Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 100 Airplanes, and Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 31, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4414-4416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1397]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27077; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-286-AD; 
Amendment 39-14916; AD 2007-03-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model 
Gulfstream 100 Airplanes, and Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The unsafe condition is incomplete closure of the 
main entry door, which may result in the door opening in flight, 
causing damage to wing, fuselage, engine, and/or tail, and possible 
damage to the airplane. This AD requires actions that are intended to 
address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 15, 2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 2, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.

[[Page 4415]]

    This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we 
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe 
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this 
reason might not follow our plain language principles.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
aviation authority for Israel, has issued Israeli Airworthiness 
Directive 52-06-11-08, dated November 28, 2006 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The unsafe condition is incomplete closure of the main entry 
door, which may result in the door opening in flight, causing damage to 
wing, fuselage, engine, and/or tail, and possible damage to the 
airplane. The MCAI requires amending the airplane flight manuals to 
include additional procedures for verifying complete closure and 
locking of the main entry door. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all the information provided by the State of Design Authority 
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take 
precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because there 
have been two incidents of main entry doors opening in flight, both at 
relatively low altitude and airspeeds. Since it cannot be shown the 
airplane can continue safe operation and return to the nearest airport 
after such an event in any phase of flight, we have determined that 
loss of an airplane is possible unless immediate actions are taken. 
Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment 
before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-27077; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-NM-286-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that this AD would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD would 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 this regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2007-03-05 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-14916. Docket No. FAA-2007-27077; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-286-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 
15, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model Gulfstream 100 
airplanes; and Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes;

[[Page 4416]]

certificated in any category; all serial numbers.

Reason

    (d) The unsafe condition is incomplete closure of the main entry 
door, which may result in the door opening in flight, causing damage 
to wing, fuselage, engine, and/or tail, and possible damage to the 
airplane. The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
requires amending the airplane flight manuals to include additional 
procedures for verifying complete closure and locking of the main 
entry door.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 10 
days after the effective date of this AD, amend section IV, Normal 
Procedures, of the following Gulfstream airplane flight manuals 
(AFMs): Model 1125 Astra, 25W-1001-1; Model Astra SPX, SPX-1001-1; 
and Model G100, G100-1001-1; as applicable; to include the following 
statement. Insertion of copies of this AD at the appropriate places 
of the AFMs is acceptable.
    ``1. BEFORE ENGINE START: (PRE and POST Mod 20052/Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 100-31-284): CABIN DOOR--CLOSED (Physically verify 
door latch handle pin is fully engaged in the handle lock).
    2. BEFORE TAXIING: Change the CABIN DOOR procedure as follows 
(POST Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284): Check CABIN 
DOOR light--OUT.
    3. BEFORE TAKE-OFF: Insert between the POSITION lights switch 
and the THRUST LEVERS procedures: (PRE Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service 
Bulletin 100-31-284): Check CABIN DOOR light--OUT (50% N1 may be 
required).

    (POST Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284): Check 
CABIN DOOR light--OUT; CABIN DOOR SEAL light--OUT (50% N1 may be 
required).''

    Note 1: Mod 20052 is equivalent to Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
100-31-284, dated August 17, 2006.


    Note 2: This AD may be accomplished by a holder of a Private 
Pilot's License.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: We revised the order in which the AFM procedures for 
verifying closure and locking of the main entry door appear in the 
MCAI. We also removed one procedure under ``BEFORE TAXIING'' for 
verifying the cabin door seal light is out (Post Mod 20052/Post 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284) and for verifying the cabin 
door light is out (Pre Mod 20052/Pre Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
100-31-284).

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
Attn: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  39.19 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate 
principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding 
District Office.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (g) Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 52-06-11-08, 
dated November 28, 2006, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (h) None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1397 Filed 1-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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