[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 89 (Friday, May 7, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25483-25485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-10239]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-NM-70-AD; Amendment 39-13614; AD 2004-09-24]
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 all Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections 
of the internal and external spring sleeves of the aileron artificial 
feel unit (AFU) for proper lubrication, and lubrication if necessary. 
This action is necessary to prevent ice accumulation due to water 
entering the AFU, which could restrict or jam the aileron, resulting in 
reduced controllability of the airplane. 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.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 7, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-NM-70-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 the Internet must contain 
``Docket No. 2004-NM-70-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, 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 National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, 
call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

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 all Gulfstream 
Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises that there 
have been several incidents of reduced aileron control due to water 
freezing in the internal and external spring sleeves of the aileron 
artificial feel unit (AFU). Investigation revealed a lack of the water 
displacing lubricant (Dow Corning 55) that prevents water ingress into 
the sleeves of the AFU. Such conditions could restrict or jam the 
aileron, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream has issued Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 200-27A-
230, dated February 18, 2004, which describes procedures for repetitive 
inspections of the internal and external spring sleeves of the aileron 
AFU for proper lubrication. The service bulletin also describes 
procedures for lubrication of the internal and external spring sleeves 
and the face of the nut of the AFU with Dow Corning 55 grease, if not 
properly lubricated.
    The service bulletin refers to Certification Maintenance Procedure 
(CMP) Code 271051 of Chapter 05-10-00, of the Gulfstream 200 Airplane 
Maintenance Manual (AMM), as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishment of the inspection and lubrication of the 
internal and external spring sleeves of the aileron AFU.
    Accomplishment of the action 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 27-04-02-06, dated February 29, 2004, to ensure 
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 us informed of the 
situation described above. We have 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 is being issued to prevent ice 
accumulation due to water entering the AFU, which could restrict or jam 
the aileron, resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane. This 
AD requires repetitive inspections of the internal and external spring 
sleeves of the aileron artificial feel unit (AFU) for proper 
lubrication, and lubrication if necessary. The actions are required to 
be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between Service Bulletin and This AD

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

Clarification of Repetitive Inspection Intervals

    Paragraph (a) of this AD requires that the initial inspection and 
lubrication of the aileron AFU be repeated at intervals not to exceed 
300 flight hours. This interval is cited in CMP Code 271051 of Chapter 
05-10-00 of the Gulfstream 200 AMM, as noted in the Accomplishment

[[Page 25484]]

Instructions of the referenced service bulletin.

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:
     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 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 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 2004-NM-70-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

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:

2004-09-24 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-13614. Docket 2004-NM-70-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent ice accumulation due to water entering the artificial 
feel unit (AFU), which could restrict or jam the aileron, resulting 
in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Repetitive Inspections and Lubrication if Necessary

    (a) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Do a detailed visual inspection for proper lubrication of the 
internal and external spring sleeves of the aileron AFU, by doing 
all the actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Alert Service Bulletin 200-27A-230, dated February 18, 2004. If the 
AFU sleeves are not properly lubricated, before further flight, 
lubricate the internal and external spring sleeves and the face of 
the nut of the AFU with Dow Corning 55 grease, per the service 
bulletin. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 300 
flight hours.


    Note 1: 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.''


    Note 2: Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 200-27A-230, dated 
February 18, 2004, refers to Certification Maintenance Procedure 
(CMP) Code 271051 of Chapter 05-10-00, of the Gulfstream 200 
Airplane Maintenance Manual, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishment of the inspection and lubrication of 
the internal and external spring sleeves of the aileron AFU.

No Reporting Requirement

    (b) Although the service 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

    (c) 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 for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream 
Alert Service Bulletin 200-27A-230, dated February 18, 2004. 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 National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, Call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 27-04-02-06, dated February 29, 2004.


[[Page 25485]]



Effective Date

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

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-10239 Filed 5-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P