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

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 71 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22359-22362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07739]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00052-T; 
Amendment 39-22395; AD 2023-06-09]
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 Galaxy

[[Page 22360]]

airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 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 May 18, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 18, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; 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 in this AD, contact 
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-2022-0994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, FAA, 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 G200 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 17, 2022 (87 FR 50588). The NPRM was 
prompted by AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR 
I-57-2021-12-4) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by CAAI, which 
is the aviation authority for Israel. 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 necessary, resealing the fairings with new fillet seal, 
and applicable corrective actions, as specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-4.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0994.
    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 
airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on December 13, 
2022 (87 FR 76148). The SNPRM was prompted a determination that Model 
Galaxy airplanes must be added to the applicability. In the SNPRM, the 
FAA proposed to require 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. 
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.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the SNPRM 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 SNPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, describes 
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 168 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        $414,120
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[[Page 22361]]

    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 [*]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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, 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:

2023-06-09 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-22395; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0994; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00052-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 18, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy 
airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 004 through 250 inclusive.

(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 the 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) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-
57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4).

(h) Exceptions to CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4

    (1) Where CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 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-57-2021-12-4 
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-57-2021-12-4 
refers to certain service information, replace the text ``Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin No. 200-57-426, dated January 01, 2022, or later 
approved revision,'' with ``Gulfstream Service Bulletin No. 200-57-
426, Revision 1, dated June 16, 2022, or later approved revision.''
    (4) Where the service information specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-4 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, 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-
2021-12-4 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 22362]]

    (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 CAAI; or 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, FAA, 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-
12-4, dated January 1, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, 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 March 17, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07739 Filed 4-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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