[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 225 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70263-70265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26922]


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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; 
Amendment 39-15628; AD 2008-16-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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 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. We are issuing this 
AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 26, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 26, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 2008 (73 
FR 13490). That NPRM proposed 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Changes to Note 1 and Service Information References

    The statement specified in Note 1 of the NPRM is informational only 
and is not part of the requirements of this AD. The actions specified 
in that statement are required regardless of AD action. We have removed 
Note 1 of the NPRM from this AD and revised the numbering on the 
subsequent Note in this AD.
    We have revised paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this AD to clarify that 
the repair may be done in accordance with Chapter 20-10-12 of the 
Gulfstream G200 Maintenance Manual, Revision 15, dated March 31, 2008.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 129 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $54 per

[[Page 70264]]

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 parts. 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 this AD to the 
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 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 this AD:
    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.

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 the NPRM, 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.

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

2008-16-10 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-15628. Docket No. FAA-2008-0270; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-255-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
26, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model Galaxy 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) Unless already done within 300 flight hours or six months 
prior to the effective date of this AD: Within 50 flight hours or 
one month after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, 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 Chapter 29-10-30, of the 
Gulfstream G200 Illustrated Parts Catalog.
    (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 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-12 of the 
Gulfstream G200 Maintenance Manual, Revision 15, dated March 31, 
2008; or 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).
    (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) Unless already done: Within 600 flight hours or one year 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, 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. 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

[[Page 70265]]

inspections of the hydraulic tube required by paragraphs (f)(1)(i) 
and (f)(1)(v) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: 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)(iii) 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; Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-29-316, dated 
June 29, 2007; and Chapter 20-10-12 of the Gulfstream G200 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 15, dated March 31, 2008; for related 
information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-29-316, dated 
June 29, 2007; and Chapter 20-10-12 of the Gulfstream G200 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 15, dated March 31, 2008; as 
applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    Chapter 20 of the Gulfstream G200 Maintenance Manual, Revision 
15, dated March 31, 2008, contains the following effective pages:

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                                       Revision
                                        level
                Pages                  shown on     Date shown on page
                                         page
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List of Effective Pages:
  Pages 1-2.........................         15  Mar. 31, 2008.
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    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-
3520; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at 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 November 4, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-26922 Filed 11-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P