[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 135 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41432-41434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17697]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0716; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-013-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model 
Galaxy, Gulfstream G150, 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:

    A broken aileron servo actuator centering spring rod was 
discovered on a model G100 aircraft during a routine scheduled 
maintenance inspection. * * * This latent failure of a centering 
spring rod, if not detected and corrected, in conjunction with the 
disconnection of the normal mechanical control system of the same 
servo actuator would lead to loss [of] control of the flight control 
surface [aileron or elevator]. This condition would reduce the 
control capability of the airplane and imposes a higher workload on 
the flight crew reducing their ability to cope with adverse 
operating conditions.

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 29, 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-2011-0716; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-013-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 (CAA), which is the aviation authority 
for Israel, has issued Airworthiness Directives 27-10-11-03, dated 
December 6, 2010; and 27-10-12-29, dated January 4, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''); to correct an unsafe

[[Page 41433]]

condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

A broken aileron servo actuator centering spring rod was discovered 
on a model G100 aircraft during a routine scheduled maintenance 
inspection. This centering spring rod is common to all Gulfstream 
Mid Cabin model (G100, G150 and G200) aileron control servo 
actuators and the G200 elevator control servo actuator too. The 
function of the centering spring rod is to maintain the affected 
servo actuator and its associated flight control surface in a 
centered position in the event of a disconnect of the normal 
mechanical control system input from the flight crew to the same 
servo actuator. This latent failure of a centering spring rod, if 
not detected and corrected, in conjunction with the disconnection of 
the normal mechanical control system of the same servo actuator 
would lead to loss [of] control of the flight control surface/
aileron. This condition would reduce the control capability of the 
airplane and imposes a higher workload on the flight crew reducing 
their ability to cope with adverse operating conditions.

The required actions include a detailed inspection of the servo 
actuator centering spring rods for the aileron and elevator to detect 
fractured or broken rods, and replacing the rods if necessary. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Gulfstream Service Bulletins 
150-27-123; and 200-27-374; both Revision 1, both dated January 27, 
2011. 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 200 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 19 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $323,000, or $1,615 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take up to 20 work-hours per product, and require parts costing $0, for 
a cost of $1,700 per product. We have no way of determining the number 
of products that may need these actions. 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.

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 (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Docket No. FAA-2011-0716; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-013-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by August 29, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the products identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by 
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes, 
serial numbers 201 through 286 inclusive.
    (2) Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by 
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Galaxy airplanes; and 
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes; serial 
numbers 004 through 231 inclusive.

[[Page 41434]]

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls.

Reason

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

A broken aileron servo actuator centering spring rod was discovered 
on a model G100 aircraft during a routine scheduled maintenance 
inspection. * * * This latent failure of a centering spring rod, if 
not detected and corrected, in conjunction with the disconnection of 
the normal mechanical control system of the same servo actuator 
would lead to loss [of] control of the flight control surface 
[aileron or elevator]. This condition would reduce the control 
capability of the airplane and imposes a higher workload on the 
flight crew reducing their ability to cope with adverse operating 
conditions.

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.

Inspection

    (g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes: Do a one-time detailed 
inspection of the aileron control servo actuators to detect 
fractured or broken centering spring rods, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-27-
123, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2011.
    (2) For Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes: Do a one-time 
detailed inspection of the aileron and elevator control servo 
actuators to detect fractured or broken centering spring rods, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 200-27-374, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2011.

Corrective Actions

    (h) If any centering spring rod is found fractured or broken 
during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, 
replace the centering spring rod in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel 
(CAAI) (or its delegated agent).

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 150-27-123 or 200-27-
374, both dated October 27, 2010, are considered acceptable for the 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI AD does not specify a corrective action for 
fractured or broken rods; however, paragraph (h) of this AD requires 
corrective action.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) 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.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of Israel 
Airworthiness Directives 27-10-11-03, dated December 6, 2010, and 
27-10-12-29, dated January 4, 2011; and Gulfstream Service Bulletins 
150-27-123 and 200-27-374, both Revision 1, both dated January 27, 
2011; for related information.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-17697 Filed 7-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P