Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 240 (Friday, December 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68037-68039]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26849]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0960; Product Identifier 2019-CE-049-AD; Amendment 
39-19805; AD 2019-23-11]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. This 
AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) for your airplane 
by adding an airplane flight manual supplement (AFMS), which contains 
operating limitations and abnormal procedures for loss of rudder or yaw 
damper. This AD was prompted by a report of an inflight rudder surface 
shutdown that resulted in lateral-directional oscillations of the 
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 30, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 30, 
2019.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 27, 2020.

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 https://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 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: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0960.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0960; 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 street address for 
the Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alex Armas, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 
30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-5605; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On October 1, 2019, the FAA received a report from Gulfstream of an 
inflight rudder surface shutdown that resulted in lateral-directional 
oscillations on a Model GVI airplane. The flight crew experienced an 
amber ``Rudder Fail'' crew alerting system message at flight level 340 
and was unable to command any movement of the rudder. The flight crew 
attempted a Flight Control Reset, but the condition remained. Following 
the rudder shutdown, the airplane experienced sustained lateral-
directional oscillations, which persisted for eight minutes before the 
flight crew was able to stop the oscillations. The flight crew made an 
emergency landing of the airplane with no rudder authority.
    The investigation of this inflight event revealed the root cause as 
an unstable rudder hinge moment when the aircraft is in a sideslip 
condition, combined with a rudder surface shutdown, which is inherent 
to the GVI aircraft type design.
    A rudder ``shutdown'' occurs when the flight control computer 
detects a rudder control anomaly and commands the rudder hydraulic 
actuators into damped bypass mode. When this happens, the rudder 
becomes unusable and ``floats'' at the aerodynamic neutral position. 
After a rudder shutdown, the combination of the unstable rudder hinge 
movement with an airplane sideslip could lead to uncontrollable 
lateral-directional oscillations of the airplane when operated within 
the flight envelope at high altitude and high speed.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in catastrophic 
structural damage or loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. G650-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019; and Gulfstream 
Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual Supplement No. G650ER-2019-03, 
dated November 4, 2019. For the applicable airplane designations, the 
AFMSs contain new altitude limitations, revised airspeed limitations, 
and revised abnormal procedures for loss of rudder or yaw damper. These 
limitations prevent the airplane from operating in the portion of the 
flight envelope where instability has occurred. 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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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 revising the AFM for your airplane by adding the 
applicable AFMS, which contains limitations to the operating envelope 
of the airplane and revised abnormal procedures for loss of rudder or 
yaw damper.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    The AFMSs apply to Model GVI airplanes that do not incorporate 
aircraft service change (ASC) 134. However, this

[[Page 68038]]

AD applies to all Model GVI airplanes, regardless of whether the 
airplane has ASC 134. Gulfstream plans to develop a modification, 
tentatively identified as ASC 134, to correct the unsafe condition and 
terminate the operating limitations and abnormal procedures in the 
AFMS.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. Gulfstream is analyzing 
the airplane lateral-directional oscillations and developing a 
terminating action that will address the unsafe condition identified in 
this AD. Once this action is developed, approved, and available, the 
FAA may consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because a rudder shutdown during high altitude and high speed could 
produce uncontrollable lateral-directional oscillations of the airplane 
and result in catastrophic structural damage or loss of control of the 
airplane. Based on data from Gulfstream, the FAA determined that 
corrective action within 15 days was necessary because of the 
probability that a recurrence of this event could lead to loss of 
control of the airplane or catastrophic structural damage. Therefore, 
the FAA finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, 
the FAA finds 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, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views, 
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include Docket Number FAA-2019-0960 
and Product Identifier 2019-CE-049-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final 
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact it receives about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 262 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the AFM....................  1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable.......             $85         $22,270
                                     hour = $85.
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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.
    The FAA is 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 small airplanes, domestic business 
jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of 
the Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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):

2019-23-11 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19805; 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0960; Product Identifier 2019-CE-049-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 30, 2019.

[[Page 68039]]

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an inflight rudder surface 
shutdown that resulted in sustained lateral-directional oscillations 
of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to provide operating 
limitations and flight crew procedures in the event of an inflight 
loss of rudder or yaw damper. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in catastrophic structural damage or loss of 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revise the Airplane Flight Manual

    Within 15 days after December 30, 2019 (the effective date of 
this AD), revise the airplane flight manual for your airplane by 
adding the applicable airplane flight manual supplement specified 
below:
    (1) Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual Supplement 
No. G650-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019; or
    (2) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. G650ER-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019.

(h) 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 (i) 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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Alex Armas, 
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-
5605; email: [email protected].

(j) 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 Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual Supplement 
No. G650-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019.
    (ii) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. G650ER-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019.
    (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: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support.
    (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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 4, 2019.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Aircraft Certification Service, Manager, Small Airplane Standards 
Branch, AIR-690.
[FR Doc. 2019-26849 Filed 12-12-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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