[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 213 (Thursday, November 5, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57266-57268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26683]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1028; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-188-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model 
Gulfstream G150 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: IAI Company Flammability tests revealed that the baggage 
compartment rubber seals manufactured by Gumiyan are not compliant with 
FAR [Federal Aviation Regulation] 25, Appendix F, Part I requirements.
    The unsafe condition is potential ignition of the baggage 
compartment rubber seals, which could lead to a larger fire. 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 December 21, 
2009.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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. You may review copies 
of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 
425-227-1152.

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-2009-1028; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-188-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 have lengthened the 30-day comment period for proposed ADs that 
address MCAI originated by aviation authorities of other countries to 
provide adequate time for interested parties to submit comments. The 
comment period for these proposed ADs is now typically 45 days, which 
is consistent with the comment period for domestic transport ADs.
    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 CAAI Airworthiness Directive 
25-04-05-09R1, dated November 12, 2008 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    IAI Company Flammability tests revealed that the baggage 
compartment rubber seals manufactured by Gumiyan are not compliant 
with FAR [Federal Aviation Regulation] 25, Appendix F, Part I 
requirements.

The unsafe condition is potential ignition of the baggage compartment 
rubber seals, which could lead to a larger fire. Required actions 
include inspecting to determine the manufacturer of the baggage 
compartment rubber seals and replacing the baggage compartment rubber 
seals manufactured by Gumiyan, with seals manufactured by Rubbercraft. 
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Service Bulletin 150-25-055, 
dated October 28, 2008. 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

[[Page 57267]]

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 33 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 $0 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 $26,400, or $800 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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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-2009-1028; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-188-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 21, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 
G150 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 201 
through 233 inclusive.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: 
Equipment/Furnishings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

IAI Company Flammability tests revealed that the baggage compartment 
rubber seals manufactured by Gumiyan are not compliant with FAR 
[Federal Aviation Regulation] 25, Appendix F, Part I requirements.

The unsafe condition is potential ignition of the baggage 
compartment rubber seals, which could lead to a larger fire. 
Required actions include inspecting to determine the manufacturer of 
the baggage compartment rubber seals and replacing the baggage 
compartment rubber seals manufactured by Gumiyan, with seals 
manufactured by Rubbercraft.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect baggage compartment seals for manufacturer identification at 
Station 12247 around AFT liner location, at Station 10884 around FWD 
liner location, and at Station 10844 floor panel adjacent to FWD 
line, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-25-055, dated October 28, 2008.
    (2) If during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, all three seals are found to be imprinted Rubbercraft, no 
further action is required by this AD.
    (3) If during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD any seal is found to be imprinted Gumiyan, or any imprint is 
illegible, replace the affected seals before further flight with 
Rubbercraft manufactured seals, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-25-
055, dated October 28, 2008.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using

[[Page 57268]]

any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify 
your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics 
inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, 
your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval 
letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) 
Airworthiness Directive 25-04-05-09R1, dated November 12, 2008; and 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-25-055, dated October 28, 2008; for 
related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 28, 2009.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-26683 Filed 11-4-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P