Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-V Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 171 (Thursday, September 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46870-46872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-23601]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-230-AD; Amendment 39-10731; AD 98-18-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-V Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-V series airplanes. This 
action requires a one-time inspection to measure the clearance between 
a certain wiring harness and the crew oxygen bottle; corrective 
actions, if necessary; and eventual relocation of the crew oxygen 
bottle and rework of the lines and tubing associated with the crew and 
passenger oxygen bottles. This amendment is prompted by a report 
indicating that interference between the wiring harness and the crew 
oxygen bottle was found on a production airplane. The actions specified 
in this AD are intended to prevent chafing of the wiring harness 
against the crew oxygen bottle, which could result in electrical 
shorting and possible fire in the underfloor structure of the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 18, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 18, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 2, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-230-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, M/S D-10, Savannah, 
Georgia 31402-9980. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berryman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone 
(770) 703-6066; fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that interference between a certain wiring harness and the crew oxygen 
bottle was observed on several production Gulfstream Model G-V series 
airplanes. Wiring contained in the affected harness, which is located 
beneath floor board 4C, includes the fuel boost pump power, ground 
service bus battery power, and three-phase alternating current power 
for the right battery charger. Interference between the wiring harness 
and the crew oxygen bottle could result in chafing of the electrical 
wires and consequent electrical shorting. Due to the proximity of the 
wiring harness to the oxygen bottle, such electrical shorting, if not 
prevented, could result in a fire in the underfloor structure of the 
airplane.
    Gulfstream has inspected approximately 10 to 12 in-house airplanes 
to measure clearance between the wiring harness and crew oxygen bottle. 
These inspections revealed that, on certain airplanes, the lack of 
clearance had been detected during production and protective Teflon 
sheeting had been installed to prevent chafing. In some cases, evidence 
of chafing of the Teflon sheeting was observed. However, no chafing of 
wiring has been detected. It is unknown how many airplanes already have 
such protective sheeting installed.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert 
Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated July 8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream 
Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 
10, 1998. That alert customer bulletin and amendment describe 
procedures for a one-time visual inspection to measure the clearance 
between the wiring harness located beneath floor board 4C and the crew 
oxygen bottle and bottle mounting structure, and corrective actions, if 
necessary. The corrective actions include inspections for chafing of 
the wiring; repair of any damaged wiring in accordance with 
instructions provided by Gulfstream Technical Services; and 
installation of temporary protective Teflon sheeting, if not already 
installed, to prevent contact between the wiring harness and oxygen 
bottle. The alert customer bulletin and amendment reference Gulfstream 
Aircraft Service Change (ASC) No. 059A, dated August 3, 1998, as an 
additional source of service information. That ASC describes, among 
other things, procedures for permanent relocation of the crew oxygen 
bottle and rework of the lines and tubing associated with the crew and 
passenger oxygen bottles. Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the alert customer bulletin and amendment is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent chafing of a wiring harness against the crew 
oxygen bottle, which could result in electrical shorting and possible 
fire in the underfloor structure of the airplane. This AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert customer bulletin 
and amendment described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and the Alert Customer Bulletin and 
Amendment

    Operators should note that, although the alert customer bulletin 
and amendment specify that the manufacturer may be contacted for 
disposition of repair conditions, this AD requires the repair of those 
conditions to be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by 
the FAA.

[[Page 46871]]

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-230-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-18-15  Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-10731. 
Docket 98-NM-230-AD.

    Applicability: Model G-V series airplanes, serial numbers 501 
through 549 inclusive, 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 (c) 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.
    To prevent chafing of a wiring harness against the crew oxygen 
bottle, which could result in electrical shorting and possible fire 
in the underfloor structure of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time visual inspection to measure the clearance 
between the wiring harness located beneath floor board 4C and the 
crew oxygen bottle and bottle mounting structure, in accordance with 
Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated July 
8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer 
Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 10, 1998.
    (1) If the clearance is greater than or equal to .250 inch, and 
if any Teflon sheeting is installed: No further action is required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (2) If the clearance is greater than or equal to .250 inch, and 
if no Teflon sheeting is installed: Prior to further flight, install 
.030-inch Teflon sheeting in accordance with the alert customer 
bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
    (3) If the clearance is less than .250 inch, and if any Teflon 
sheeting is installed: Prior to further flight, inspect the sheeting 
for evidence of chafing, in accordance with the alert customer 
bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
    (i) If no evidence of chafing of the Teflon sheeting is 
detected, prior to further flight, install .125-inch Teflon 
sheeting, in accordance with the alert customer bulletin, as revised 
by Amendment 1.
    (ii) If any evidence of chafing of the Teflon sheeting is 
detected, prior to further flight, remove the Teflon sheeting and 
inspect the wires to detect evidence of chafing, in accordance with 
the alert customer bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1; and 
accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(4)(i) or 
(a)(4)(ii), as applicable.
    (4) If the clearance is less than .250 inch, and if no Teflon 
sheeting is installed: Prior to further flight, inspect the wires to 
detect evidence of chafing, in accordance with the alert customer 
bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
    (i) If no evidence of chafing of the wires is detected, prior to 
further flight, install .125-inch Teflon sheeting in accordance with 
the alert customer bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
    (ii) If any evidence of chafing of the wires is detected, prior 
to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate.
    (b) Within 150 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
relocate the crew oxygen bottle and rework the lines and tubing 
associated with the crew and passenger oxygen bottles, in accordance 
with Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated 
July 8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer 
Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 10, 1998.

    Note 2: Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, 
dated July 8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert 
Customer Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 10, 1998, refers 
to Gulfstream

[[Page 46872]]

Aerospace Aircraft Service Change No. 059A, dated August 3, 1998, as 
an additional source of service information for accomplishing the 
relocation of the crew oxygen bottle.

    (c) 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 ACO. 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.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (d) 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.
    (e) Except as provided by (a)(4)(ii) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert 
Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated July 8, 1998, as revised by 
Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 
1, dated August 10, 1998. 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, P.O. Box 2206, M/S D-10, Savannah, 
Georgia 31402-9980. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, 
suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 18, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 26, 1998.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-23601 Filed 9-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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