[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 238 (Tuesday, December 13, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76148-76151]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26974]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00052-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that would have applied to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model 
Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by adding Model 
Galaxy airplanes to the applicability. The FAA is 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, the FAA is requesting comments on this SNPRM.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by January 27, 2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains the NPRM, this SNPRM, the mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For material that is proposed for incorporation by 
reference in this SNPRM, contact Civil Aviation Authority of Israel 
(CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; 
telephone 972-3-9774665; fax 972-3-9774592; email [email protected]. You 
may find this material on the CAAI website at caa.gov.il. It is also 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0994.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00052-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to

[[Page 76149]]

regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this SNPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM contain 
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as 
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or 
responsive to this SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate 
the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission 
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked 
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed 
in the public docket of this SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should 
be sent to Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 17, 
2022 (87 FR 50588). The NPRM was prompted by AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, 
dated January 1, 2022, issued by CAAI, which is the aviation authority 
for Israel (referred to after this as the MCAI). There were reports 
that wing flap fairing debonding and corrosion were discovered at the 
lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on both wings. The MCAI states that the 
reason for the AD is to prevent the possibility of flap fairing 
debonding, moisture intrusion and wing lower skin corrosion at rib 3 
and rib 11.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for 
corrosion in certain areas of the wing skin fairings, additional 
inspections if necessary, resealing the fairings with new fillet seal, 
and applicable corrective actions.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0994.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the FAA determined that Model Galaxy 
airplanes must be added to the applicability. The FAA is proposing this 
AD to address flap fairing debonding and moisture intrusion that might 
lead to lower wing skin corrosion and cracking on both wings, and 
reduced structural integrity of the wings.

Comments

    The FAA received comments from an anonymous commenter. The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Add Model Galaxy Airplanes to the Applicability

    The commenter requested that the FAA add Model Galaxy airplanes to 
the applicability. The commenter stated that Model Galaxy airplane 
serial numbers are included in the applicability of the NPRM, but the 
model designation (Galaxy) is not mentioned. The commenter concluded 
that owners/operators for Model Galaxy airplanes might not be aware of 
the proposed AD and might not address the unsafe condition.
    The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has revised this AD to add 
Model Galaxy airplanes to the applicability.

Request To Change the Model Designation From Gulfstream G200 to 
Gulfstream 200

    The commenter requested that the FAA change Model Gulfstream G200 
airplanes to Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes in the applicability. The 
commenter noted that in the FAA type certificate data sheet (TCDS) 
A53NM, the model designation is Gulfstream 200. The commented stated 
that the correction brings the intended model designation in line with 
the FAA TCDS.
    The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has revised this AD to 
change the model designation from Gulfstream G200 to Gulfstream 200.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, describes 
procedures for an inspection for corrosion in the area of the wing skin 
(or doubler if installed) under the rib 3 and rib 11 fairings, a 
penetration or eddy current inspection for cracks if corrosion was 
found, a measurement of the thickness of remaining wing skin (or 
doubler) if no cracks were found, resealing of rib 3 and rib 11 
fairings with new fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions. 
Corrective actions include cleaning and removing corrosion, crack 
repair, and repair of fairing installation locations with a certain 
thickness reduction.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
described above. The FAA is issuing this SNPRM after determining that 
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, it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide 
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, described 
previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 
1, 2022, by reference in the FAA final rule. This AD would, therefore, 
require compliance with CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 
2022, in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. 
Service information required by CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated 
January 1, 2022, for compliance will be available at regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FAA-2022-0994 after the FAA final rule is published.

[[Page 76150]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 168 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                  Labor cost                               Parts cost                 product        operators
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29 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,465.........  Minimal.........................          $2,465        $414,120
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions *
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           Labor cost              Parts cost        Cost per product
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Up to 10 work-hours x $85 per                $0  Up to $850.
 hour = $850.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
  estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2022-00052-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 27, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy 
airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 004 through 250 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing debonding 
and corrosion were discovered at lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on 
both wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address flap fairing 
debonding and moisture intrusion that might lead to lower wing skin 
corrosion and cracking on both wings, and reduced structural 
integrity of the wings.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-
57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4).

(h) Exceptions to CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4

    (1) Where CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where the Compliance paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 
requires compliance at a certain time, replace the text ``at the 
next suitable planned maintenance inspection within the next 24 
months from the effective date of this AD'' with ``within 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD.''

[[Page 76151]]

    (3) Where the Action paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 
refers to certain service information, replace the text ``Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin No. 200-57-426, dated January 01, 2022, or later 
approved revision,'' with ``Gulfstream Service Bulletin No. 200-57-
426, Revision 1, dated June 16, 2022, or later approved revision.''
    (4) Where the service information specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-4 specifies to report to Gulfstream if ``cracks were 
discovered'' and ``for any fairing installation location with one or 
more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10%,'' 
for this AD, cracks and fairing installation locations with one or 
more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10% must 
be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or CAAI; or CAAI's 
authorized Designee. If approved by the authorized Designee, the 
approval must include the Designee's authorized signature.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-4 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified 
in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or CAAI; or CAAI's authorized Designee. If 
approved by the CAAI Designee, the approval must include the 
Designee's authorized signature.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 
98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-57-2021-
12-4, dated January 1, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, contact Civil Aviation 
Authority of Israel (CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport 
City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9774665; fax 972-3-9774592; 
email [email protected]. You may find this CAAI AD on the CAAI website 
at caa.gov.il.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 7, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26974 Filed 12-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P