[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 13, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68755-68757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28613]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD; Amendment 39-12945; AD 2002-23-01]
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 a one-time inspection 
for evidence of damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly; and 
repair if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct 
damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the forward engine cross spar assembly. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective November 29, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 29, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 13, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-265-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-265-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, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 
Gulfstream Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises 
that, during the installation of the mounting brackets for the baggage 
compartment liner, damage occurred to the upper beam cap of the forward 
engine cross spar assembly, located at fuselage station 582.00. The 
damage may have been a result of drill runs, and, if not corrected, 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the forward engine 
cross spar assembly.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream has issued Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, 
dated September 18, 2002, including a Service Reply Card, which 
describes procedures for performing a one-time detailed inspection for 
evidence of damage (i.e., drill marks) to the forward engine cross spar 
assembly at fuselage station 582.00; and contacting the airplane 
manufacturer for repair instructions, if necessary. The service 
bulletin recommends that operators submit a report verifying completion 
of the actions. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The CAAI classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued Israeli airworthiness directive 53-02-08-08, dated September 10, 
2002, 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 service bulletin described previously, except as 
discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and Service Bulletin/Foreign Airworthiness 
Directive

    This AD differs from the parallel Israeli airworthiness directive 
and Gulfstream 200 service bulletin in that, if damage is found to the 
forward engine cross spar assembly, and repair is necessary, the repair 
must be accomplished prior to further flight. The service bulletin and 
the Israeli airworthiness directive allow the repair to be accomplished 
after an additional 2 flight cycles, not to exceed 10 flight hours. The 
FAA has determined that, because of the safety implications and 
consequences associated with this type of damage, any damage on the 
affected airplanes must be repaired prior to further flight. This 
difference has been coordinated with the CAAI.

Clarification of Repair Information in Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletin specifies 
that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of repair 
methods, this AD requires that the repair be accomplished in accordance 
with a method approved by the FAA or the CAAI (or its delegated agent).

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

[[Page 68756]]

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:
    [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-265-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:

2002-23-01 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-12945. Docket 2002-NM-265-AD.

    Applicability: Model Galaxy airplanes, having serial numbers 004 
through 056 inclusive; and Gulfstream 200 airplanes, having serial 
numbers 057 through 073 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 detect and correct damage to the forward engine cross spar 
assembly, which could result in the reduced structural integrity of 
the forward engine cross spar assembly, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Action, If Necessary

    (a) Within 20 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect evidence of damage 
(i.e., drill marks) to the forward engine cross spar assembly at 
fuselage station 582.000, per the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, dated September 18, 
2002.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

    (1) If no evidence of damage is found, no further action is 
required by this paragraph.
    (2) If any damage is found, prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil 
Aviation Administration of Israel (or its delegated agent).

Reporting Requirement

    (b) Submit a report of inspection findings (both positive and 
negative) to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail 
Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402; fax (912) 965-3598; at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. 
The report must include the inspection results, a description of any 
discrepancy found, the airplane serial number, and the number of 
landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection 
requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been 
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after 
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days 
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished 
prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 
days after the effective date 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

[[Page 68757]]

used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. 
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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, 
dated September 18, 2002, including a Service Reply Card. 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 53-02-08-08, dated September 10, 2002.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-28613 Filed 11-12-02; 8:45 am]
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