[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 737-739]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31362]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9522; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-144-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-17-
01, which applies to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP
airplanes and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-01 currently requires, an
inspection for sealant applied to the exterior of the auxiliary power
unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), and a revision of the airplane flight
manual (AFM), as applicable. Since we issued AD 2009-17-01, we received
a report indicating that the type design sealant applied to the APU
enclosure is flammable and failed certain tests. This proposed AD would
require revising the AFM, and revising the applicability to include
additional airplanes. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 21,
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-
9522; 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: Ky Phan, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO) 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: 404-474-5536; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9522;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-144-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
On July 31, 2009, we issued AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74
FR 40061, August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01''), for certain Gulfstream
Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP airplanes, and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-
01 requires, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection for sealant
applied to the exterior of the APU enclosure, and for airplanes with
the subject sealant and certain other airplanes, a revision of the AFM
to prohibit operation of the APU during certain ground and flight
operations. AD 2009-17-01 resulted from notification by the airplane
manufacturer that an improper, flammable sealant was used on the
interior and exterior of the APU enclosure. We issued AD 2009-17-01 to
prevent this flammable sealant from igniting the exterior surfaces of
the APU enclosure under certain anomalous conditions, such as an APU
failure/APU compartment fire, which could result in propagation of an
uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2009-17-01 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2009-17-01, the manufacturer has notified us
that the type design sealant (AMS 3374) applied to the APU enclosure is
flammable and failed a certification test and a company
[[Page 738]]
test. Paragraph (g) of AD 2009-17-01 required an inspection to
determine if GMS 4107 sealant (i.e., not type design sealant) or AMS
3374 sealant was applied to the APU enclosure. If the inspections
revealed the application of GMS 4107 sealant, operators were required
by paragraph (h) of AD 2009-17-01 to revise the applicable AFM to
include the applicable AFM supplement (AFMS). The AFMS provided
limitations that prohibited operation of the APU during certain ground
and flight operations. At the time AD 2009-17-01 was issued, the type
design sealant was AMS 3374 sealant, which was thought to be fireproof.
If the inspection required by paragraph (g) of AD 2009-17-01 revealed
that AMS 3374 sealant was used, the applicable AFM did not have to be
revised. With the discovery that AMS 3374 sealant is flammable, we have
determined that AD 2009-17-01 does not address the identified unsafe
condition.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the Gulfstream AFM supplements (AFMSs) identified
below. The AFMSs provide operating limitations on the use of the APU
during certain ground and flight operations. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
(1) Gulfstream Aerospace GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01,
dated July 27, 2016, to the GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the G300
AFM, dated January 15, 2003; and the G400 AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the G350 AFM,
dated October 28, 2004.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016,
to the GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the G500 AFM,
dated December 5, 2003.
(5) Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the GVI (G650) AFM dated, September 7, 2012.
(6) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated
July 27, 2016, to the GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2, 2014.
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 these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require a revision of the AFM to prohibit
operation of the APU during certain ground and flight operation and
would add additional airplanes to the applicability.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD interim action. If final action is
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,220 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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AFM revision........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $103,700
hour = $85.
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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 have 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 that the 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR 40061, August 11, 2009), and
adding the following new AD:
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2016-9522;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-144-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 21,
2017.
[[Page 739]]
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39 15991 (74 FR 40061,
August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
(1) Model G-IV airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 and
subsequent.
(2) Model GIV-X airplanes, having S/Ns 4001 and subsequent.
(3) Model GV airplanes, having S/Ns 501 and subsequent.
(4) Model GV-SP airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 and subsequent.
(5) Model GVI airplanes, having S/Ns 6001 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49, Airborne
Auxiliary Power; and 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the type design
sealant is flammable and failed a certification test and a company
test. We are issuing this AD to provide the flight crew with
operating procedures for airplanes that have flammable sealant
compound applied to the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure
(firewall). Under certain anomalous conditions such as an APU
failure/APU compartment fire, flammable sealant could ignite the
exterior surfaces of the APU enclosure and result in propagation of
an uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
Limitations Section of the applicable Gulfstream AFM specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD to include the
information in the applicable Gulfstream AFM supplement (AFMS)
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. These AFM
supplements (AFMSs) introduce operating limitations on the use of
the APU during certain ground and flight operations.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: This AFM revision may be
done by inserting a copy of the applicable AFMS into the applicable
AFM specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. When
the AFMS has been included in the general revision of the AFM, the
general revision may be inserted into the AFM, provided the relevant
information in the general revision is identical to that in the
applicable AFMS specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of
this AD.
(h) AFMSs
For the AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
insert the applicable AFMS into the applicable Gulfstream AFM
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD.
(1) Gulfstream GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the G300 AFM,
dated January 15, 2003; and the G400 AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the G350 AFM,
dated October 28, 2004.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27,
2016, to the GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July
27, 2016, to the G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the G500 AFM,
dated December 5, 2003.
(5) Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated
July 27, 2016, to the GVI (G650) AFM dated, September 7, 2012.
(6) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated
July 27, 2016, to the GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2, 2014.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the action required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed before the
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD. This
service information was incorporated by reference in AD 2009-17-01.
(1) Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02,
Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009.
(2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, Revision
1, dated June 25, 2009.
(3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2009-03, Revision 1, dated
June 25, 2009.
(4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, Revision
1, dated June 25, 2009.
(j) 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 (k)(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) AMOCs approved previously for paragraph (h) of AD 2009-17-01
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ky Phan,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA,
Atlanta ACO 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
404-474-5536; 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 December 16, 2016.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31362 Filed 1-3-17; 8:45 am]
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