[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60606-60609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18690]



[[Page 60606]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1805; Project Identifier AD-2023-00019-T]
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: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2020-23-04, which applies to certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. AD 2020-23-04 requires 
revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) and airplane 
maintenance manual (AMM) to include information pertaining to the fuel 
boost pump. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-23-04, an inspection for a 
missing or misplaced impeller shaft key of suspect fuel boost pumps has 
been developed that would terminate the actions of AD 2020-23-04. This 
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-23-04 and require 
inspecting affected fuel boost pumps for proper installation of the 
impeller shaft key, marking affected fuel boost pumps that pass that 
inspection, and replacing fuel boost pumps that fail. This proposed AD 
would also limit installation of affected fuel boost pumps. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 20, 
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-2023-1805; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     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; email 
[email protected]; website gulfstream.com/en/customer-support.
     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. It is also available on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Meyer, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5534; 
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-2023-1805; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00019-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 
the 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed AD.

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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Jared 
Meyer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5534; email: [email protected]. 
Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically 
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this 
rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2020-23-04, Amendment 39-21320 (85 FR 71232, 
November 9, 2020) (AD 2020-23-04), for certain Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. AD 2020-23-04 was 
prompted by a report of misassembled impellers on the shaft of the fuel 
boost pump during production. AD 2020-23-04 requires revising the 
existing AFM and AMM to include information pertaining to the fuel 
boost pump. The agency issued AD 2020-23-04 to prevent the ignition of 
flammable vapors in the fuel tank as a result of frictional heating or 
sparks caused by a dislodged impeller shaft key inside the fuel boost 
pump, which, if the pump were to run dry, could result in a fuel tank 
fire or fuel tank explosion.

Actions Since AD 2020-23-04 Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2020-23-04 specifies that the FAA considers the 
requirements ``interim action'' and that the manufacturer is developing 
a modification that will address the unsafe condition. That AD explains 
that the FAA might consider further rulemaking if a modification is 
developed, approved, and available. The manufacturer now has developed 
inspection instructions for fuel boost pumps to determine correct 
installation of the impeller shaft key, including replacement or re-
identification, as applicable, that will terminate the requirement to 
update the AFM and AMM, and the FAA has determined that further 
rulemaking is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from that 
determination.

[[Page 60607]]

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069 and 
Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 037, both Revision A, both 
dated February 2, 2023, which describe procedures for inspecting 
affected fuel boost pumps for proper installation of the impeller shaft 
key, marking affected fuel boost pumps that pass that inspection, and 
replacing fuel boost pumps that fail. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models.
    This proposed AD would also require the following Gulfstream 
service information, which the Director of the Federal Register 
approved for incorporation on November 24, 2020 (85 FR 71232).
     GVII-G500 Maintenance Manual 12-13-01 Defueling Procedure-
Defuel, dated August 31, 2020.
     GVII-G500 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Prime, dated August 31, 2020.
     Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G500 (Issue 1)-2020-05, dated September 8, 2020.
     Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G500-2020-06, dated September 8, 2020.
     GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-05 Fuel Boost Pump 
Canister-Removal/Installation, dated August 31, 2020.
     GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 12-13-01 Defueling Procedure-
Defuel, dated August 31, 2020.
     GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Prime, dated August 31, 2020.
     GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Removal/Installation, dated August 31, 2020.
     Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G600 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G600-2020-06 dated September 8, 2020.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2020-23-04. 
This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069 and 
Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 037, both Revision A, both 
dated February 2, 2023, already described, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the Service Information and this Proposed AD.'' 
This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected parts.

Difference Between Service Information and This Proposed AD

    For this AD, step III.D. of Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin 
No. 069, Revision A, dated February 2, 2023, and Gulfstream GVII-G600 
Customer Bulletin No. 037, Revision A, dated February 2, 2023, as 
applicable, is also RC.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 89 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per    Cost on U.S.
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost    product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incorporate information into AMM and AFM   2 work-hours x $85 per hour           $0         $170         $15,130
 (retained actions from AD 2020-23-04).     = $170.
Impeller shaft key inspection (new         36 work-hours x $85 per                0        3,060         272,340
 proposed action).                          hour = $3,060.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary part 
marking and fuel boost pump replacements that would be required based 
on the results of the proposed inspection for proper installation. The 
FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these actions:

                           On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
            Action                Labor cost     Parts cost    product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part marking.................  0.5 work-hour x          $10       $52.50
                                $85 per hour =
                                $42.50.
Fuel pump replacement (per     10 work-hours x      106,706      107,556
 fuel boost pump).              $85 per hour =
                                $850.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

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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 has 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) 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-23-04, Amendment 39-21320 
(85 FR 71232, November 9, 2020), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2023-1805; Project 
Identifier AD-2023-00019-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by October 20, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-23-04, Amendment 39-21320 (85 FR 71232, 
November 9, 2020) (AD 2020-23-04).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Model GVII-G500 airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 72001 and 
subsequent.
    (2) Model GVII-G600 airplanes, S/Ns 73001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2822, Fuel Boost 
Pump.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of misassembled impellers onto 
the shaft of the fuel boost pump during production. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors in the 
fuel tank as a result of frictional heating or sparks caused by a 
missing, misplaced, or dislodged impeller shaft key inside the fuel 
boost pump. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
a potential source of ignition in the fuel tank and consequent fire 
or explosion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Manual Updates, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2020-23-04, with no changes. For Model GVII-G500 airplane S/Ns 72001 
and 72007 through 72062 inclusive; and Model GVII-G600 airplane S/Ns 
73002, 73004, 73006 through 73040 inclusive, 73042, and 73043: 
Within 14 days after November 24, 2020 (the effective date of AD 
2020-23-04), do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this 
AD, as applicable.
    (1) Revise your existing airplane maintenance manual (AMM) by 
replacing the procedures listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vi) 
of this AD, as applicable for your model airplane.
    (i) GVII-G500 Maintenance Manual 12-13-01 Defueling Procedure-
Defuel, dated August 31, 2020;
    (ii) GVII-G500 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Prime, dated August 31, 2020;
    (iii) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 12-13-01 Defueling Procedure-
Defuel, dated August 31, 2020;
    (iv) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Prime, dated August 31, 2020;
    (v) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Removal/Installation, dated August 31, 2020; and
    (vi) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-05 Fuel Boost Pump 
Canister-Removal/Installation, dated August 31, 2020.
    (2) Revise your existing airplane flight manual (AFM) by 
including in the AFM the airplane flight manual supplement (AFMS) 
listed in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this AD that is 
applicable to your model airplane. Using a later AFM revision with 
information identical to that contained in the AFMS specified for 
your airplane is acceptable for compliance with the requirement of 
this paragraph.
    (i) Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G500 (Issue 1)-2020-05, dated September 8, 2020;
    (ii) Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G500-2020-06, dated September 8, 2020; or
    (iii) Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G600 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G600-2020-06, dated September 8, 2020.
    (3) The action required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) 
through (4), and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) New Requirements

    For Model GVII-G500 airplane S/Ns 72001 and 72007 through 72062 
inclusive; and Model GVII-G600 airplane S/Ns 73002, 73004, 73006 
through 73040 inclusive, 73042, and 73043: Except as specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD, within 24 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do all actions specified in paragraph III.D. and all 
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) 
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069 or GVIII-G600 
Customer Bulletin No. 037, both Revision A, dated February 2, 2023, 
as applicable.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h): The serial number on the aft exterior 
of the pump is not the pump serial number.
    Note 2 to paragraph (h): Guidance on pump removal and 
installation procedures can be found in GVII-G500 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 12, and GVII-G600 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 8, both dated August 15, 2022.

(i) Service Information Exception

    Where Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069 and GVIII-
G600 Customer Bulletin No. 037, both Revision A, dated February 2, 
2023, specify to return any pump for repair, this AD requires 
replacing the pump before further flight in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

(j) Terminating Action for Paragraph (g) of This AD

    The requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD are terminated if 
all applicable actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD have 
been accomplished.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of the AD, no person may install on any 
airplane a fuel boost pump having a part and serial number specified 
in Table 1 of Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069 or 
Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 037, both Revision A, 
both dated February 2, 2023, as applicable, unless that pump is 
marked with the letter ``C'' to the right of the ``INSP'' legend on 
the pump data area.

[[Page 60609]]

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information identified 
in paragraphs (l)(1) and (2) of this AD, as applicable. This service 
information is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069, dated 
October 19, 2022.
    (2) Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 037, dated 
October 19, 2022.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, East Certification 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 manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2020-23-04 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(m)(4)(i) and (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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jared Meyer, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5534; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(o) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
[DATE 35 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
    (i) Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 069, Revision A, 
dated February 2, 2023.
    (ii) Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 037, Revision A, 
dated February 2, 2023.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 9, 2020 (85 FR 71232).
    (i) Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G500 (Issue 1)-2020-05, dated September 8, 2020.
    (ii) Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G500-2020-06, dated September 8, 2020.
    (iii) Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G600 Airplane Flight Manual 
Supplement No. GVII-G600-2020-06 dated September 8, 2020.
    (iv) GVII-G500 Maintenance Manual 12-13-01 Defueling Procedure-
Defuel, dated August 31, 2020
    (v) GVII-G500 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-Prime, 
dated August 31, 2020.
    (vi) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 12-13-01 Defueling Procedure-
Defuel, dated August 31, 2020.
    (vii) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Prime, dated August 31, 2020.
    (viii) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-04 Fuel Boost Pump-
Removal/Installation, dated August 31, 2020; and
    (ix) GVII-G600 Maintenance Manual 28-26-05 Fuel Boost Pump 
Canister-Removal/Installation, dated August 31, 2020.
    (5) 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; email 
[email protected]; website gulfstream.com/en/customer-support.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 24, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-18690 Filed 9-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P