[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 51 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13800-13802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5147]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0299; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-254-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

    Two of the fasteners used to attach the ``scissors'' to the 
horizontal and the vertical stabilizers were found broken during 
routine maintenance. The highest loads on the ``scissors'' occur 
when using high reverse thrust. Therefore, the reverse thrust must 
be limited to idle in order to keep the loads at a sufficiently low 
level to preclude any structural problem. * * *

Failure of the attachment fasteners could result in possible in-flight 
loss of a horizontal or vertical stabilizer and consequent loss of 
control 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.

[[Page 13801]]

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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
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-2008-0299; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-254-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 55-07-06-07R1, dated June 26, 2007 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Two of the fasteners used to attach the ``scissors'' to the 
horizontal and the vertical stabilizers were found broken during 
routine maintenance. The highest loads on the ``scissors'' occur 
when using high reverse thrust. Therefore, the reverse thrust must 
be limited to idle in order to keep the loads at a sufficiently low 
level to preclude any structural problem. It was established that on 
model 1125 Astra, alternate fasteners of inferior strength were 
sometimes installed. When the originally specified fasteners are 
installed, the limitations on reverse thrust used may be lifted. For 
models Astra SPX and G100, however, the limitation remains in effect 
till further revision of this AD.

    Failure of the attachment fasteners could result in possible in-
flight loss of a horizontal or vertical stabilizer and consequent loss 
of control of the airplane. Corrective actions include revising the 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM); inspections for damage of the bolts and 
replacing the bolt, if necessary; and doing related investigative and 
other corrective actions (eddy current inspection for bolt hole 
diameter and damage, contact Gulfstream for repair and do repair). You 
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream has issued Alert Service Bulletin 100-55A-293, dated 
June 22, 2007. Gulfstream also issued Astra SPX AFM Temporary Revision 
(TR) No. 8, Astra AFM TR No. 15, and Gulfstream 100 AFM TR No. 1, all 
dated June 14, 2007; to the Astra SPX, Astra, or Gulfstream 100 AFMs, 
as applicable. 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 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 10 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 $33 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 $107,457, or $833 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

[[Page 13802]]

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-2008-0299; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-254-AD.

Comments Due Date

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

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX 
and 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes and Gulfstream 100 airplanes; 
certificated in any category; serial numbers 004 through 158.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: 
Stabilizers.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Two of the fasteners used to attach the ``scissors'' to the 
horizontal and the vertical stabilizers were found broken during 
routine maintenance. The highest loads on the ``scissors'' occur 
when using high reverse thrust. Therefore, the reverse thrust must 
be limited to idle in order to keep the loads at a sufficiently low 
level to preclude any structural problem. It was established that on 
model 1125 Astra, alternate fasteners of inferior strength were 
sometimes installed. When the originally specified fasteners are 
installed, the limitations on reverse thrust used may be lifted. For 
models Astra SPX and G100, however, the limitation remains in effect 
until further revision of this AD.

Failure of the attachment fasteners could result in possible in-
flight loss of a horizontal or vertical stabilizer and consequent 
loss of control of the airplane. Corrective actions include revising 
the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM); inspections for damage of the 
bolts and replacing the bolt, if necessary; and doing related 
investigative and other corrective actions (eddy current inspection 
for bolt hole diameter and damage, contact Gulfstream for repair and 
do repair).

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by 
incorporating the information in the applicable Temporary Revisions 
(TR): Astra AFM TR No. 15; Astra SPX AFM TR No. 8; or Gulfstream 100 
AFM TR No. 1; all dated June 14, 2007; into the limitations section 
of the Astra SPX, Astra, or Gulfstream 100 AFM, as applicable. The 
TRs limit the normal use of reverse thrust to idle.

    Note 1: The actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be 
done by inserting a copy of Astra AFM TR No. 15; Astra SPX AFM TR 
No. 8; or Gulfstream 100 AFM TR No. 1; all dated June 14, 2007; as 
applicable; into the limitations section of the Astra SPX, Astra, or 
Gulfstream 100 AFM, as applicable. When the applicable TR has been 
included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions 
may be inserted in the AFM.

    (2) For all airplanes: Within 25 flight hours or 30 days after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, do the 
inspections specified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this 
AD in accordance with Part A of Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 
100-55A-293, dated June 22, 2007.
    (i) Visually inspect the attachment bolts and replace any 
damaged bolt before further flight.
    (ii) Perform a detailed visual inspection of fittings with P/N 
25W357222-501-51, and fillers with P/N 25W4011001-003, and 
surrounding structure for damage. If blind bolts with P/N 
MS21141U0612 are installed and no damage is found, no further action 
is required. If any damage is found, before further flight, repair 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. If any bolt with P/N AN173C11 is 
installed and damage is found, replace the bolt and do all related 
investigative and applicable corrective actions before further 
flight.
    (3) For Model 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes (serial numbers 004, 
011 through 072 inclusive, and 073 through 078 inclusive): Within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace all AN173C11 
bolts, and do all related investigative and applicable corrective 
actions before further flight, as detailed in Part B of Gulfstream 
Alert Service Bulletin 100-55A-293, dated June 22, 2007. 
Accomplishment of Part B of the alert service bulletin constitutes 
terminating action for paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. TR No. 15 may be 
deleted and unlimited use of reverse thrust is allowed per the AFM.

    Note 2: Reverse thrust limitations remain in effect for Model 
Astra SPX and Gulfstream 100 airplanes.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    Compliance Time: The compliance time required by the MCAI or 
service information for performing the AFM revision is immediate on 
receipt of this AD; however, to avoid inadvertently grounding 
airplanes, this AD requires performing the AFM revision within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 CAAI Airworthiness Directive 55-07-06-07R1, 
dated June 26, 2007; Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 100-55A-293, 
dated June 22, 2007; and Astra SPX AFM Temporary Revision (TR) No. 
8; Astra AFM TR No. 15; and Gulfstream 100 AFM TR No. 1, all dated 
June 14, 2007; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 7, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-5147 Filed 3-13-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P