[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 29, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38062-38065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-16314]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0646; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-224-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy 
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

[[Page 38063]]

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:

    Cracked nuts * * * were found on aircraft's production line 
during routine post assembly inspection. Investigation revealed that 
the cracks resulted from hydrogen embrittlement combined with high 
hardness. Non-conformity with certified mechanical properties of 
this fastener can potentially lead to an unsafe condition.

The unsafe condition is cracked nuts in multiple locations (including 
aileron fittings, rudder tab assembly and mounting structure for power 
drive units) could result in failure of affected locations and 
consequent reduced controllability or reduced structural capability 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 August 15, 2011.

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.

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-2011-0646; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-224-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 57-10-06-18, dated July 27, 2010 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Cracked nuts (P/N [part number] MS-21042L3) were found on 
aircraft's production line during routine post assembly inspection. 
Investigation revealed that the cracks resulted from hydrogen 
embrittlement combined with high hardness. Non-conformity with 
certified mechanical properties of this fastener can potentially 
lead to an unsafe condition.

The unsafe condition is cracked nuts in multiple locations (including 
aileron fittings, rudder tab assembly and mounting structure for power 
drive units) could result in failure of affected locations and 
consequent reduced controllability or reduced structural capability of 
the airplane. The required actions include replacing nuts having 
P[sol]N MS-21042L3, and in certain locations, a one time radiographic 
inspection for cracked nuts and replacing any cracked nuts. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Service Bulletin 200-51-366, 
dated March 30, 2010, including Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries 
Document IS951400E, Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N 
MS21042L3, Revision A, dated January 25, 2010. 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 2 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 227 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered

[[Page 38064]]

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 $38,590, or $19,295 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: Docket No. FAA-2011-0646; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-224-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by August 15, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial 
numbers 219 through 231 inclusive.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 51: Standard 
Practices/Structures.

Reason

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

    Cracked nuts * * * were found on aircraft's production line 
during routine post assembly inspection. Investigation revealed that 
the cracks resulted from hydrogen embrittlement combined with high 
hardness. Non-conformity with certified mechanical properties of 
this fastener can potentially lead to an unsafe condition.

The unsafe condition is cracked nuts in multiple locations 
(including aileron fittings, rudder tab assembly and mounting 
structure for power drive units) could result in failure of affected 
locations and consequent reduced controllability or reduced 
structural capability of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Actions

    (g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, including 
Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, 
Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision 
A, dated January 25, 2010.
    (1) For all airplanes: Replace nuts having part number (P/N) MS-
21042L3 in the applicable areas identified in Steps 4, 5, 6, and 7 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 
200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, including Appendix A: Israel 
Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, Radiographic Inspection of 
Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision A, dated January 25, 2010.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 224 through 231 
inclusive: Do the actions in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii).
    (i) Replace nuts having P/N MS-21042L3 at the location specified 
in Step 8.H. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, including 
Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, 
Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision 
A, dated January 25, 2010.
    (ii) Do a radiographic inspection for cracking of nuts having P/
N MS-21042L3 at the location specified in Step 8.J. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-51-
366, dated March 30, 2010, including Appendix A: Israel Aircraft 
Industries Document IS951400E, Radiographic Inspection of Self-
Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision A, dated January 25, 2010. 
Before further flight replace all cracked nuts.

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it 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. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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.

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Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) 
Airworthiness Directive 57-10-06-18, dated July 27, 2010; and 
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-51-366, dated March 30, 2010, 
including Appendix A: Israel Aircraft Industries Document IS951400E, 
Radiographic Inspection of Self-Locking Nut P/N MS21042L3, Revision 
A, dated January 25, 2010; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-16314 Filed 6-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P