-CE-041-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 11, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation model airplanes that are certificated in any category:
    (1) Model G-IV, serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 through 1399 having 
Aircraft Service Change (ASC) 416A (MSG-3) incorporated; and S/Ns 
1400 through 1535; and
    (2) Model GIV-X, S/Ns 4001 through 4355.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the potential for fatigue cracks in the 
main landing gear (MLG) actuator attachment fitting that had a 
certain repair incorporated. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the MLG actuator attachment. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could compromise the lateral support of the MLG during 
ground maneuvers, possibly leading to collapse of the affected MLG 
with consequent loss of control. In addition, this condition could 
also cause the MLG side brace to fail, which could result in a 
penetration of the wing fuel tank causing an uncontained fire.

(f) Compliance

    At whichever of the following in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) 
that occurs later, comply with the actions in paragraphs (g) through 
(i) of this AD, unless already done.
    (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after June 11, 
2018 (the effective date of this AD); or
    (2) Within the next 3 months after June 11, 2018 (the effective 
date of this AD).

(g) Inspect Maintenance Records

    Inspect the airplane maintenance records to determine if repair 
SE05732102 for the MLG side brace fitting has been incorporated. To 
do this inspection, use the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 192A; Gulfstream G450 
Customer Bulletin 192A; Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 238A; 
Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 238A; and Gulfstream G400 
Customer Bulletin Number 238A; all dated June 15, 2017, as 
applicable. The service information referenced in this paragraph 
specifies sending a service reply card back to Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation if repair SE05732102 for the MLG side brace fitting has 
been not been incorporated. This action is not required in this AD.

(h) Determine Initial and Repetitive Inspection Requirements

    If it is determined during the maintenance records inspection 
required in paragraph (g) of this AD that repair SE05732102 for the 
MLG side brace fitting has been incorporated, determine the initial 
and repetitive inspection requirements using the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service information identified in paragraph (g) 
of this AD along with the following documents, as applicable. Comply 
with the inspection requirements as determined.
    (1) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair 
Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G350 
Customer Bulletin No. 192A, dated June 15, 2017;
    (2) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair 
Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G450 
Customer Bulletin No. 192A, dated June 15, 2017;
    (3) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair 
Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream IV 
Customer Bulletin No. 283A, dated June 15, 2017;
    (4) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair 
Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G300 
Customer Bulletin No. 283A, dated June 15, 2017; and
    (5) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair 
Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G400 
Customer Bulletin No. 283A, dated June 15, 2017.

(i) Revise Limitations Section

    Insert the documents listed in paragraphs (h)(1) through (5) of 
this AD into the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the 
Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., 
maintenance manual), as applicable. The revised limitations sections 
establish inspections of the repaired MLG side brace actuator 
fittings.

(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) 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 (g) 
through (i) 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.

[[Page 19925]]

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact William O. 
Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5547; 
fax: (404) 474-5605; email: [email protected].

(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 G350 Customer Bulletin Number 192A, dated June 
15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-
SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for 
Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.
    (ii) Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin 192A, dated June 15, 
2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-
553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for 
Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.
    (iii) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 
15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-
SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for 
Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.
    (iv) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 
15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-
SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for 
Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.
    (v) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 
15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-
SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for 
Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.
    (3) For Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation service information 
identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, 
P.O. Box 2206, 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (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 Kansas City, Missouri, on April 19, 2018.
Melvin Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-08956 Filed 5-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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