[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 156 (Monday, August 15, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47720-47722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16002]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22073; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-140-AD; 
Amendment 39-14219; AD 2005-16-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy 
and Gulfstream 200 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 
airplanes. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection for 
any damaged wiring, splice, connector, and pins for the fuel standby 
feed pumps and replacement of any damaged wiring, splice, connector, or 
pin. This AD also requires replacement of the power and ground wires 
for the fuel standby feed pumps. This AD results from reports of 
evidence of overheating found on the feeder wires of the left and right 
fuel standby feed pumps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
damaged wiring for the fuel standby feed pumps, which could result in 
an ignition source in an area where fuel vapor may be present, and a 
consequent fire or explosion.

DATES: Effective Date: August 30, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 30, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 14, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail 
Station D-25, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206, for service information 
identified in this AD.

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:

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Israel, notified us that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises that, while troubleshooting 
a fuel quantity indication condition on a Model Gulfstream 200 
airplane, technicians found evidence of overheating on the feeder wires 
splice of the left fuel standby feed pump 3Q1. Subsequent investigation 
revealed a similar condition in the wiring of the left and right fuel 
standby feed pumps of four other Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in an ignition source in an 
area where fuel vapor may be present, and a consequent fire or 
explosion.
    The subject fuel standby feed pump wiring on Model Galaxy airplanes 
is identical to that on the affected Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. 
Therefore, both of these models may be subject to the same unsafe 
condition.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Alert Service Bulletin 200-28A-
261, dated June 7, 2005. The alert service bulletin describes 
procedures for performing a visual inspection of the wiring, splice, 
connector, and pins for the left (3Q1) and right (4Q1) fuel standby 
feed pumps for damage, and for replacing any damaged wiring, splice, 
connector, or pin with a new wire, splice, connector, or pin, as 
applicable. Damage includes evidence of overheating and worn or chafed 
insulation. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for 
replacing the power and ground wires for the fuel standby feed pumps 
with 12-American-Wire-Gauge (AWG) wires. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address 
the unsafe condition.
    The CAAI mandated the alert service bulletin and issued Israeli 
airworthiness directive 28-05-06-08, dated July 3, 2005, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    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. We have examined the CAAI's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct any damaged 
wiring, splice, connector, or pin for the fuel standby feed pumps, 
which could result in an ignition source in an area where fuel vapor 
may be present, and a consequent fire or explosion. This AD requires 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the AD and Alert Service Bulletin''.

Clarification of Inspection in the Israeli Airworthiness Directive

    The Israeli airworthiness directive states only to ``inspect'' the 
wiring; it does not define what type of inspection should be done. We 
have determined that the inspection in the Israeli airworthiness 
directive should be described as a ``general visual inspection.'' Note 
1 has been included in this AD to define this type of inspection.

Differences Between the AD and Alert Service Bulletin

    The Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Alert Service 
Bulletin 200-28A-261, dated June 7, 2005, instruct operators to inspect 
the wiring for worn or chafed insulation; however, it gives no repair 
instructions if any worn or chafed insulation is found. This AD 
requires operators to replace any wiring

[[Page 47721]]

found with worn or chafed insulation with new wiring. This difference 
has been coordinated with the CAAI.
    The Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Alert Service 
Bulletin 200-28A-261, dated June 7, 2005, instruct operators to 
complete and return a Service Reply Card to Gulfstream Aerospace LP. 
This AD does not include that requirement.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to the 
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2005-22073; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-140-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that 
might suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):


2005-16-13 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-14219; Docket No. FAA-2005-22073; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-140-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective August 30, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 
200 airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 113 inclusive, 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of evidence of overheating 
found on the feeder wires of the left and right fuel standby feed 
pumps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any damaged 
wiring, splice, connector, or pin for the fuel standby feed pumps, 
which could result in an ignition source in an area where fuel vapor 
may be present, and a consequent fire or explosion.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) The term ``alert service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, 
means the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Alert Service 
Bulletin 200-28A-261, dated June 7, 2005. Although the alert service 
bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit information to 
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

Inspection of the Wiring for the Fuel Standby Feed Pumps

    (g) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a general visual inspection to detect damage of the wiring, 
splice, connector, or pins of the left and right fuel standby feed 
pumps, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level

[[Page 47722]]

of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions 
such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may 
require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, 
ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area 
being checked.''

    (1) If no damage is found: No further work is required by this 
paragraph.
    (2) If any damage is found: Before further flight, replace the 
damaged wiring (including wiring with worn or chafed insulation), 
splice, connector, or pin with a new wiring, splice, connector or 
pin, as applicable, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

Power and Ground Wire Replacement

    (h) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the power and ground wires of the left and right fuel 
standby feed pumps with new, 12-American-Wire-Gauge (AWG) wires, in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (j) Israeli airworthiness directive 28-05-06-08, dated July 3, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 200-28A-261, 
dated June 7, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206, for a copy of this service 
information. You may review copies at the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA).
    For information on the availability of this material at the 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/ 
federal--register/ code--of--federal-- regulations/ ibr--
locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 4, 2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16002 Filed 8-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P