[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3000-3002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-965]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-275-AD; Amendment 39-13436; AD 2004-02-01]
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 a one-time inspection of the landing gear selector dump 
valve (LGSDV) to determine the serial number (S/N). For any part with 
an affected S/N, or for any part for which the S/N cannot be 
determined, this action requires replacing the LGSDV with a cleaned 
part having an S/N within the affected range; or replacing the LGSDV 
with a new or serviceable part that has an S/N outside the affected 
range. This action is necessary to prevent uncommanded unlocking of the 
landing gear, which could result in collapse of the landing gear. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective February 6, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 6, 2004.

[[Page 3001]]

    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-275-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. 2003-NM-275-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 or 
2000 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: Darby Mirocha, 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) 703-6095; fax (770) 703-
6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Gulfstream Model G-V series airplanes. 
While on approach, a Model G-V series airplane experienced uncommanded 
unlocking of the landing gear following the initial ``down and locked'' 
indication. The airplane landed safely after the flightcrew used the 
emergency landing gear extension system. Investigators found foreign 
object debris in the landing gear selector dump valve (LGSDV). 
Subsequent investigation revealed that valves within a certain range of 
serial numbers (S/Ns) were not adequately cleaned during manufacturing. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded unlocking 
of the landing gear, which could cause the landing gear to collapse.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin 
114, dated December 15, 2003, which describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection of the LGSDV to determine the S/N of the valve. For any 
LGSDV with an affected S/N, the customer bulletin describes procedures 
for replacing the valve with a cleaned, new, or serviceable valve. 
Accomplishment of the action specified in the customer bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

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 is being issued to prevent uncommanded 
unlocking of the landing gear, which could result in collapse of the 
landing gear. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the LGSDV to 
determine the S/N of the valve. For any LGSDV with an affected S/N, or 
for any LGSDV for which the S/N cannot be determined, this AD requires 
replacement of the LGSDV with a cleaned part having an S/N within the 
affected range, or with a new or serviceable part having an S/N outside 
the affected range. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the customer bulletin described previously, except as 
discussed below.

Difference Between the AD and the Customer Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the referenced customer bulletin describe procedures 
for submitting a service reply card to the manufacturer, this proposed 
AD would not require those actions.

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:
    [sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
customer 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 2003-NM-275-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

[[Page 3002]]

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

0
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

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

2004-02-01 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13436. 
Docket 2003-NM-275-AD.

    Applicability: Model G-V series airplanes, certificated in any 
category; equipped with a landing gear selector dump valve (LGSDV) 
having part number 1159SCH512-7, -9, or -19.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent uncommanded unlocking of the landing gear, which 
could result in collapse of the landing gear, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection To Determine Serial Number

    (a) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
the LGSDV located in the main wheel well to determine whether any 
serial number (S/N) listed in paragraph II.B. of Part I of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin 114, 
dated December 15, 2003, is installed.

Replacement, if Necessary

    (b) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Replace, 
per paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, any LGSDV which has been 
determined by the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD to 
have an affected S/N; or any LGSDV for which the S/N cannot be 
determined. Replace in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin 114, dated December 
15, 2003.
    (1) Replace the affected LGSDV with an LGSDV having an S/N 
inside the affected range that has been cleaned in accordance with 
the customer bulletin.
    (2) Replace the affected LGSDV with a new or serviceable part 
having an S/N outside the affected range.

Parts Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane an LGSDV having an S/N listed in paragraph II.B. of 
Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Customer 
Bulletin 114, dated December 15, 2003, unless it has been cleaned in 
accordance with the customer bulletin.

No Reporting Requirement

    (d) Although the customer bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit a service reply card to the manufacturer, this 
AD does not include such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, FAA, Atlanta 
Aircraft Certification Office, is authorized to approve alternative 
methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream GV 
Customer Bulletin 114, dated December 15, 2003. 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

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 6, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 8, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-965 Filed 1-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P