[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35897-35899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12516]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-123-AD; Amendment 39-12755; AD 2002-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy 
and Gulfstream 200 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 Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections 
for evidence of fuel accumulation inside of the aft service 
compartment; and follow-on actions, if necessary. This AD also provides 
for an optional terminating modification. This action is necessary to 
prevent such fuel accumulation, which could result in fuel vapors 
coming into contact with ignition sources and consequent fire. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 6, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 6, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 21, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-123-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 the Internet must contain 
``Docket No. 2002-NM-123-AD'' in the subject line and need not be 
submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via fax or the Internet as 
attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Model 
Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises that fuel was 
found on service door 310AB and in the aft service compartment on 
several airplanes. The cause of the fuel leakage has not yet been 
determined. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire in 
the aft service compartment of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream has issued GALAXY Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-28A-130, 
dated March 22, 2002, which describes procedures for repetitive general 
visual inspections for evidence of fuel accumulation inside of the aft 
service compartment; and follow-on actions, if necessary. The follow-on 
actions

[[Page 35898]]

include performing a leak test to identify the source of any fuel leak 
if there is fuel accumulation; repairing any fuel leak found; or, if 
the source of the leak cannot be found, performing an engine run-up 
leak test, and sealing certain drain holes and the access door with 
speed tape prior to a ferry flight to an authorized service center. The 
CAAI classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
Israeli airworthiness directive 28-02-03-15, dated March 26, 2002, in 
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Israel.
    Since the issuance of the Israeli airworthiness directive, the 
manufacturer has issued Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-53-127, dated 
May 2, 2002, which describes procedures for modification of the aft 
fuselage area, which eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections. The modification includes ensuring that certain drain 
holes are present and are eight millimeters in diameter; installing a 
diverter around the access door of the aft service compartment; 
installing grommets on fuselage drain holes; installing an extension to 
the existing auxiliary power unit diverter; drilling fastener holes, 
installing, and sealing an angle for tail cone drainage; removing 
certain fuel vent tubes; repairing or replacing the form in-place 
gasket between the service door and fuselage, if necessary; and 
applying finishing treatment. The CAAI classified this service bulletin 
as mandatory in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the alert service bulletin described previously, except as 
discussed below.

Differences Between This AD, Service Information, and Foreign 
Airworthiness Directive

    This AD differs from the parallel Israeli airworthiness directive 
and GALAXY alert service bulletin in that it requires accomplishment of 
the initial inspection within five flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD. The alert service bulletin and the Israeli 
airworthiness directive recommend accomplishment of the initial 
inspection prior to further flight. In developing an appropriate 
compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered not only the CAAI's 
recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated with addressing 
the subject unsafe condition, and the average utilization of the 
affected fleet. In light of these factors, we have determined that 
requiring the inspection within five flight cycles after the effective 
date of the AD will not adversely affect safety and allows reasonable 
time for operators to accomplish the inspection without immediately 
taking airplanes out of service.
    Additionally, operators should note that, although the Israeli 
airworthiness directive does not reference a modification, this AD 
mandates modification of the aft fuselage area for conditions where 
fuel leakage cannot be found.

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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    z 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.
    z For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being 
requested.
    z 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 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 2002-NM-123-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

[[Page 35899]]

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.


 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2002-10-09 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-12755. Docket 2002-NM-123-AD.

    Applicability: Model Galaxy airplanes, having serial numbers 004 
through 056 inclusive; and Gulfstream 200 airplanes, having serial 
numbers 057 through 061 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 fuel accumulation inside of the aft service 
compartment, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact 
with ignition sources and consequent fire, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections/Follow-On Actions

    (a) Within 5 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
do a general visual inspection to detect evidence of fuel 
accumulation inside of the aft service compartment, per the 
Accomplishment Instructions of GALAXY (Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-28A-130, dated March 22, 
2002.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (1) If no evidence of fuel accumulation is found, repeat the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to 
exceed 5 flight cycles until the modification provided by paragraph 
(b) of this AD has been accomplished. Accomplishment of the 
modification terminates the requirements of this AD.
    (2) If any evidence of fuel accumulation is found, before 
further flight, accomplish the leak test per paragraph 5.A. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.
    (i) If no fuel leak is found, before further flight, accomplish 
the modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD. 
Accomplishment of the modification terminates the requirements of 
this AD.
    (ii) If a fuel leak is found, before further flight, repair the 
leak per paragraph 5. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
alert service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 5 flight 
cycles until the modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD 
has been accomplished. Accomplishment of the modification terminates 
the requirements of this AD.

Optional Terminating Modification

    (b) Accomplishment of the modification of the aft fuselage area 
(includes ensuring that certain drain holes are present and are 8 
millimeters in diameter; installing a diverter around the access 
door of the aft service compartment; installing grommets on fuselage 
drain holes, installing an extension to the existing APU diverter, 
drilling fastener holes), per the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-53-127, dated May 2, 2002, 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

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, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (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, provided the 
actions listed in paragraph 6. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
GALAXY (Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin 
GALAXY-28A-130, dated March 22, 2002, have been accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD, shall be 
done in accordance with GALAXY (Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation) 
Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-28A-130, dated March 22, 2002. The 
modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, if accomplished, 
shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-53-
127, dated May 2, 2002. 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, Mail Station D25, Savannah, 
Georgia 31402. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 28-02-03-15, dated March 26, 2002.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 13, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-12516 Filed 5-21-02; 8:45 am]
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