Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2290-2293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-1349; Project Identifier AD-2025-00310-T; 
Amendment 39-23231; AD 2026-01-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
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 all 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new and more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 24, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 24, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1349; 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, 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 Gulfstream material, contact Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 
31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; email [email protected]; website 
gulfstream.com/en/customer-support.
    <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 at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1349.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Johnson, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 
404-474-5554; 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 all Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. The NPRM 
was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2025 (90 FR 27824). 
The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new and more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed 
to revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of principal 
structural elements throughout the service life of each part. This 
condition, if not addressed, could compromise the structural integrity 
of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Aery Aviation and Gulfstream. The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Increase the Labor Rate

    Aery Aviation stated that the labor rate used in the proposed AD 
does not accurately reflect the cost to implement the proposed AD, 
particularly for airplanes maintained by the airplane manufacturer. The 
commenter stated the Gulfstream labor rate currently ranges from $250 
to $322 per hour. The commenter recommended using Gulfstream's 
published labor rates for executive/private jets.

[[Page 2291]]

    The FAA notes that the current wage rate for aviation mechanics as 
provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, found at data.bls.gov/oesprofile, after accounting for fringe benefits that are valued at 
roughly 50% of the nominal wage, is lower than the estimated fully 
burdened labor rate of $85 per hour. Therefore, the FAA is unable to 
justify increasing the labor rate above $85 per hour. The FAA has not 
revised this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify What Prompted the Proposed AD

    Gulfstream requested the FAA revise the Background section of the 
proposed AD to specify the FAA received a report that the airworthiness 
limitations section of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 aircraft 
maintenance manuals (AMMs) has been revised to correct a typographical 
error for the main landing gear (MLG) cross bolt part number and to 
clarify safe life limit part numbers where ``& Sub'' was previously 
noted. Gulfstream also requested the FAA revise paragraph (e) of the 
proposed AD to specify the proposed AD was prompted by that report. 
Gulfstream said the statements in the Background section of the 
proposed AD regarding incorrect part numbers and new safe life limits, 
and in paragraph (e) of proposed AD regarding the FAA's determination 
that new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary, 
are vague and may be misleading. Gulfstream asserted these statements 
should revised for better clarity and to align with the actual reported 
condition.
    The FAA agrees to clarify that the report indicated the 
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the AMMs were revised to 
correct an error for the MLG cross bolt part number and to add safe 
life limit part numbers that were incorrectly assumed as included under 
the ``& sub'' family of parts. However, the FAA disagrees with revising 
this AD. The FAA considers differences between the FAA-approved 
engineering data and the technical publications to be errors. The MLG 
cross bolt part number was revised, and the safe life limit part 
numbers were expanded, because the ALS of the AMMs did not match the 
FAA-approved engineering data. Further, the FAA determined that these 
changes to ALS of the AMMs constitute new and more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, and this AD was prompted by that 
determination.

Request To Reference Later AMM Revisions

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise paragraphs (g) and (l) of 
the proposed AD to reference Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 20, dated April 15, 2025; and 
Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 16, dated April 15, 2025. Gulfstream 
stated paragraph (g) of the proposed AD would require incorporating 
earlier AMM revisions, without accommodating these later AMM revisions. 
Gulfstream noted that Revision 20 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM and 
Revision 16 of the Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM incorporate additional 
guidance for airplanes operating under European Union Part-26/EASA 
Certification Specifications 26 and do not modify any of the 
airworthiness limitations related to the proposed AD. Gulfstream 
expressed concern that operators who have incorporated later AMM 
revisions would not be able to demonstrate compliance with the proposed 
AD unless they obtained an alternative method of compliance (AMOC). 
Gulfstream also stated that paragraph (l) of the proposed AD would 
require incorporating by reference the entire AMM, whereas only the 
airworthiness limitations in Section 05-10-10 are necessary to address 
the unsafe condition.
    The FAA agrees to revise paragraph (g) of this AD to clarify that 
using a later revision of Section 05-10-10 of the applicable AMM is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD, provided that the information in the later revision is 
identical to that contained in Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and 
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, 
dated March 29, 2024; as applicable. As long as the information in the 
later revision of the applicable AMM is identical, an operator can show 
compliance with those airworthiness limitations without having to 
obtain an AMOC.
    The FAA disagrees with Gulfstream's interpretation that this AD 
mandates the entire AMM. The FAA notes that paragraph (g) of this AD 
mandates Section 05-10-10 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, 
dated March 29, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 29, 2024; as 
applicable. Accordingly, paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD 
incorporate by reference that same service information. It is not 
necessary to reference Revision 20 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM and 
Revision 16 of the Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM in paragraph (l) of this AD 
because these later revisions are not required for compliance and are 
instead referenced as acceptable methods of compliance with the 
requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD. Therefore, the FAA has not 
revised paragraph (l) of this AD in response to this comment.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' 
Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G500 
AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, 
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 29, 2024. 
This material specifies more restrictive airworthiness limitations and 
includes new safe life limit part numbers. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models.
    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 278 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the average total cost per 
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

[[Page 2292]]

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:

2026-01-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-23231; 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1349; Project Identifier AD-2025-00310-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 24, 
2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model 
GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Main Landing 
Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new and more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of principal structural elements 
throughout the service life of each part. This condition, if not 
addressed, could compromise the structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in Section 05-10-10, 
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), 
Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, 
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 29, 
2024; as applicable. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks 
is at the time specified in Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and 
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, 
dated March 29, 2024; as applicable, or within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Using a later 
revision of Section 05-10-10 of the applicable AMM with information 
identical to that contained in Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and 
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, 
dated March 29, 2024; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, East Certification 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 
manager of the East Certification 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.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Johnson, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5554; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, 
``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024.
    (ii) Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 
05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, 
Revision 14, dated March 29, 2024.
    (3) For Gulfstream material identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. 
Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; email 
[email protected]; website gulfstream.com/en/customer-support.
    (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 at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].


[[Page 2293]]


    Issued on January 14, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00994 Filed 1-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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