Rule2023-10328
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
May 16, 2023
Effective
June 20, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159A and G-1159B airplanes and all Model G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the ground spoiler actuator installation does not preclude improper hydraulic line connections that could result in unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. This AD requires incorporating corrective actions that physically prevent improper connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31152-31154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10328]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; Project Identifier AD-2022-01026-T;
Amendment 39-22418; AD 2023-08-03]
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 Model G-1159A and G-1159B
airplanes and all Model G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. This AD was prompted
by a report that the ground spoiler actuator installation does not
preclude improper hydraulic line connections that could result in
unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. This AD requires
incorporating corrective actions that physically prevent improper
connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 20, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 20,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept.,
P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c4c495e4f7c5b49505a4f484e595d51125f5351"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dcaca9beaf9cbba9b0baafa8aeb9bdb1f2bfb3b1">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/">gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/</a>.
<bullet> 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1486.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Belete, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5580; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a13076b7965076b7e666b6965076b6e596a4c4b4b044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1d24305c4e52305c49515c5e52305c596e5d7b7c7c337a726b">[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 Model G-1159A and G-1159B airplanes and all Model
G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 25, 2022 (87 FR 72422). The NPRM was prompted by a report,
following a fatal accident involving a Gulfstream Model G-IV, that the
ground spoiler actuator configuration does not preclude improper
hydraulic line connections that could result in unintended asymmetrical
spoiler deployment. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed incorporating
corrective actions that physically prevent improper connection of the
hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address improper connection of the ground spoiler hydraulic
lines, which, if not addressed, could result in unintended asymmetrical
spoiler deployment leading to loss of control of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB). The NTSB supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received comments from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Clarify Information in the Preamble
Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise the description of the
incident that prompted the NPRM. Gulfstream requested aligning the
SUMMARY with the Background details in the NPRM to state that the
proposed AD was prompted by a report that the ground spoiler actuator
installation ``does not preclude'' improper hydraulic line connections,
instead of stating that the installation ``allows'' such improper
connections.
The FAA agrees with the suggested revision and has revised the
SUMMARY of this final rule accordingly.
Request To Clarify the Total Affected Airplanes (Cost of Compliance)
Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise the Cost of Compliance
section of the NPRM to reflect a total population of affected airplanes
of 1,045. This includes airplanes of all registries. The ``Cost of
Compliance'' section in the NPRM identified a total of 550 airplanes of
U.S. Registry as affected.
The FAA does not agree because the ``Cost of Compliance'' section
accounts for the cost of AD compliance only for affected airplanes that
are certificated by the FAA and included on the U.S. Registry.
Airplanes registered in other countries are regulated by their civil
aviation authorities, who may or may not adopt similar rulemaking. The
FAA has not changed this final rule as a result of this comment.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Gulfstream requested that the FAA change the compliance time for
Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes from 18 months after the
effective date of this AD to 18 months from March 3, 2023. Gulfstream
stated that if the AD becomes effective prior to March 3, 2023, it will
shorten the FAA and Gulfstream agreed-on corrective action timelines,
and would increase an already challenging compliance window.
The FAA finds it unnecessary to change the compliance time. The
effective date of this AD is after the requested reference date of
March 3, 2023, so this AD will provide the full 18 months for
compliance for those airplanes.
Additional Change to This Final Rule
Gulfstream has developed and published service information that
will address the unsafe condition for certain airplanes identified in
this final rule. This service information is described under ``Related
Service Information under 1 CFR part 51'' in this final rule. After
reviewing this service information, the FAA determined that it is
acceptable to use for compliance with the requirements of this AD for
the identified airplanes. The FAA has
[[Page 31153]]
revised the proposed AD to present the requirements for Model G-1159A,
G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes in paragraph (g) of this AD, which also
identifies this service information as acceptable for compliance with
the requirements of the AD for those airplanes. The requirements for
Model GIV-X airplanes have not changed, and are restated in new
paragraph (h) of this AD. In addition, the Costs of Compliance section
has been updated to reflect costs specified in this service
information.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, 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. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service information:
<bullet> Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022
<bullet> Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022
<bullet> Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated November
9, 2022
<bullet> Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 9,
2022
<bullet> Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022
This service information specifies procedures for replacing the
left and right ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hoses and associated
fittings. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 550 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 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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20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700........................ $500 $2,200 $1,210,000
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this 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
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:
2023-08-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-22418;
Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; Project Identifier AD-2022-01026-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 20, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD,
certificated in any category.
(1) Model G-1159A airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 385,
387, 388, and 390 through 498 inclusive.
(2) Model G-1159B airplanes having S/Ns 009, 016, 042, 048, 054,
064, 086, 088, 095, 098, 102, 119, 123, 125, 131, 140, 151, 154,
155, 156, 165, 166, 189, 198, 199, 207, 219, 237, 245, 254, 255, and
257.
(3) Model G-IV airplanes, all serial numbers.
(4) Model GIV-X airplanes, all serial numbers.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Some Model G-IV airplanes are also
referred to by the marketing designations G300, G400, and GIV-SP.
Note 2 to paragraph (c): Some Model GIV-X airplanes are also
referred to by the marketing designations G350 and G450.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a Gulfstream Model G-IV
airplane was involved in a fatal accident on December 15, 2021,
after spoilers deployed in an asymmetrical manner. The asymmetrical
spoiler deployment resulted in in-flight loss of control of the
airplane. The fatal flight was
[[Page 31154]]
the first flight after maintenance actions where the spoiler
hydraulic lines were improperly connected (reversed) to the ground
spoiler actuator. The ground spoiler actuator configuration does not
preclude improper hydraulic line connections that could result in
unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. The FAA is issuing this
AD to prevent incorrect connection of the hydraulic lines to the
ground spoiler actuator. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment leading
to loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions: Model G-1159A, G-1159B, G-IV
For Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes: Within 18 months
after the effective date of this AD, incorporate corrective actions
(includes replacing a ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hose and
associated fittings) that physically prevent improper connection of
the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator, in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable service
information in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD is
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
(1) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022.
(2) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022.
(3) Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated
November 9, 2022.
(4) Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 9,
2022.
(5) Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022.
(h) Required Actions: Model GIV-X
For Model GIV-X airplanes: Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD, incorporate corrective actions (includes replacing
a ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hose and associated fittings)
that physically prevent improper connection of the hydraulic lines
to the ground spoiler actuator, in accordance with a method approved
by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA.
(i) 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 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 (j) 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(i)(3)(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Belete,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO
Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-
474-5580; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81b8acc0d2ceacc0d5cdc0c2ceacc0c5f2c1e7e0e0afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="360f1b7765791b77627a7775791b7772457650575718515940">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022.
(ii) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November
9, 2022.
(iii) Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated
November 9, 2022.
(iv) Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November
9, 2022.
(v) Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9,
2022.
(3) 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9d9dccbdae9cedcc5cfdadddbccc8c487cac6c4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e2e2b3c2d1e392b32382d2a2c3b3f33703d3133">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/">gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/</a>.
(4) 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.
(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, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b5d49155255484b5e584f5254557b555a495a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aec8dc80c7c0dddecbcddac7c1c0eec0cfdccf80c9c1d8">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on April 14, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10328 Filed 5-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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