[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 142 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40378-40379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15952]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0689; Product Identifier 2018-CE-016-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Models G-IV and GIV-X 
airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by reports of disbonding and surface 
cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. The NPRM proposed to 
require inspecting the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure 
bulkhead composite panels for damage and repairing any damage found. 
Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that there is not an 
unsafe condition. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: As of July 28, 2021, the proposed rule, which published in the 
Federal Register on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35568), is withdrawn.

ADDRESSES:

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0689; 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 AD action, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is 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: William O. Herderich, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5547; fax: (404) 474-5605; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered Gulfstream 
Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35568). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of disbonding and accompanying surface cracking of the 
composite aft pressure bulkhead. The NPRM stated that this condition, 
if not addressed, could result in structural failure of the aft 
pressure bulkhead and loss of cabin pressure.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of 
the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure bulkhead composite panels 
for damage and repairing any damage found.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    After issuance of the NPRM, the FAA reviewed a Gulfstream safety 
assessment and determined that a bulkhead with disbonding is still 
capable of carrying operational loads. If the affected airplanes are 
capable of carrying operational loads without failure, then there is no 
unsafe condition.
    Based on the above information, the FAA has determined that AD 
action is not warranted and the proposal should be withdrawn.

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Gulfstream, the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and an individual commenter.

Requests

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA clarify language throughout the 
preamble and unsafe condition statement. EASA requested the FAA add a 
requirement to repeat the inspection. The individual commenter 
requested the FAA clarify the affected serial numbers.
    The FAA acknowledges these comments. However, because the NPRM

[[Page 40379]]

is being withdrawn, the commenters' requests are no longer necessary.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not 
preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it 
commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.

Regulatory Findings

    Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed 
AD nor a final rule. This action, therefore, is not covered under 
Executive Order 12866 or the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Withdrawal

0
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, which published in the 
Federal Register on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35568), is withdrawn.

    Issued on July 21, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15952 Filed 7-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P