[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 50 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13490-13492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5015]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0270; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-255-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    The 3 supporting blocks [installed on hydraulic lines] were made 
of Teflon, which is unsuitable material for this application. 
Excessive wear of the blocks was discovered on numerous aircraft, as 
well as several cases of chafing between the loosely supported 
tubes. In one case, hydraulic fluid was lost due to fatigue failure 
of an inadequately supported tube. Loss of hydraulic fluid causes 
subsequent multiple failures of hydraulically operated systems.

Multiple failures of hydraulically operated systems (for the flight air 
brake actuators, brake system, right thrust reverser, etc.) could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane. The proposed AD 
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 14, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0270; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-255-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
aviation authority for Israel, has issued Israeli Airworthiness 
Directive 29-07-01-11, dated May 28, 2007 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    The 3 supporting blocks [installed on hydraulic tubes] were made 
of Teflon, which is unsuitable material for this application. 
Excessive wear of the blocks was discovered on numerous aircraft, as 
well as several cases of chafing between the loosely supported 
tubes. In one case, hydraulic fluid was lost due to fatigue failure 
of an inadequately supported tube. Loss of hydraulic fluid causes 
subsequent multiple failures of hydraulically operated systems.

Multiple failures of hydraulically operated systems (for the flight air 
brake actuators, brake system, right thrust reverser, etc.) could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane. The corrective 
actions include repetitive visual inspections of the attaching blocks 
for wear and of the hydraulic tubes to determine if any tube is loose 
or damaged; an inspection of the entire length of the tubes for 
chafing, damage, and cracking; replacement of chafed, damaged, or 
cracked tubes; and replacement of blocks made of Teflon in the right-
hand aft fuselage equipment bay with new blocks made of Nylon 6/6. You 
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream has issued Service Bulletin 200-29-316, dated June 29, 
2007. The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making

[[Page 13491]]

these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the 
information provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 129 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $54 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $27,606, or $214 per product.

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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): 
Docket No. FAA-2008-0270; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-255-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by April 14, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model Galaxy airplanes and 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 156, 
certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: 
Hydraulic Power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    The 3 supporting blocks [installed on hydraulic tubes] were made 
of Teflon, which is unsuitable material for this application. 
Excessive wear of the blocks was discovered on numerous aircraft, as 
well as several cases of chafing between the loosely supported 
tubes. In one case, hydraulic fluid was lost due to fatigue failure 
of an inadequately supported tube. Loss of hydraulic fluid causes 
subsequent multiple failures of hydraulically operated systems.

Multiple failures of hydraulically operated systems (for the flight 
air brake actuators, brake system, right thrust reverser, etc.) 
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. The 
corrective actions include repetitive visual inspections of the 
attaching blocks for wear and of the hydraulic tubes to determine if 
any tube is loose or damaged; an inspection of the entire length of 
the tubes for chafing, damage, and cracking; replacement of chafed, 
damaged, or cracked tubes; and replacement of blocks made of Teflon 
in the right-hand aft fuselage equipment bay with new blocks made of 
Nylon 6/6.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Do the following actions.
    (1) Within 50 flight hours or one month after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless previously accomplished 
within 300 flight hours or six months prior to the effective date of 
this AD: Perform a visual inspection of the clamping blocks for wear 
and of the hydraulic tubes to determine if any tube is loose or 
damaged. Clamping blocks are shown in detail B of Figure 2 of 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-29-316, dated June 29, 2007, or in 
details B and C of Figure 10, Page 0, of the Gulfstream G200 
Illustrated Parts Catalog Chapter 29-10-30.
    (i) If clamping blocks are not worn, repeat the inspections 
specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 300 flight hours or six months, whichever comes first, 
until the replacement required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is 
done.
    (ii) If any hydraulic tube is loose or damaged, before further 
flight, inspect the hydraulic tubes along their entire length for 
chafing, damage, and cracks.
    (iii) Before further flight, repair or replace all chafed, 
damaged, or cracked tubes using a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) 
(or its delegated agent). Chapter 20-10-12 of the Gulfstream G200 
Maintenance Manual is one approved method.
    (iv) Before further flight, replace all worn clamping blocks by 
doing the replacement specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, 
except as provided by paragraph (f)(1)(v) of this AD.
    (v) If Nylon 6/6 clamping blocks part number (P/N) 4AS3565055-
511 are not available during the replacement specified in paragraph 
(f)(1)(iv) of this AD, before further flight, install new or 
serviceable Teflon clamping blocks P/N 4AS3565055-507. Within 300 
flight hours or six months after doing the installation, do the 
actions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and repeat 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours or six 
months, whichever comes first, until the replacement required by 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is done.
    (2) Within 600 flight hours or one year, whichever comes first, 
after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished: 
Replace the existing Teflon clamping blocks P/N 4AS3565055-507 with 
Nylon 6/6 clamping blocks P/N 4AS3565055-511 in accordance with 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-29-316, dated June 29, 2007.

[[Page 13492]]

Accomplishment of this replacement constitutes terminating action 
for all inspections of the clamping blocks required by this AD. 
Accomplishment of this replacement also constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections of the hydraulic tube required 
by paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(v) of this AD.

    Note 1: Succeeding scheduled maintenance checks of this area are 
to be performed per the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) The MCAI does not specify service information if any tube 
replacement is done. This AD requires doing the replacement as 
specified in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (2) The MCAI specifies doing a one-time inspection of the 
installed Teflon blocks but also specifies doing repetitive 
inspections of temporary replacement Teflon blocks until the 
permanent replacement with Nylon 6/6 clamping blocks is done. This 
AD requires repetitive inspections of all Teflon blocks until the 
permanent replacement is done.
    (3) The MCAI specifies that doing the replacement with Nylon 6/6 
clamping blocks constitutes terminating action. This AD specifies 
that doing the replacement with Nylon 6/6 clamping blocks 
constitutes terminating action for the inspections of the clamping 
blocks and for the repetitive inspections of the hydraulic tubes.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 29-07-01-11, 
dated May 28, 2007, and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-29-316, 
dated June 29, 2007, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-5015 Filed 3-12-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P