Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68608-68610]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24910]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0887; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00051-T; 
Amendment 39-22215; AD 2022-21-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing debonding and 
corrosion were discovered at certain areas of the lower skin on both 
wings. This AD requires an inspection for corrosion in certain areas of 
the wing skin fairings, additional inspections if necessary, resealing 
the fairings with new fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions, 
as specified in a Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 21, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0887; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, Golan 
Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9774665; fax 972-
3-9774592; email [email protected]. You may find this material on the CAAI 
website at caa.gov.il.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0887.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on July 21, 2022 (87 FR 43459). The NPRM was prompted 
by AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated January 1, 2022, issued by CAAI, which 
is the aviation authority for Israel (referred to after this

[[Page 68609]]

as the MCAI). There were reports that wing flap fairing debonding and 
corrosion were discovered at the lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on both 
wings. The MCAI states that the reason for the AD is to prevent the 
possibility of flap fairing debonding, moisture intrusion and wing 
lower skin corrosion at rib 3 and rib 11.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for 
corrosion in certain areas of the wing skin fairings, additional 
inspections if corrosion is found and a measurement of the thickness of 
the remaining wing skin if necessary, resealing the fairings with new 
fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address flap fairing debonding and moisture intrusion that might 
lead to lower wing skin corrosion and cracking on both wings, and 
reduced structural integrity of the wings.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0887.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, and determined 
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated January 1, 2022, specifies 
procedures for an inspection for corrosion in the area of the wing skin 
(or doubler if installed) under the rib 3 and rib 11 fairings, a 
penetration or eddy current inspection for cracks if corrosion was 
found, a measurement of the thickness of remaining wing skin (or 
doubler) if no cracks were found, resealing of rib 3 and rib 11 
fairings with new fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions. 
Corrective actions include cleaning and removing corrosion, crack 
repair, and repair of fairing installation locations with a certain 
thickness reduction.
    This material 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                  Labor cost                               Parts cost                 product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,465.........  Minimal.........................          $2,465        $214,455
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                Estimated Costs of On-condition Actions *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Labor cost                Parts cost      Cost per product
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Up to 10 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0  Up to $850.
 = $850.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
  estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.

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.

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator,

[[Page 68610]]

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:

2022-21-16 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-22215; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0887; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00051-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 21, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in The Civil 
Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated 
January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing debonding 
and corrosion were discovered at lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on 
both wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address flap fairing 
debonding and moisture intrusion that might lead to lower wing skin 
corrosion and cracking on both wings, and reduced structural 
integrity of the wings.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where the Compliance paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 
requires compliance at a certain time, replace the text ``at the 
next suitable planned maintenance inspection within the next 24 
months from the effective date of this AD'' with ``within 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD.''
    (3) Where the Action paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 
refers to certain service information, replace the text ``Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin No.150-57-197, dated January 01, 2022, or later 
approved revision,'' with ``Gulfstream Service Bulletin No. 150-57-
197, Revision 1, dated June 16, 2022, or later approved revision.''
    (4) Where the service information specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-3 specifies to report to Gulfstream if ``cracks were 
discovered'' and ``for any fairing installation location with one or 
more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10%,'' 
for this AD, cracks and fairing installation locations with one or 
more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10% must 
be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the 
Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
FAA; or CAAI; or CAAI's authorized Designee. If approved by the 
authorized Designee, the approval must include the Designee's 
authorized signature.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-3 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified 
in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel 
(CAAI); or the CAAI's authorized Designee. If approved by the CAAI 
Designee, the approval must include the Designee's authorized 
signature.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-57-2021-
12-3, dated January 1, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, contact Civil Aviation 
Authority of Israel (CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport 
City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9774665; fax 972-3-9774592; 
email [email protected]. You may find this CAAI AD on the CAAI website 
at caa.gov.il.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 7, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24910 Filed 11-15-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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