Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-159 (G-I) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 128 (Thursday, July 3, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35957-35959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-17283]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-16-AD; Amendment 39-10068; AD 97-14-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model 
G-159 (G-I) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-159 (G-I) airplanes, 
that currently requires modification and repetitive

[[Page 35958]]

inspections for cracks in the main landing gear (MLG) retract cylinder 
attachment fittings. This amendment requires installation of improved 
attachment fittings which, when accomplished, terminates the 
requirement for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted 
by the development of a modification that positively addresses the 
identified unsafe condition. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of the MLG retract cylinder attachment 
fitting due to fatigue cracking. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in the inability to retract the MLG.

DATES: Effective August 7, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 7, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Operations 
Department, P.O. Box 2206, M/S D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, Small Airplane Directorate, Campus Building, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, Campus Building, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748; 
telephone (404) 305-7362; fax (404) 305-7348.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 67-31-08, 
amendment 39-515 (32 FR 16201, November 28, 1967), which is applicable 
to certain Gulfstream Model G-159 (G-I) airplanes, was published in the 
Federal Register on March 6, 1997 (62 FR 10228). The action proposed to 
supersede AD 67-31-08 to continue to require repetitive inspections and 
modification of the MLG retract cylinder attachment fittings, and 
replacement, if necessary. It also proposed to require that the 
attachment fitting assemblies eventually be replaced with assemblies 
made of steel. Once this replacement is accomplished, the previously 
required modification and inspections may be terminated.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 146 Gulfstream Model G-159 (G-I) airplanes 
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 
72 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 67-31-08 take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $12,960, or $180 per airplane, per inspection.
    The replacement action that is required by this AD action will take 
approximately 45 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$5,400 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $583,200, 
or $8,100 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-515 (32 FR 
16201, November 28, 1967), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-10068, to read as follows:

97-14-10 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (formerly Grumman): 
Amendment 39-10068. Docket 97-NM-16-AD. Supersedes AD 67-31-08, 
Amendment 39-515.

    Applicability: Model G-159 (G-I) airplanes; serial numbers (S/N) 
1 through 12 inclusive, 14 through 112 inclusive, 114 through 148 
inclusive, 322, and 323; on which main landing gear cylinder attach 
fitting assemblies having part number (P/N) 159WM10276-1 and -2 and 
balls having P/N 159WM10277-1 are not installed; certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) 
of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect 
of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

[[Page 35959]]

    To prevent failure of the main landing gear (MLG) retract 
cylinder attachment fittings due to fatigue cracking, which could 
result in the inability to retract the MLG, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(a)(2) of this AD, at the times indicated in those paragraphs and in 
accordance with Grumman Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 172, dated 
September 6, 1963.
    (1) Beginning November 7, 1967 (the effective date of AD 67-31-
08, amendment 39-515), and prior to each flight, conduct a visual 
inspection to detect cracks in the MLG retract cylinder attachment 
fittings on the lower surface of the right-hand and left-hand wings 
in the vicinity of the aft end of the fitting.
    (2) Within 25 hours time-in-service after November 7, 1967, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and 
(a)(2)(ii) of this AD:
    (i) Conduct a dye penetrant inspection, in conjunction with at 
least a 10X magnifying glass, to detect cracks in the MLG retract 
cylinder attachment fittings on the lower surface of the right-hand 
and left-hand wings in the vicinity of the aft end of the fitting. 
Repeat this inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 
hours time-in-service. And
    (ii) Modify the aft end edges of the fitting by rounding them 
off to approximately 1/32'' radius.
    (b) If any crack is found during an inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish either 
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Replace the cracked part with a part of the same part number 
that has been modified and inspected in accordance with paragraph 
(a) of this AD, in accordance with Grumman Gulfstream Customer 
Bulletin No. 172, dated September 6, 1963. Thereafter, continue the 
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Or
    (2) Replace the fitting assembly with an assembly having part 
number (P/N) 159WM10276-1 or -2, and balls having P/N 159WM10277-1. 
After accomplishing this replacement, the repetitive inspections of 
that fitting required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be terminated.
    (c) Within 400 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, replace the MLG retract cylinder attachment fitting 
assemblies with assemblies having part numbers (P/N) 159WM10276-1 
and -2, and balls having P/N 159WM10277-1. This replacement 
constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of 
this AD.
    (d)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Atlanta ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 67-31-08, amendment 39-515, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream 
Customer Bulletin No. 172, dated September 6, 1963. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, 
Technical Operations Department, P.O. Box 2206, M/S D-10, Savannah, 
Georgia 31402-2206. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, 
College Park, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 7, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 26, 1997.
S. R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-17283 Filed 7-2-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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