[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 16, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63821-63823]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26208]



[[Page 63821]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-255-AD; Amendment 39-12909; AD 2002-21-03]
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 performing a one-time general visual inspection of the 
pilot's overhead circuit breaker panel wiring for discrepancies; 
rerouting the P45-12 wire; and repair, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent circuit breaker wiring from becoming pinched or 
damaged, causing arcing between the wire and attaching bracket, which 
could result in smoke and/or fire in the pilot's circuit breaker panel. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective October 21, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of October 21, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 16, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-255-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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. 2002-NM-255-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 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, 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: Robert S. Chupka, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6070; fax (770) 703-
6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The manufacturer has notified the FAA that a 
fire occurred in the pilot's overhead circuit breaker panel on a 
Gulfstream Model G-V series airplane while it was undergoing a landing 
gear cycling test. Investigation revealed that the P45-12 wire had been 
pinched between the circuit breaker panel and its attach bracket. The 
current wire routing within the pilot's circuit breaker panel allows 
the P45-12 wire to become pinched or damaged upon closing of the 
circuit breaker panel, which may arc to the metal attaching bracket 
during vibration. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in 
smoke and/or fire in the pilot's circuit breaker panel.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream Alert Customer 
Bulletin No. 19, including Drawing 1159SB59301, dated September 26, 
2002, including attachment, which describes procedures for a one-time 
general visual inspection of the pilot's overhead circuit breaker panel 
for discrepancies (e.g., wire damage). The inspection involves paying 
special attention to the P45-12 wire that runs from circuit breaker F10 
to G5. The alert customer bulletin also describes procedures for 
rerouting wire P45-12 inside the standoff on the front of the panel, 
and contacting the manufacturer if discrepancies are found. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert customer bulletin 
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 Gulfstream Model G-V series airplanes of the 
same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent circuit breaker 
wiring from becoming pinched or damaged, causing arcing between the 
wire and attaching bracket, which could result in smoke and fire in the 
pilot's circuit breaker panel. This AD requires a one-time general 
visual inspection of the pilot's overhead circuit breaker panel wiring 
for discrepancies; rerouting the P45-12 wire; and repair, if necessary. 
The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
alert customer bulletin described previously; except as discussed 
below.

Differences Between This AD and the Alert Customer Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the alert customer bulletin 
specifies that the manufacturer be contacted for disposition of 
discrepant conditions, this AD requires repair of those conditions to 
be accomplished per a method approved by the FAA.
    The alert customer bulletin also recommends that the actions be 
accomplished before further flight for airplanes located at a 
maintenance facility; or, for airplanes not located at a facility where 
the inspection can be performed, it allows a one-time flight to a 
maintenance facility where it can be performed. However, this AD 
requires that the one-time inspection be accomplished within 5 days 
after the effective date of this AD. In developing an appropriate 
compliance time for this AD, we considered not only the manufacturer'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 find a 5-day compliance 
time for completing the required actions to be warranted, in that it 
represents an appropriate interval of time allowable for affected 
airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.
    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the referenced alert customer bulletin describe 
procedures for completing a Service Reply Card for reporting compliance 
with the alert customer bulletin, this AD does not require that action. 
The FAA does not need this information from operators.

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.

[[Page 63822]]

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:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    [sbull] 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-255-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.

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:

2002-21-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-12909. 
Docket 2002-NM-255-AD.

    Applicability: Model G-V series airplanes; having serial numbers 
501 through 686 inclusive, and 699; 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 (b) 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 the circuit breaker wiring from becoming pinched or 
damaged, causing arcing between the wire and attaching bracket, 
which could result in smoke and/or fire in the pilot's circuit 
breaker panel, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a 
one-time general visual inspection of the pilot's circuit breaker 
panel wiring for discrepancies (e.g., wire damage), in accordance 
with Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 19, including Drawing 
1159SB59301, dated September 26, 2002, including attachment; except 
that it is not necessary to complete the Service Reply Card. Pay 
special attention to wire P45-12 that runs from circuit breaker F10 
to G5.

    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 discrepancy is found, before further flight, reroute 
wire P45-12 in accordance with the alert customer bulletin.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found, before further flight, reroute 
wire P45-12 and repair discrepancies per a method approved by the 
Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a 
repair method to be approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as 
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) Unless otherwise provided by this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 19, 
including Drawing 1159SB59301, dated

[[Page 63823]]

September 26, 2002, including attachment. 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, 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.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 21, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-26208 Filed 10-15-02; 8:45 am]
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