Proposed Rule2021-15952
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 28, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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 Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 142 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bfce2e7e7e2eae6a5e4a5e3eef9efeef9e2e8e3cbedeaeaa5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92e5fbfefefbf3ffbcfdbcfaf7e0f6f7e0fbf1fad2f4f3f3bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>.
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
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