[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 238 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 89397-89399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29257]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 89397]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9437; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-131-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-IV airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by a report indicating that the G-IV gust lock system 
allows more throttle travel than was intended and could allow the 
throttle to be advanced to reach take-off thrust. This proposed AD 
would require modification of the gust lock system, and a revision of 
the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate functional tests. 
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 26, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, 
Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; 
email [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9437; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gideon Jose, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9437; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-131-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 because of 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

    We have received a report indicating that the G-IV gust lock system 
allows more throttle travel than was intended and could allow the 
throttle to be advanced to reach take-off thrust. The intended function 
of the gust lock system is to restrict throttle lever movement to a 
maximum of 6 degrees of forward travel, which provides an unmistakable 
warning to the pilot that the gust lock system is still engaged, 
prohibiting the use of the primary flight control surfaces. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the aircraft reaching near 
take-off thrust and high velocities without primary flight controls 
(aileron, elevator, and rudder) that can cause a failure to rotate and 
high-speed runway overrun.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 236A, dated 
August 8, 2016; Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 236A, dated 
August 8, 2016; and Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 236A, 
dated August 8, 2016. The service information describes procedures for 
modifying the gust lock system by doing a retrofit of the gust lock 
throttle interlock. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different airplane models.
    We reviewed Gulfstream IV Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 
(TR) 27-3, dated April 29, 2016; Gulfstream IV MSG-3 Maintenance Manual 
TR 27-3, dated April 29, 2016; Gulfstream G300 Maintenance Manual TR 
27-3, dated April 29, 2016; and Gulfstream G400 Maintenance Manual TR 
27-3, dated April 29, 2016. The service information describes 
procedures for a functional test of the throttle lever gust lock 
protection. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models.
    We reviewed Gulfstream IV Maintenance Manual TR 5-7, dated April 
29, 2016; Gulfstream IV MSG-3 Maintenance Manual TR 5-6, dated April 
29, 2016; Gulfstream G300 Maintenance Manual TR 5-3, dated April 29, 
2016; and Gulfstream G400 Maintenance Manual TR 5-3, dated April 29, 
2016. The service information describes an airworthiness limitation

[[Page 89398]]

(certification maintenance requirement) task to do functional tests of 
the throttle lever gust lock protection. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require modification of the gust lock 
system, and a revision of the maintenance or inspection program to 
incorporate functional tests of the throttle level gust lock 
protection.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 425 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification and Maintenance or         109 work-hours x $85 per          $9,080         $18,345      $7,796,625
 Inspection Program Revision.            hour = $9,265.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2016-9437; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-131-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 26, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-
IV airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the G-IV gust 
lock system allows more throttle travel than was intended and could 
allow the throttle to be advanced to reach take-off thrust. The 
intended function of the gust lock system is to restrict throttle 
lever movement to a maximum of 6 degrees of forward travel, which 
provides an unmistakable warning to the pilot that the gust lock 
system is still engaged, prohibiting the use of the primary flight 
control surfaces. We are issuing this AD to prevent the throttle 
lever movement from advancing more than 6 degrees of forward travel, 
which could result in the aircraft reaching near take-off thrust and 
high velocities without primary flight controls (aileron, elevator, 
and rudder) that can cause a failure to rotate and high speed runway 
overrun.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Modification

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
gust lock system by doing a retrofit of the gust lock throttle 
interlock, in accordance with the applicable service information 
specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 236A, dated August 8, 
2016.
    (2) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 236A, dated August 
8, 2016.
    (3) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 236A, dated August 
8, 2016.

(h) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision To Include a Functional 
Test

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a

[[Page 89399]]

functional test of the throttle lever gust lock protection specified 
in the applicable temporary revision (TR) identified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD. The initial compliance time for 
the functional test is within the applicable time specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD, or within 90 days after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. The 
functional test must be done in accordance with the applicable 
service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of 
this AD.
    (1) For Gulfstream IV Maintenance Manual TR 5-7, dated April 29, 
2016: Within 12 months or 4,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first 
after accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD.
    (2) For Gulfstream IV MSG-3 Maintenance Manual TR 5-6, dated 
April 29, 2016: Before the next 1C maintenance check or within 4,500 
flight hours, whichever occurs first after accomplishing the 
modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (3) For Gulfstream G300 Maintenance Manual TR 5-3, dated April 
29, 2016: Before the next 1C maintenance check or within 4,500 
flight hours, whichever occurs first after accomplishing the 
modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (4) For Gulfstream G400 Maintenance Manual TR 5-3, dated April 
29, 2016: Before the next 1C maintenance check or within 4,500 
flight hours, whichever occurs first after accomplishing the 
modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Service Information for the Functional Test of the Throttle Lever 
Gust Lock Protection

    The functional test of the throttle lever gust lock protection 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD must be done in accordance 
with the applicable service information specified in paragraphs 
(i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Gulfstream IV Maintenance Manual TR 27-3, dated April 29, 
2016.
    (2) Gulfstream IV MSG-3 Maintenance Manual TR 27-3, dated April 
29, 2016.
    (3) Gulfstream G300 Maintenance Manual TR 27-3, dated April 29, 
2016.
    (4) Gulfstream G400 Maintenance Manual TR 27-3, dated April 29, 
2016.

(j) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this 
AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the applicable service information identified 
in paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or (k)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 236, dated June 1, 
2016.
    (2) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 236, dated June 1, 
2016.
    (3) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 236, dated June 1, 
2016.

(l) Exception for Reporting and Return of Parts

    Although the service information identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer 
and to return parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include 
those requirements.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
    (2) 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.
    (3) Except as required by paragraph (l) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for 
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (m)(3)(i) and 
(m)(3)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gideon Jose, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, 
Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 
404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. 
Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-
965-3520; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 25, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-29257 Filed 12-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P