[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 26 (Monday, February 9, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5936-5939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2679]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-402-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model 1125 
Westwind Astra Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace LP Model 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes, that currently 
requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the 
flight crew with operational guidance under certain failure conditions 
and a limitation not to engage the long-range navigation system during 
takeoff, approach, or landing. This action would require replacing the 
low-voltage sensing relays with higher-accuracy relays, and replacing 
the circuit breakers of the directional gyros with circuit breakers 
with lower amps. After the replacements have been accomplished, this 
action would also require inserting a new temporary revision (TR) in 
the Limitations section of the AFM, or removing the revision to the AFM 
required by the previous AD. The actions specified by the proposed AD 
are intended to prevent the loss of primary attitude and directional 
gyros, which relate position information to the flight crew. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 25, 2004.

[[Page 5937]]


ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-402-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. 2001-NM-402-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 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

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:

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 action 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-402-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. 2001-NM-402-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On September 5, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-18-11, amendment 39-
11896 (65 FR 55450, September 14, 2000), applicable to certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) 
Model 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes, to require revising the 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew with 
operational guidance under certain failure conditions and a limitation 
not to engage the long-range navigation system during takeoff, 
approach, or landing. That action was prompted by a report of the 
failure of a single alternating current inverter, which resulted in the 
simultaneous in-flight failure of all primary attitude and directional 
gyros on board. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent 
loss of power to the electronic flight information system (EFIS) 
screens and internal gyros during takeoff, approach, or landing, and 
consequent loss of primary position information to the flight crew.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    The preamble to AD 2000-18-11 specified that we considered the 
requirements ``interim action'' and that the manufacturer may develop a 
modification to address the unsafe condition. That AD explained that we 
may consider further rulemaking if a modification is developed, 
approved, and available. The manufacturer now has developed such a 
modification, and we have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary; this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Astra (Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin 1125-24A-246, dated September 26, 
2001, which describes procedures for replacing existing low voltage 
sensing relays with higher-accuracy relays capable of providing warning 
at approximately 97.5 volts alternating current (VAC), and for 
replacing the 3-amp directional gyros circuit breakers with 0.5-amp 
circuit breakers. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.
    We have also reviewed and approved Temporary Revision (TR) 
13, dated October 31, 2001, which directs operators to remove 
TR 9 from the Limitations section of the AFM.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin and 
the TR is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI) 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Israeli AD 24-
01-06-04 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Israel.

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 supersede AD 2000-18-11 to continue to require a 
revision to the Limitations section of the AFM. This proposed AD would 
also require replacing the low-voltage sensing relays with higher-
accuracy relays; replacing the circuit breakers of the directional 
gyros with circuit breakers with lower amps; and inserting a new 
temporary revision in the Limitations Section of the AFM that directs 
operators to remove the revision to the AFM required by the previous 
AD, after the proposed replacements have been accomplished. The actions 
would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the referenced service bulletin describe procedures for 
submitting a certificate of compliance to the manufacturer, this

[[Page 5938]]

proposed AD would not require those actions.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the Proposed AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance. Because we have now included this material in part 39, we 
no longer need to include it in each individual AD; therefore, 
paragraphs (b) and (c) and Note 2 of AD 2000-18-11 are not included in 
this proposed AD. However, this proposed AD identifies the office 
authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of the existing AD to identify 
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected models.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 29 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 2000-18-11 take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1,885, or $65 per airplane.
    The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 24 work hours per airplane to accomplish for the proposed 
replacements, and approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
for the proposed revision of the AFM. The average labor rate is $65 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $1,030 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed requirements of 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $76,995, or $2,655 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this 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 removing amendment 39-11896 (65 FR 
55450, September 14, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): 
Docket 2001-NM-402-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-18-11, Amendment 39-11896.

    Applicability: Model 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; serial numbers 004 through 029 
inclusive, and 031 through 041 inclusive.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the loss of primary attitude and directional gyros, 
which relate position information to the flight crew, accomplish the 
following:

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2000-18-11

AFM Revision

    (a) Within 10 days after September 29, 2000 (the effective date 
of AD 2000-18-11), revise the Limitations and Abnormal Procedures 
Sections of the Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Astra Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) by inserting a copy of Temporary Revision No. 9, 
dated May 21, 2000, into the AFM.

    Note 1: When the temporary revision required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions of the AFM, 
the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, provided that 
the information contained in the general revisions is identical to 
that specified in the temporary revision.

New Requirements of this AD

Replacements

    (b) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace existing sensing relays with new higher-accuracy relays 
having new part number (P/N) 1350-X3042; and replace existing DIRECT 
GYRO 1 and 2 circuit breakers having P/N 7274-47-3 with new circuit 
breakers having new P/N 7274-47-0.5; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Astra (Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin 1125-24A-246, dated September 
26, 2001.

New AFM Revision

    (c) Before further flight following the actions required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD, remove Temporary Revision No. 9, dated May 
21, 2000, from the AFM; or revise the Limitations and Abnormal 
Procedures Sections of the Gulfstream Aerospace LP ASTRA AFM by 
inserting a copy of Temporary Revision No. 13, dated October 31, 
2001, into the AFM.

    Note 2: When the temporary revision required by paragraph (c) of 
this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions of the AFM, 
the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, provided that 
the information contained in the general revisions is identical to 
that specified in the temporary revision.

No Reporting Requirement

    (d) Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin referenced in paragraph (b) of 
this AD describe procedures for submitting a certificate of 
compliance to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those 
actions.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 24-01-06-04, dated November 13, 2001.



[[Page 5939]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 3, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-2679 Filed 2-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P