Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2293-2295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01004]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0757; Project Identifier AD-2025-00117-T; 
Amendment 39-23230; AD 2026-01-02]
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 GVI 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-2025-0757; 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 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.
    <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-2025-0757.

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 GVI airplanes. The NPRM was published in 
the Federal Register on May 19, 2025 (90 FR 21245). 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 a comment from an individual commentor who 
supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Allow Use Later Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Revisions

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise paragraph (g) of the 
proposed AD to allow incorporation of Section 05-10-10 of Gulfstream 
G650 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 25, dated May 15, 2025; and 
Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 20, dated May 
15, 2025. Gulfstream stated the proposed AD would require incorporating 
earlier AMM revisions, without accommodating these later AMM revisions. 
Gulfstream noted that the airworthiness limitations in Section 05-10-10 
of the later AMM revisions are unchanged from the earlier revisions and 
still dated October 30, 2024. 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 
the proposed AD would require incorporating 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 G650 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 24, dated October 
30, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 
05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 19, dated October 30, 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 
requires incorporating the information in Section 05-10-10, 
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks,'' Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 24, 
dated October 30, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 19, dated 
October 30, 2024; as applicable. Therefore, the FAA has not changed 
this AD in regard to this comment.

Request To Revise Background Paragraph

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise the Background section of 
the proposed AD to specify Gulfstream revised the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the Gulfstream G650 and G650ER AMMs to add 
airplane serial numbers to the effectivity of the rear spar fitting 
principal structural element (PSE) and clarify safe life limit part 
numbers where ``& Sub'' was previously noted. Gulfstream stated that 
the Background description regarding

[[Page 2294]]

errors in the previous revisions of the ALS is incorrect.
    The FAA disagrees with the request. The term ``error'' is an 
accurate description of the need to revise the ALS of the AMMs. The FAA 
considers differences between the FAA-approved engineering data and the 
technical publications to be errors. The effectivity and the safe life 
limit part numbers were revised because the ALS of the AMMs did not 
match the FAA-approved engineering data. The FAA has not revised the AD 
in this regard.

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 G650 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 24, dated October 30, 2024; and 
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 19, dated October 30, 2024. This material specifies 
airworthiness limitations, which includes additional safe life limit 
part numbers and the addition of airplane serial numbers to the 
effectivity of certain PSEs. These documents are distinct because 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 would affect 428 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).

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:

2026-01-02 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-23230; 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0757; Project Identifier AD-2025-00117-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 
GVI airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(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 G650 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 24, 
dated October 30, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 19, dated 
October 30, 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 G650 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 24, 
dated October 30, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness 
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' 
Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 19, dated 
October 30, 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 G650 Aircraft Maintenance

[[Page 2295]]

Manual, Revision 24, dated October 30, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, 
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance 
Checks,'' Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 
19, dated October 30, 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 Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 39.23, 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 G650 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 24, dated October 30, 2024.
    (ii) Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 
05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 19, dated October 30, 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].

    Issued on January 14, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01004 Filed 1-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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