[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 37 (Friday, February 24, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9436-9439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1595]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-23966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-024-AD; 
Amendment 39-14495; AD 2006-04-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GIV-X and GV-SP Series 
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 Model GIV-X and GV-SP series airplanes. This AD 
requires revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual 
by incorporating new procedures to follow in the event that the cockpit 
displays go blank or malfunction. This AD results from a report that 
all four of the cockpit flight panel display units simultaneously went 
blank during flight. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the 
flightcrew is advised of the appropriate procedures to follow in the 
event that the cockpit displays go blank or malfunction, which could 
result in a reduction of the flightcrew's situational awareness and 
possible loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 13, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 13, 
2006.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 25, 2006.

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, Technical Publications 
Dept., P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206, for service 
information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Chupka, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6070; fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that all four of the cockpit 
flight panel display units simultaneously went blank during flight on a 
Gulfstream Model GV-SP airplane. The displays did not recover until the 
flightcrew pulled circuit breakers associated with the displays; 
subsequently, three of the four displays returned to normal. Initial 
investigation revealed discrepancies with the reversion logic of the 
advanced graphic modules. Similar display failures occurred during 
ground test operations. Such conditions, if not corrected, could result 
in a reduction of the flightcrew's situational awareness

[[Page 9437]]

and possible loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream has issued revisions to the Limitations section of 
Gulfstream G350, G450, G500, and G550 airplane flight manuals (AFMs), 
as listed in the table below:

                                            Gulfstream AFM Revisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Revision
      Affected airplane models                     AFM                 level              Revision date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model GIV-X.........................  Gulfstream G350, GAC-AC-G350-           6  January 24, 2006.
                                       OPS-0001.
Model GIV-X.........................  Gulfstream G450, GAC-AC-G450-           7  January 24, 2006.
                                       OPS-0001.
Model GV-SP.........................  Gulfstream G500, GAC-AC-G500-          13  January 24, 2006.
                                       OPS-0001.
Model GV-SP.........................  Gulfstream G550, GAC-AC-G550-          15  January 24, 2006.
                                       OPS-0001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The revisions describe new procedures to follow in the event that all 
four cockpit flight panel display units simultaneously go blank or 
malfunction. The procedures include identifying the malfunctioning 
components and taking appropriate corrective action to return certain 
displays to a functional condition. The procedures also include weather 
minimums designed to mitigate the effects of display blanking events 
during takeoff or landing.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we 
are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is advised of 
appropriate procedures to follow in the event that the cockpit displays 
go blank or malfunction, which could result in a reduction of the 
flightcrew's situational awareness and possible loss of control of the 
airplane. This AD requires revising the AFM to include the revisions 
described previously.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a software modification that will address the unsafe 
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, 
approved, and available, we may consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that 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 an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
23966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-024-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 Dockets

    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,

[[Page 9438]]

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):

2006-04-13 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-14495. 
Docket No. FAA-2006-23966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-024-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 13, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model GIV-X series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; serial numbers 4001 and subsequent; 
and Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplanes, certificated in any 
category; serial numbers 5001 and subsequent; on which Gulfstream 
Modification ASC-904 or production equivalent has been incorporated.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that all four of the cockpit 
flight panel display units simultaneously went blank during flight. 
We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is advised of 
the appropriate procedures to follow in the event that the cockpit 
displays go blank or malfunction, which could result in a reduction 
of the flightcrew's situational awareness and possible loss of 
control 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.

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the Gulfstream G350, G450, G500, and G550 
AFMs to include the information in the applicable revision listed in 
Table 1 of this AD. Thereafter, operate the airplane according to 
the limitations and procedures in the applicable revision. Any 
further revisions to the AFM must contain the identical procedures 
in the Limitations section of the AFM revisions as required by this 
AD.

                   Table 1.--Gulfstream AFM Revisions
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   Affected airplane models            Applicable Gulfstream AFM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model GIV-X..................  GAC-AC-G350-OPS-0001 as specified in
                                Revision 6, dated January 24, 2006.
Model GIV-X..................  GAC-AC-G450-OPS-0001, as specified in
                                Revision 7, dated January 24, 2006.
Model GV-SP..................  GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as specified in
                                Revision 13, dated January 24, 2006.
Model GV-SP..................  GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as specified in
                                Revision 15, dated January 24, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of the 
applicable Gulfstream Revisions listed in Table 1 of this AD into 
the applicable AFM.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 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 Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (h) You must use the documents listed in Table 2 of this AD, 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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. 
Box 2206, 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.

                                  Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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                                       List of effective
   Gulfstream service information            pages            Revision level                   Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream G350 Airplane Flight      Pages A-C...........  Revision 6..........  January 24, 2006.
 Manual, GAC-AC-G350-OPS-0001.       Pages E, G-J........  Revision 3..........  September 23, 2005.
                                     Pages D, F..........  Revision 5..........  January 6, 2006.
Gulfstream G450 Airplane Flight      Pages A-C...........  Revision 7..........  January 24, 2006.
 Manual, GAC-AC-G450-OPS-0001.       Pages D, F..........  Revision 6..........  January 6, 2006.
                                     Pages E, G-J........  Revision 4..........  September 21, 2005.
Gulfstream G500 Airplane Flight      Pages A-C...........  Revision 13.........  January 24, 2006.
 Manual, GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001.       Pages D, F..........  Revision 11.........  January 6, 2006.
                                     Pages E, G, H.......  Revision 9..........  September 23, 2005.
Gulfstream G550 Airplane Flight      Pages A-C...........  Revision 15.........  January 24, 2006.
 Manual, GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001.       Pages E, G-J........  Revision 11.........  September 9, 2005.
                                     Pages D, F..........  Revision 13.........  January 6, 2006.
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[[Page 9439]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 2006.
Michael Zielinski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1595 Filed 2-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P