Rule2023-12442
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
June 13, 2023
Effective
July 18, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two landing incidents in which the alpha limiter engaged in the landing flare in unstable air, resulting in high rate of descent landings and damage to the airplanes. This AD requires updating the flight control computer (FCC) software. 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 113 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38387-38391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12442]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1055; Project Identifier AD-2022-00573-T;
Amendment 39-22455; AD 2023-11-09]
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 GVII-G500 and GVII-G600
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two landing incidents in
which the alpha limiter engaged in the landing flare in unstable air,
resulting in high rate of descent landings and damage to the airplanes.
This AD requires updating the flight control computer (FCC) software.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 18, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 18,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1055; 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
[[Page 38388]]
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#68181d0a1b280f1d040e1b1c1a0d0905460b0705"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="33434651407354465f5540474156525e1d505c5e">[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-2022-1055.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Myles Jalalian, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
404-474-5572; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c65711d0f13711d08101d1f13711d182f1c3a3d3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="556c7814061a7814011914161a78141126153334347b323a23">[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 GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on September 8, 2022 (87 FR 54925).
The NPRM was prompted by reports of two landing incidents in which the
alpha limiter engaged in the landing flare in unstable air, resulting
in high rate of descent landings and damage to the airplane. In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require updating the FCC software. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address inappropriate alpha limiter engagement
during the landing flare, which can limit pilot pitch authority during
a critical phase of flight near the ground, and result in a high rate
of descent landing with possible consequent loss of control of the
airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters, Disney Aviation
Group (Disney) and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream). The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Add Service Information
Disney noted that the proposed AD does not reference Gulfstream
Technical Bulletins Aircraft Service Change (ASC) No. 039A (for GVII-
G500) or ASC No. 029A (for GVII-G600). Disney suggested referring to
those documents, rather than requiring using a method approved by the
FAA, would be logical and easy. Gulfstream added that these ASCs
provide corrective actions to address the unsafe condition and should
be incorporated by reference in the proposed AD. Gulfstream added that
including the ASCs would provide a less ambiguous path to AD compliance
and alleviate the need for operators to obtain an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC).
The FAA agrees. Gulfstream GVII-G500 ASC No. 039, Revision A, dated
September 13, 2022, including Thales Service Bulletin C13204J-27-002,
Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and Thales Service Bulletin
C13212J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022; and Gulfstream
GVII-G600 ASC No. 029, Revision A, dated September 12, 2022, including
Thales Service Bulletin C13204K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022, and Thales Service Bulletin C13212K-27-002, Revision 01,
dated September 13, 2022; which provide procedures for updating the FCC
software, were not available when the NPRM was issued. However, the FAA
has now reviewed this service information and determined that it
addresses the unsafe condition. The FAA has revised paragraph (g) of
this AD to include updating the FCC software in accordance with the
service information as an optional method of compliance. The FAA has
also revised this AD to add paragraph (i) of this AD to specify that
this AD does not require reporting, added paragraph (j) of this AD to
provide credit for certain previous versions of the service
information, and redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Request To Terminate Additional AD
Disney stated that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD, which states
that accomplishing the software update terminates all requirements of
AD 2022-10-05, Amendment 39-22043 (87 FR 27494, May 9, 2022) (AD 2022-
10-05), is not true. The commenter suggested that the software update
would terminate the requirements of both AD 2020-02-18, Amendment 39-
21026 (85 FR 8153, February 13, 2020) (AD 2020-02-18) and AD 2022-10-
05.
The FAA agrees. Accomplishing the software update required by
paragraph (g) of this AD on an airplane terminates all requirements of
AD 2020-02-18 and AD 2022-10-05, for that airplane only. The FAA has
revised the terminating action language in paragraph (h) of this AD to
also refer to AD 2020-02-18. The FAA also revised paragraph (b) of this
AD to refer to AD 2020-02-18 as an affected AD. The FAA notes that this
AD does not supersede AD 2020-02-18 and AD 2022-10-05 because airplanes
that are operated without the FCC software update required by this AD
will continue to be subject to the operating restrictions in AD 2020-
02-18 and AD 2022-10-05.
Request Change to Applicability
Gulfstream commented that FCC software version 9.5 or equivalent
will be installed in production on GVII-G500 aircraft with serial
numbers (S/Ns) 72112 and subsequent, and GVII-G600 aircraft with S/Ns
73107 and subsequent. The commenter requested that the FAA revise
paragraph (c) to specify that this AD ``applies to Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation Model GVII-G500 airplanes, certificated in any category,
serial numbers 72001-72111 and GVII-G600 airplanes, certificated in any
category, serial numbers 73001-73106.''
Gulfstream also commented that airplanes on which the software has
already been updated to the version required by the proposed AD should
be excluded from the applicability of proposed AD.
The FAA partially agrees. The FAA has revised paragraph (c) of this
AD to include terminating serial numbers to exclude production
airplanes that have FCC software version 9.5 or equivalent. Regarding
the request to exclude airplanes on which the software has already been
updated, the FAA notes that this change is unnecessary. Paragraph (f)
of this AD mandates compliance with the required actions, unless
already done. Therefore, if the actions required by this AD have
already been accomplished on an airplane, that airplane is already in
compliance with this AD.
Request To Correct Software Revision Level and Part Number
Both Disney and Gulfstream noted a typographical error in the FCC
software level identified in figure 1 to paragraph (c) of the proposed
AD. They requested the FAA revise the FCC software level for the GVII-
G600 Module B identified in figure 1 to paragraph (c) of the proposed
AD from ``72P2700001Z200-SW6.3,'' to ``72P2700001Z200-SW8.1.''
Disney also stated the part number changes referenced in Gulfstream
ASC No. 039A and ASC No. 029A, paragraph D, Re-identified Parts, are
different from the part numbers referenced in figure 1 to paragraph (c)
of the proposed AD.
[[Page 38389]]
The FAA agrees to correct the typographical error and has revised
figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD as requested. Regarding the
different part numbers, the FAA notes that the part numbers referenced
in figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD are the existing part numbers
that need to be revised.
Request To Withdraw the NPRM
Disney stated that there is 100 percent U.S. fleet participation in
FCC software version 9.5, and they suggested that all of the
requirements have been satisfied via FAA AMOCs. The commenter did not
believe that this AD action is necessary, and the FAA infers the
commenter is requesting that the FAA withdraw the NPRM.
The FAA disagrees. The worldwide fleet does not have 100 percent
compliance with the proposed AD; there are still airplanes that have
not been updated to FCC software version 9.5. The FAA, as the State of
Design civil aviation authority, has an obligation under international
bilateral agreements to issue an AD if an unsafe condition exists.
Further, under 14 CFR 39.7 and 39.9, there is a continuing obligation
by operators to not reintroduce the unsafe condition mandated by an AD.
Therefore, the FAA has determined this AD is necessary to address the
unsafe condition.
Request To Clarify Action in a Note
Disney stated that note 1 to paragraph (c) of the proposed AD
suggests that removing the covers of the FCC module is necessary to
verify the software label. The commenter questioned why the software
update cannot be verified by referring to the log entry for the ASC
update.
The FAA agrees to clarify. Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD is
informational in nature and does not require verification of the
software update using any particular method. Operators may use other
means to determine which software revision they have, provided they can
conclusively determine the software revision. The FAA has not changed
this AD regarding this issue.
Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule
Since the NPRM published, the FAA evaluated the compliance time and
determined that extending the compliance time from ``no later than
April 30, 2023,'' to ``within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD,'' will not adversely affect safety. The FAA has revised the
compliance time in paragraph (g) of this AD accordingly.
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 Gulfstream GVII-G500 ASC No. 039, Revision A,
dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service Bulletin C13204J-27-
002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and Thales Service Bulletin
C13212J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022; and Gulfstream
GVII-G600 ASC No. 029, Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including
Thales Service Bulletin C13204K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022, and Thales Service Bulletin C13212K-27-002, Revision 01,
dated September 13, 2022. This service information specifies procedures
for updating the FCC software (which includes loading new software to
the FCC modules, re-identifying each module with a new part number, and
conducting return-to-service functional checks post-modification).
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane
models. 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 120 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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Software update..................... 6 work-hours x $85 per $0 $510 $61,200
hour = $510.
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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 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:
[[Page 38390]]
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:
2023-11-09 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-22455;
Docket No. FAA-2022-1055; Project Identifier AD-2022-00573-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2020-02-18, Amendment 39-21026 (85 FR 8153,
February 13, 2020) (AD 2020-02-18); and AD 2022-10-05, Amendment 39-
22043 (87 FR 27494, May 9, 2022) (AD 2022-10-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-
G500 airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 72001 through 72111
inclusive; and GVII-G600 airplanes having S/Ns 73001 through 73106
inclusive; certificated in any category, with flight control
computer (FCC) software revisions installed as specified in figure 1
to paragraph (c) of this AD.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (c) of This AD--FCC Software Revision Installed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream Aerospace
Model Nomenclature Corporation part No. Thales P/N
(P/N)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GVII-G500 airplanes................ FCC COM-MON Module A.. 72P2700001Z100-SW6.3.. C13204JB01
FCC COM-MON Module B.. 72P2700001Z200-SW6.3.. C13212JB01
GVII-G600 airplanes................ FCC COM-MON Module A.. 72P2700001Z100-SW8.1.. C13204KB01
FCC COM-MON Module B.. 72P2700001Z200-SW8.1.. C13212KB01
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Note 1 to paragraph (c): The FCC software label, which
identifies the software revision installed, can be found on the face
of the FCC module. The FCC modules are installed within the left and
right electronic equipment racks. The labels may be viewed by
opening the rack doors and removing 4 screws per FCC (8 screws total
per airplane) from the FCC cover.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of two landing incidents where
the alpha limiter engaged in the landing flare in unstable air while
on the approach and caused high rate of descent landings and damage
to the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address inappropriate
alpha limiter engagement during the landing flare, which can limit
pilot pitch authority during a critical phase of flight near the
ground, and result in a high rate of descent landing with possible
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Software Update
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, update the
FCC software in accordance with either:
(1) Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft Service Change No. 039,
Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service
Bulletin C13204J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and
Thales Service Bulletin C13212J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022; or Gulfstream GVII-G600 Aircraft Service Change No. 029,
Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service
Bulletin C13204K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and
Thales Service Bulletin C13212K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022; as applicable; or
(2) A method approved by the Manager, East Certification Branch,
FAA.
(h) Terminating Action for AD 2020-02-18 and AD 2022-10-05
Accomplishing the software update required by paragraph (g) of
this AD on an airplane terminates all requirements of AD 2020-02-18
and AD 2022-10-05, for that airplane only.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft Service Change No. 039,
Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service
Bulletin C13204J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and
Thales Service Bulletin C13212J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022; and Gulfstream GVII-G600 Aircraft Service Change No. 029,
Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service
Bulletin C13204K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and
Thales Service Bulletin C13212K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft
Service Change No. 039, dated September 12, 2022, including Thales
Service Bulletin C13204J-27-002, dated September 9, 2022, and Thales
Service Bulletin C13212J-27-002, dated September 9, 2022.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Gulfstream GVII-G600 Aircraft
Service Change No. 029, dated September 12, 2022, including Thales
Service Bulletin C13204K-27-002, dated September 9, 2022, and Thales
Service Bulletin C13212K-27-002, dated September 9, 2022.
(k) 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 (l)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Myles Jalalian,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5572; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#162f3b5745593b57425a5755593b5752655670777738717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="30091d71637f1d71647c71737f1d717443705651511e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(m) 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. 039,
Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service
Bulletin C13204J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and
Thales Service Bulletin C13212J-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 2022.
[[Page 38391]]
(ii) Gulfstream GVII-G600 Aircraft Service Change No. 029,
Revision A, dated September 13, 2022, including Thales Service
Bulletin C13204K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2022, and
Thales Service Bulletin C13212K-27-002, Revision 01, dated September
13, 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#01717463724166746d6772757364606c2f626e6c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2a2a7b0a192b5a7beb4a1a6a0b7b3bffcb1bdbf">[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#0c6a7e2265627f7c696f786563624c626d7e6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="375145195e5944475254435e5859775956455619505841">[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 June 2, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-12442 Filed 6-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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