Rule2021-15473
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 22, 2021
Effective
August 26, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplanes. This AD results from flap yoke fittings with design features that cause decreased fatigue life. This AD requires replacing the flap inboard and outboard yoke fitting assemblies and establishing a 20,000 flight cycle life limit for the fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 138 (Thursday, July 22, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 138 (Thursday, July 22, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38538-38540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15473]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0156; Project Identifier AD-2020-01594-T;
Amendment 39-21650; AD 2021-15-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500
airplanes. This AD results from flap yoke fittings with design features
that cause decreased fatigue life. This AD requires replacing the flap
inboard and outboard yoke fitting assemblies and establishing a 20,000
flight cycle life limit for the fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 38539]]
DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 26,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept.,
P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402; phone: (800) 810-4853; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#53232631201334263f3520272136323e7d303c3e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e090958293a087958c8693949285818dce838f8d">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/">https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/</a>. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is also available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0156.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0156; 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 final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The 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: Jeffrey Johnson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA
30337; phone: (404) 474-5554; fax: (404) 474-5606; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#731916151501160a5d175d191c1b1d001c1d331512125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfb5bab9b9adbaa6f1bbf1b5b0b7b1acb0b19fb9bebef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2021 (86 FR 24546). The
NPRM was prompted by a failure that occurred during flight testing of a
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplane, when the aircraft was configuring
for a steep approach test point, the crew received a flap failure
message. After landing, inspection revealed that the left-hand flap
track 'B' yoke had become disconnected due to structural failure.
Gulfstream's investigation to determine the root cause of the failure
revealed that the flap yoke fittings for certain serial-numbered
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplanes have design features that cause
decreased fatigue life. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
replacing the flap inboard and outboard yoke fitting assemblies and
revising the Airworthiness Limitations Instructions of your existing
aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) to incorporate a 20,000 flight cycle
life limit. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft Service Change No.
032, Initial Issue, dated November 20, 2020 (Gulfstream ASC No. 032).
This service information specifies procedures for replacing the flap
inboard and outboard yoke fitting assemblies and upper bushings. 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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GVII-500 Customer Bulletin No. 045,
Initial Issue, dated November 20, 2020. This service information
specifies the compliance time and additional information for Gulfstream
ASC No. 032. The FAA also reviewed Gulfstream Aerospace GVII-G500
Aircraft Maintenance Manual Document Number GAC-AC-GVII-G500-AMM-0001,
Revision 7, dated December 15, 2020. This document contains revised
airworthiness limitations, maintenance checks, and inspections.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
Gulfstream ASC No. 032 contains actions labeled ``Required for
Compliance'' (RC), and the language in Gulfstream ASC No. 032 and in
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD indicates that operators must comply with
all actions labeled RC for compliance with this AD. However, this AD
does not require all of the steps in Gulfstream ASC No. 032 that are
labeled as RC. Operators only need to comply with the RC steps
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 85 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace the flap inboard and outboard 83.5 work-hours x $85.00 $8,015.00 $15,112.50 $1,284,562.50
yoke fitting assemblies and update per hour = $7,097.50.
the existing AMM.
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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
[[Page 38540]]
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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 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:
2021-15-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-21650;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0156; Project Identifier AD-2020-01594-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 26, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-
G500 airplanes, serial numbers 72001 through 72085, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5753, Trailing Edge
Flaps.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD results from flap yoke fittings with design features
that cause decreased fatigue life. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the flap yoke fitting. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in failure of the flap yoke fitting
during flap transition, which could cause the flaps to stop moving.
This, combined with additional failures in the flap actuator force
limiter or flap yoke actuator disconnect, could result in asymmetric
flap positions leading to a loss of airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD or
within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, replace each flap yoke fitting assembly by
following Sections III.A.2 through III.D of the Modification
Instructions in Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft Service Change No.
032, Initial Issue, dated November 20, 2020.
(2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, revise
the existing Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness or aircraft inspection program for your
airplane by establishing a life limit of 20,000 flight cycles for
each flap yoke fitting part number 72P5755095A001, 72P5755096A001,
72P5755097A001, and 72P5755098A001.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Section 05-10-10 of Gulfstream
Aerospace GVII-G500 Aircraft Maintenance Manual Document Number GAC-
AC-GVII-G500-AMM-0001, Revision 7, dated December 15, 2020, contains
the life limit in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(h) 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 Related Information.
(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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the following provisions 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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Johnson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Ave., College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5554; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#402a2526263225396e246e2a2f282e332f2e002621216e272f36"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="066c63606074637f2862286c696e687569684660676728616970">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) 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 GVII-G500 Aircraft Service Change No. 032,
Initial Issue, dated November 20, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation service information
identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation,
Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402;
phone: (800) 810-4853; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ee9e9b8c9dae899b82889d9a9c8b8f83c08d8183"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="53232631201334263f3520272136323e7d303c3e">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/">https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
(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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7818283958280c98b8280868ba789869586c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e88e8d8c9a8d8fc6848d8f8984a886899a89c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 15, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15473 Filed 7-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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