[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 2, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12530-12532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-06275]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0690; Product Identifier 2018-CE-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening 
of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposal for certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model G-IV and Model GIV-X 
airplanes. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
by proposing to require a later revision of the service information to 
update the life limits and inspection requirements in the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM). We 
are proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an 
additional burden over those in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment 
period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.

DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on August 2, 2018 (83 FR 37771), is reopened.
    We must receive comments on this SNPRM by May 17, 2019.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this SNPRM, 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-publications. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating FAA-2018-0690; or in 
person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this SNPRM, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald ``Ron'' Wissing, Airframe 
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
Georgia 30337; phone: 404-474-5552; 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-2018-0690; 
Product Identifier 2018-CE-022-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this SNPRM 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 SNPRM.

Discussion

    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to certain serial-numbered Gulfstream Model G-IV and Model 
GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 
2, 2018 (83 FR 37771). The NPRM was prompted by a revision to the ALS 
of the AMM based on fatigue and damage tolerance (FTD) testing and 
updated

[[Page 12531]]

analysis. The NPRM proposed to require revising the ALS in the AMM to 
incorporate new inspections and life limits contained in Gulfstream 
Document No. GIV-GER-0008, Summary of Changes to the GIV Series and 
GIV-X Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision B, dated March 12, 
2018.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, Gulfstream updated the life limits in the 
ALS and issued Gulfstream Document No. GIV-GER-0008, Summary of Changes 
to the GIV Series and GIV-X Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 
D, dated August 20, 2018. Revision D differs from Revision B in that 
the part number (P/N) for the rudder for Model GIV airplanes has been 
corrected to reflect P/N 1159CS30004, and new life limits for fuselage 
cockpit side post P/N 1159BM50025-5 and P/N 1159BM50025-6 have been 
added per Revision C. Since incorporating Revision D instead of 
Revision B would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, we 
are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to 
comment on these changes.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The 
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to the comment.

Request To Withdraw the NPRM

    An anonymous commenter indicated that the NPRM is unnecessary. The 
commenter stated the proposed requirements have already been 
incorporated into the manufacturer's inspection program through a 
revision to the AMM, Chapter 5. According to the commenter, the 
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) publishes revisions to the AMM on 
a CDROM or electronically through the OEM's website; therefore, it 
would not be possible for the mechanic responsible for signing off on 
the AD to physically revise Chapter 5 of the AMM as required by the 
NPRM. The commenter noted the FAA's estimated cost of compliance and 
stated that the NPRM does not increase safety, but rather it increases 
paperwork. We infer that the commenter wanted the NPRM withdrawn.
    We do not agree. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.5, the FAA issues an 
AD addressing a product when we find that: (a) An unsafe condition 
exists in the product; and (b) the condition is likely to exist or 
develop in other products of the same type design. We will issue an AD 
if a revision to the AMM ALS addresses an unsafe condition, i.e., more 
restrictive inspection intervals, altered non-destructive test (NDT) 
inspection requirements, and reduced life limits.
    While Gulfstream operators may incorporate revisions to the AMM 
into their maintenance program, not all operators are required to do 
so. In order for the new life limits in Gulfstream Document No. GIV-
GER-0008, Summary of Changes to the GIV Series and GIV-X Series 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision D, dated August 20, 2018, to become 
mandatory, and to correct the unsafe condition identified in the NPRM, 
the FAA must require the changes by AD action.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream Document No. GIV-GER-0008, Summary of 
Changes to the GIV Series and GIV-X Series Airworthiness Limitations, 
Revision D, dated August 20, 2018. The service information describes 
more restrictive inspection intervals or altered NDT inspection 
requirements and updated life limits that address fatigue cracking of 
the principal structural elements (PSEs). Revision D of this service 
information differs from previous revisions in that it corrects the P/N 
for the rudder for Model GIV airplanes to reflect rudder P/N 
1159CS30004 and adds new life limits for fuselage cockpit side post P/N 
1159BM50025-5 and P/N 1159BM50025-6. 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. 
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on 
this SNPRM.

Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM

    This SNPRM would require revising the ALS of the AMM, Chapter 5 
Life Limited Components and Chapter 6 PSE Inspections Intervals, to 
incorporate new inspections and life limits based on FTD testing and 
updated analysis.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 711 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise ALS and AMM................  20 work-hour x $85     Not applicable.......          $1,700      $1,208,700
                                     per hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The extent of damage found during the proposed inspection may vary 
from airplane to airplane. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need repairs or the cost of such repairs for each 
airplane.

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft

[[Page 12532]]

Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In 
accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of 
the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition 
period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs 
applicable to small airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, domestic 
business jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the 
Director of the Policy and Innovation Division.

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-2018-0690; Product 
Identifier 2018-CE-022-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 17, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-IV 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 1000 through 
1535; and Model GIV-X airplanes, certificated in any category, 
serial numbers 4001 through 4363.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model G-IV airplanes are 
also referred to by the marketing designations G300 and G400. Model 
GIV-X airplanes are also referred to by the marketing designations 
G350 and G450.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls; 32, Landing Gear; 52, 
Doors; 53, Fuselage; 55, Stabilizers; 57, Wings; 71, Power Plant-
General; and 78, Engine Exhaust.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a revision to the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the Model G-IV and Model GIV-X aircraft 
maintenance manuals based on fatigue and damage tolerance testing 
and updated analysis. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs). This 
unsafe condition, if unaddressed, could result in reduced structural 
integrity of a PSE or critical component and lead to loss of control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Airplane Maintenance Manual Revisions

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
ALS of your maintenance or inspection program (e.g., maintenance 
manual) to incorporate the airworthiness limitations specified in 
Gulfstream Document No. GIV-GER-0008, Summary of Changes to the GIV 
Series and GIV-X Series Airworthiness Limitations, Revision D, dated 
August 20, 2018, as applicable to your model and serial number 
airplane.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

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

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j)(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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ronald ``Ron'' 
Wissing, Airframe Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: 404-474-5552; fax: 404-
474-5606; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 
31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.gulfstream.com/product-support/technical-publications. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 25, 2019.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601
[FR Doc. 2019-06275 Filed 4-1-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P