[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1935-1937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-264]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22511; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-120-AD; 
Amendment 39-14440; AD 2006-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model 
Gulfstream 100 Airplanes; and Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes; and 
Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes. This AD requires a 
one-time inspection for discrepancies of the nose wheel steering 
assembly of the landing gear, installing a warning placard on each nose 
landing gear door, and corrective action if necessary. This AD results 
from reports of failure of the steering brackets of the nose wheel 
steering assembly, and in one incident, loss of steering control. We 
are issuing this AD to find and fix these discrepancies, which could 
result in loss of steering control and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 16, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 16, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    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: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes; and Model Astra SPX, and 
1125 Westwind Astra airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on September 26, 2005 (70 FR 56143). That NPRM proposed to 
require a one-time inspection for discrepancies of the nose wheel 
steering assembly of the landing gear, installing a warning placard on 
each nose landing gear door, and corrective action if necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received from 
one commenter.

Request To Withdraw AD

    The commenter notes that, since release of the service bulletins 
referenced in the NPRM (100-32A-275 and 1125-11-181, both Revision 1, 
both dated December 24, 2003), Gulfstream has issued a new service 
bulletin (100-32-282) that provides instructions for removing the co-
rotating shaft connecting the nose wheels, and replacing it with a tube 
that is inserted into the wheel axle. The new service bulletin also 
provides instructions for replacing the self-locking nut of the 
centering spring pivot axis with a castellated nut. The commenter adds 
that Gulfstream has since put that service bulletin on hold due to the 
fact that there was at least one airplane that experienced nose wheel 
shimmy (due to cracked nose wheel steering brackets), after 
incorporating the service bulletin. The commenter notes that Gulfstream 
has now developed an improved upper and lower bracket assembly; 
Revision 1 of service bulletin 100-32-282 will provide instructions for 
replacing those bracket assemblies, as well as replacing the self-
locking nut of the centering spring pivot axis with a castellated nut. 
In addition, Revision 1 will provide instructions for removing and 
replacing the co-rotating shaft with a tube inserted into the wheel 
axle. The commenter adds that the expected release date for Revision 1 
is during the fourth quarter of 2005. In light of these facts, the 
commenter asks that the NPRM be withdrawn. The commenter concludes that 
if the FAA does not withdraw the NPRM, accomplishing Gulfstream Service 
Bulletins 1125-11-181 and 100-32-282 should be included as terminating 
action.
    We do not agree with the commenter's requests as follows:
    We do not agree to withdraw the NPRM since we have determined that 
an unsafe condition exists, and that the actions required by this AD 
are necessary to ensure the continued safety of the affected fleet.
    Regarding the request to refer to a terminating action, we note 
that the service bulletin revisions to which the commenter refers have 
not yet been released. Approving revisions of service bulletins that 
have not yet been released would violate the Office of the Federal 
Register's (OFR) regulations for approving materials that are 
incorporated by reference. In general terms, we are required by these 
OFR regulations either to publish the service document contents as part 
of the actual AD language, or to submit the service document to the OFR 
for approval as ``referenced'' material, in which case we may only 
refer to such material in the text of an AD. The AD may refer to the 
service document only if the OFR has approved it for ``incorporation by 
reference.'' Once the service bulletin revisions have been issued, and 
we have approved them, we may consider approving them as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) with this AD. Operators may request 
approval of an AMOC for this AD under the provisions of paragraph (g) 
of this AD.
    In addition, this AD requires a one-time non-destructive test 
inspection for discrepancies of the nose wheel steering assembly, 
installing a warning placard on each nose landing gear door, and doing 
any applicable corrective action. No further action is required by this 
AD, so it is not necessary to include an additional terminating action.
    No change to the AD is needed in this regard.

[[Page 1936]]

Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph

    We have changed this AD to clarify the appropriate procedure for 
notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on any 
airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously. 
This change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This AD would affect about 106 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
inspection would take about 8 work hours per airplane, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated 
cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $55,120, or $520 per airplane.

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 this AD:
    (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.
    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):

2006-01-01 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-14440. Docket No. FAA-2005-22511; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-120-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective February 16, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 
100 airplanes; and Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra 
airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Gulfstream 
Alert Service Bulletin 100-32A-275 and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
1125-11-181, both Revision 1, both dated December 24, 2003.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the steering 
brackets of the nose wheel steering assembly of the landing gear, 
and in one incident, loss of steering control. We are issuing this 
AD to find and fix discrepancies of the nose wheel steering assembly 
which could result in loss of steering control and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

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.

One-Time Inspection/Corrective Action

    (f) Within 50 flight hours or 25 landings after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is first: Perform a one-time non-
destructive test inspection for discrepancies of the nose wheel 
steering assembly, install a warning placard on each nose landing 
gear door, and do any applicable corrective action, by accomplishing 
all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 100-32A-275 and Gulfstream Service 
Bulletin 1125-11-181, both Revision 1, both dated December 24, 2003. 
Any applicable corrective action must be accomplished before further 
flight in accordance with Alert Service Bulletin 100-32A-275. 
Although the service bulletins specify to submit certain information 
to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) The Manager, International Branch, 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (h) Israeli airworthiness directives 32-03-10-05 R1, dated 
February 8, 2004, and 32-03-12-09, dated February 5, 2004, also 
address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 100-32A-275, 
Revision 1, dated December 24, 2003; and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
1125-11-181, Revision 1, dated December 24, 2003; as applicable; 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 these documents 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 1 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.


[[Page 1937]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 20, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-264 Filed 1-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P