[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 198 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60591-60593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-26095]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 198 / Thursday, October 12, 2000 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 60591]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-101-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-IV Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV 
series airplanes. For certain airplanes this proposal would require 
installation of an additional indicator located on the pilot's 
instrument panel in primary view of the flight crew. The indicator 
would inform the flight crew that the airplane main batteries are 
powering the direct current (DC) essential bus which supplies power to 
vital communication and navigation equipment. For certain other 
airplanes, this proposal would require the EICAS (Engine Instruments/
Caution Advisory System) to be used for this indication. This action is 
necessary to ensure that the flight crew is aware that an electrical 
system failure has occurred and that the airplane main batteries are 
powering the essential DC bus. If the flight crew is unaware of this 
situation, action to stop depletion of the airplane batteries will not 
be taken, and critical communications and navigation equipment could 
fail. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 27, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-101-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-101-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One 
Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berryman, Aerospace Engineer, 
ACE-116A, FAA, 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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-101-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2000-NM-101-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report of the loss of normal electrical 
power to the essential direct current (DC) bus going undetected by the 
flight crew. The bus provides power to vital systems, such as aircraft 
flight displays, communication and navigation equipment, the thrust 
reverser control, the auxiliary power unit, and fire extinguishing 
systems. In the event of a problem with the power supply, the bus will 
automatically switch to the airplane's main batteries to keep these 
vital systems operating. Operation on battery power is for a short time 
and is intended only to allow time to land the airplane.
    Following a problem with the power supply to the DC essential bus, 
the flight crew may not be aware of the switch to battery power or the 
subsequent depletion of the batteries, because the relevant caution 
lights are located on the overhead instrument panel, rather than in the 
flight crew's primary line of sight.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the flight crew 
being unaware that depletion of the airplane batteries is occurring, 
which could result in failure

[[Page 60592]]

of the vital equipment normally powered by the DC essential bus.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 
102A, dated February 1, 2000; Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 
327B, dated January 26, 2000; and Aircraft Service Change No. 327B AM1 
(Amendment 1), dated August 28, 2000, which describe procedures for 
modifications to inform the flight crew when the aircraft batteries are 
powering the essential (DC) bus.
    For airplanes having SPZ 8400, the procedures describe modification 
of the EICAS (Engine Instruments/Caution Advisory System) to replace 
the existing blue message with an amber indicating light. For airplanes 
not having the SPZ 8400, the procedures describe modification of the 
pilot's instrument panel to add an amber indicating light. All 
airplanes will also have an audible tone when the indicating system is 
activated. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the customer 
bulletin and aircraft service changes is intended to adequately address 
the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the customer bulletin and aircraft service changes described 
previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 292 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD and that the average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. There will be no charge for required parts for the 
modification. The cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators 
depends upon whether the airplane has the SPZ 400, whether the airplane 
has the production equivalent of Aircraft Service Change No. 327, and 
whether the operator has performed earlier Aircraft Service Changes No. 
327 or No. 327A, as shown in Table 1.

 Table 1.--Cost Impact of Performing Aircraft Service Change No. 327B or
                       No. 327B AM1 (Amendment 1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Airplane has the    Airplane does not
                                       SPZ 8400       have the  SPZ 8400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane has production
 equivalent of Aircraft Service
 Change No. 327:
    Time (in work-hours)........  36................  68
    Cost/airplane (in $)........  2,160.............  4,080
Operator has performed Aircraft
 Service Change No. 327
    Time (in work-hours)........  24................  28
    Cost/airplane (in $)........  1,440.............  1,680
Operator has performed Aircraft   No time estimate    No time estimate
 Service Change No. 327A.          given.              given.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket 2000-NM-101-AD.

    Applicability: Model G-IV series airplanes, serial numbers 1000 
through 1359 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 ensure that the flight crew is aware that an 
electrical system failure may have occurred and that the main 
airplane batteries are powering the direct current (DC) essential 
bus, accomplish the following:

[[Page 60593]]

Modifications

    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date if this AD, for 
airplanes equipped with the SPZ 8400: Perform paragraph (a)(1), 
(a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If the airplane has the production equivalent of Aircraft 
Service Change No. 327, install the new indicator light and the 
audible tone, in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 
102A, dated February 1, 2000; and Modification Instructions A, J 
through L, and P of Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B, 
dated January 26, 2000.
    (2) If the operator has performed Gulfstream Aircraft Service 
Change No. 327 but not Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327A, 
install the new indicator light and the audible tone, in accordance 
with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 102A, dated February 1, 2000; 
Modification Instructions A through E of Gulfsteam Aircraft Service 
Change No. 327B AM1, dated August 28, 2000; and Modification 
Instruction P of Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B, dated 
January 26, 2000.

    Note 2: Modification Instruction E in Gulfstream Aircraft 
Service Change No. 327B AM1 is the same as Modification Instruction 
P in Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B.

    (3) If the operator has performed Gulfstream Aircraft Service 
Change No. 327A, ensure that all ground wires from connectors 
95A1P2B and 95A2P2B are removed or rerouted in accordance with 
Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 102A, dated February 1, 2000; and 
Figure 6 of Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B, dated 
January 26, 2000.
    (b) Within 12 months after the effective date if this AD, for 
airplanes not equipped with the SPZ 400: Perform paragraph (b)(1), 
(b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If the operator has not performed Gulfstream Aircraft 
Service Change No. 327, install the new indicator light and the 
audible tone, in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 
102A, dated February 1, 2000; and Modification Instructions A, B 
through I, and P of Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B, 
dated January 26, 2000.
    (2) If the operator has performed Gulfstream Aircraft Service 
Change No. 327, install the new indicator light and the audible 
tone, in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 102A, 
dated February 1, 2000; and Modification Instructions A, M through 
O, and P of Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B dated 
January 26, 2000.
    (3) If the operator has performed Gulfstream Aircraft Service 
Change No. 27A, ensure that wire P9052C22 is rerouted and is 
connected in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 102A, 
dated February 1, 2000; and Figure 7 of Gulfstream Aircraft Service 
Change No. 327B, dated January 26, 2000.

    Note 3: Page 1 of Gulfstream Aircraft Service Change No. 327B 
incorrectly refers to Figure 5; Figure 7 is the correct figure.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 4, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-26095 Filed 10-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P