[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 75 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20809-20811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8542]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-101-AD; Amendment 39-13577; AD 2004-08-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-IV Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV series airplanes. For 
certain airplanes, this AD requires installation of an additional 
indicator located on the pilot's instrument panel in primary view of 
the flightcrew. The indicator will inform the flightcrew that the 
airplane main batteries are powering the direct current (DC) essential 
bus, which supplies power to vital communication and navigation 
equipment. For certain other airplanes, this AD will require the EICAS 
(Engine Instruments/Caution Advisory System) to be used for this 
indication. This action is necessary to ensure that the flightcrew is 
aware that an electrical system failure has occurred and that the 
airplane main batteries are powering the essential DC bus. If the 
flightcrew is unaware of this situation, action to stop depletion of 
the airplane batteries will not be taken, and critical communications 
and navigation equipment could fail. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 24, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 24, 2004.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: Neil Berryman, Aerospace Engineer, 
ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone 
(770) 703-6098; fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on October 12, 
2000 (65 FR 60591). For certain airplanes, that action proposed to 
require installation of an additional indicator located on the pilot's 
instrument panel in primary view of the flightcrew. The indicator would 
inform the flightcrew that the airplane main batteries are powering the 
direct current (DC) essential bus, which supplies power to vital 
communication and navigation equipment. For certain other airplanes, 
that AD proposed to require the EICAS (Engine Instruments/Caution 
Advisory System) to be used for this indication.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Changes to Service Information in This Final Rule

    The proposed AD references Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin 102A, 
dated February 1, 2000; and Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327B 
AM1, dated August 28, 2000; as two of the appropriate sources of 
service information for the accomplishment of the actions required by 
this AD. Since the issuance of the proposed AD, the FAA has reviewed 
and approved Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin 102B, dated January 26, 
2004; and Gulfstream GIV Aircraft Service Change 327B Am2, dated 
January 26, 2004. We have determined that Gulfstream GIV Customer 
Bulletin 102B and Gulfstream GIV Aircraft Service Change 327B Am2 add 
no new requirements, but provide clarification of some instructions, 
which will assist operators in accomplishing the requirements of this 
final rule. We have revised paragraphs (a) and (b) of this final rule 
to reference these new documents as appropriate sources of service 
information, and to revise the corresponding references to the 
Modification Instructions of the new service information.

Changes to Cost Impact Table in This Final Rule

    The cost information for the proposed AD did not include figures 
for an airplane that does not have Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change 327 or its production equivalent installed, and does not have 
Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327A installed. The cost impact 
table of this final rule has been changed to include these figures. 
Also, since the table in the proposed AD referenced but did not provide 
figures for an airplane that does have Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change 327A installed, the reference to this condition has been deleted 
from the table in this final rule.

Clarification of Requirements of This Final Rule

    Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this final 
rule have been changed to clarify that the required actions are 
dependent upon which service changes have been installed on an 
airplane, rather than which service changes an operator has performed.

Conclusion

    We have determined that air safety and the public interest require 
the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. We have 
determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden 
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

[[Page 20810]]

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the 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. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we 
have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.

Change to Labor Rate Estimate

    After the proposed AD was issued, we reviewed the figures we use to 
calculate the labor rate to do the required actions. To account for 
various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it 
appropriate to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from 
$60 per work hour to $65 per work hour. The economic impact 
information, below, has been revised to reflect this increase in the 
specified hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 359 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 292 airplanes of U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work 
hour. There will be no charge for required parts for the modification. 
The cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators depends upon whether the 
airplane has the SPZ 8400, whether the airplane has the production 
equivalent of Gulfstream GIV Aircraft Service Change 327, and whether 
the operator has performed earlier Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change 327 or 327A, as shown in the following table:

                Cost Impact of Performing Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327B or 327B Am2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Then the work   And the cost
                     If--                             And if SPZ 8400 is--         hour estimate   per airplane
                                                                                       is---           is--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change 327 and 327A have not been done........  on the airplane.................               0              $0
                                                not on the airplane.............              68           4,420
Production equivalent of Change 327 has been    on..............................              36           2,340
 done.                                          not on..........................              28           1,820
Change 327 has been done......................  on..............................              24           1,560
                                                not on..........................              28           1,820
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    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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:

2004-08-08 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13577. 
Docket 2000-NM-101-AD.

    Applicability: Model G-IV series airplanes, serial numbers 1000 
through 1359 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 ensure that the flightcrew is aware that an electrical system 
failure may have occurred and that the main airplane batteries are 
powering the direct current (DC) essential bus, accomplish the 
following:

Modifications

    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, for 
airplanes equipped with the SPZ 8400: Perform paragraph (a)(1), 
(a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If the airplane has the production equivalent of Gulfstream 
IV
    Aircraft Service Change 327, install the new indicator light and 
the audible tone, in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Customer 
Bulletin 102B, dated January 26, 2004; and Modification Instructions 
A, J through L, and P through S of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change 327B, dated January 26, 2000.
    (2) If the airplane has Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 
327 installed, but not Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327A, 
install the new indicator light and the audible tone, in accordance 
with Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin 102B, dated January

[[Page 20811]]

26, 2004; Modification Instructions A through H of Gulfstream GIV 
Aircraft Service Change 327B Am2, dated January 26, 2004; and 
Modification Instruction P of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 
327B, dated January 26, 2000.

    Note 2: Modification Instruction E in Gulfstream GIV Aircraft 
Service Change 327B Am2 is the same as Modification Instruction P in 
Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327B.

    (3) If the airplane has Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 
327A installed, ensure that all ground wires from connectors 95A1P2B 
and 95A2P2B are removed or rerouted in accordance with Gulfstream 
GIV Customer Bulletin 102B, dated January 26, 2004; and Figure 6 of 
Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327B, dated January 26, 2000.
    (b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, for 
airplanes not equipped with the SPZ 8400: Perform paragraph (b)(1), 
(b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) If the airplane does not have Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change 327 installed, install the new indicator light and the 
audible tone, in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin 
102B, dated January 26, 2004; and Modification Instructions A, B 
through I, and P through S of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 
327B, dated January 26, 2000.
    (2) If the airplane has Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 
327 installed, install the new indicator light and the audible tone, 
in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin 102B, dated 
January 26, 2004; and Modification Instructions A, M through O, and 
P through S of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327B, dated 
January 26, 2000.
    (3) If the airplane has Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 
327A installed, ensure that wire P9052C22 is rerouted and 
reconnected in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin 
102B, dated January 26, 2004; and Figure 7 of Gulfstream IV Aircraft 
Service Change 327B, dated January 26, 2000.

    Note 3: Page 1 of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service Change 327B, 
dated January 26, 2000, incorrectly refers to Figure 5; Figure 7 is 
the correct figure.

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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. 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 4: 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

    (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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream GIV 
Customer Bulletin 102B, dated January 26, 2004; Gulfstream IV 
Aircraft Service Change 327B, dated January 26, 2000; and Gulfstream 
GIV Aircraft Service Change 327B Am2 dated January 26, 2004; as 
applicable. (Only the title page of Gulfstream IV Aircraft Service 
Change 327B, dated January 26, 2000, contains the date of the 
document.) 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; 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

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8542 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P