[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 67 (Monday, April 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17112-17114]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06704]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9385; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-111-AD; 
Amendment 39-18844; AD 2017-07-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159B airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a review of airplane maintenance records, which revealed 
that incorrect rudder assemblies were installed on certain airplanes. 
This AD requires certain inspections, and replacement or modification 
of the rudder assembly if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 15, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as May 15, 2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9385.

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-
9385; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Krista Greer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-
5544; fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation Model G-1159B airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 21, 2016 (81 FR 83180). The NPRM was prompted by a 
review of airplane maintenance records, which revealed that incorrect 
rudder assemblies were installed on certain airplanes. The NPRM 
proposed to require an inspection to determine the part number of the 
rudder assembly installed, verification that the part number of the 
rudder assembly matches what is recorded in the airplane maintenance 
records, an inspection of the rudder hinges if necessary, and 
replacement or modification of the rudder assembly if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct the installation of incorrect 
rudder assemblies, which could result in flutter and subsequent loss of 
the rudder, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received.

Support for the NPRM

    An anonymous commenter stated that the NPRM was understandable and 
that the FAA should retain its governmental authority.
    We infer that the commenter supports the intent of the NPRM. We 
have not made any changes to this final rule regarding this issue.

[[Page 17113]]

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated 
February 17, 2016 (for Model G-1159 and Model G-1159B airplanes). The 
service information describes procedures for inspecting the rudder 
assembly to determine the part number, verifying that the part number 
of the rudder assembly matches what is recorded in the airplane 
maintenance records, inspecting the rudder hinges, and modifying the 
rudder assembly. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85          $2,040
                                      = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements or 
modifications that will be required based on the results of the 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these replacements or modifications:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement/modification...................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255.         $51,445         $51,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2017-07-06 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-18844; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-9385; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-111-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 15, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Gulfstream Model G-1159B airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model G-1159B airplanes are 
also referred to by marketing designation GIIB.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27; Flight 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a review of airplane maintenance 
records, which revealed that incorrect rudder assemblies were 
installed on certain airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct the installation of incorrect rudder assemblies, which could 
result in flutter and subsequent loss of the rudder, and consequent 
loss of control of the airplane.

[[Page 17114]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection To Determine Rudder Assembly Part Number (P/N) and 
Verification of Maintenance Records

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do an 
inspection to determine the part number of the rudder assembly, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/
IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, except as 
provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. If the rudder assembly does 
not have P/N 1159CS20004-3, within 12 months after the effective 
date of this AD, verify that the rudder assembly part number 
recorded in the aircraft maintenance records matches the part number 
of the rudder assembly installed on the airplane and if the rudder 
assembly part number does not match, correct the aircraft 
maintenance records accordingly.

(h) Additional Inspection and Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
a rudder assembly having P/N 1159CS20004-3 is found, before further 
flight, do a general visual inspection of the middle and upper 
rudder hinges to determine if a one-piece or two-piece hinge is 
installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 
2016, and do the applicable action specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) For airplanes with a one-piece hinge installed: Do the 
actions specified in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (h)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Modify the rudder assembly, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin 
Number 468, dated February 17, 2016.

    Note 2 to paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this AD: Gulfstream GII/IIB 
Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated February 17, 2016, refers to 
Gulfstream GII Aircraft Service Change Number 300, Amendment 1, 
dated May 21, 1984, as an additional source of guidance for 
accomplishment of the rudder modification.

    (ii) Replace the rudder assembly with a rudder assembly that has 
been modified as specified in Gulfstream GII Aircraft Service Change 
Number 300. Do the replacement using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes with a two-piece hinge installed: Re-identify 
the rudder assembly as having incorporated the actions in Gulfstream 
GII Aircraft Service Change Number 300, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin 
Number 468, dated February 17, 2016.

(i) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated 
February 17, 2016, specifies to record the rudder part number and 
serial number on the service reply card, that action is not required 
by this AD.
    (2) Where Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated 
February 17, 2016, specifies to contact Gulfstream for instructions 
on modifying the rudder assembly, this AD requires modifying the 
rudder assembly before further flight using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this 
AD.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(k) 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 (l) 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 (i) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for 
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(3)(i) and 
(k)(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. 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Krista Greer, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5544; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Gulfstream GII/IIB Customer Bulletin Number 468, dated 
February 17, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 27, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-06704 Filed 4-7-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P