Rule2023-15255
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 20, 2023
Effective
August 24, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G600 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an addition of a life limit in the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) for GVII-G600 flap yokes. The life limit for the GVII-G600 flap yokes was informed by a GVII-G500 flap yoke failure that occurred during flight testing and, ultimately, resulted in additional test and analysis to establish more accurate life limits reflective of each model's design features and stress levels. The FAA is issuing this AD to require revising the existing ALS to prevent the GVII-G600 inboard flap yoke from remaining in service beyond its life limit. 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 138 (Thursday, July 20, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 138 (Thursday, July 20, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46677-46679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15255]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0659; Project Identifier AD-2022-01404-T;
Amendment 39-22508; AD 2023-14-08]
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-G600 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by an addition of a life limit in the
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) for GVII-G600 flap yokes. The
life limit for the GVII-G600 flap yokes was informed by a GVII-G500
flap yoke failure that occurred during flight testing and, ultimately,
resulted in additional test and analysis to establish more accurate
life limits reflective of each model's design features and stress
levels. The FAA is issuing this AD to require revising the existing ALS
to prevent the GVII-G600 inboard flap yoke from remaining in service
beyond its life limit. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 24, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0659; 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, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
404-474-5554; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a79e8ae6f4e88ae6f3ebe6e4e88ae6e3d4e7c1c6c689c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c55412d3f23412d38202d2f23412d281f2c0a0d0d420b031a">[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-G600 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on April 6, 2023 (88 FR 20436). The NPRM was
prompted by an addition of a life limit in the ALS for GVII-G600
inboard flap actuator yoke fittings. Gulfstream revised the ALS to
establish a life limit of 4,000 flight cycles. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address decreased fatigue life of GVII-G600 inboard flap actuator
yoke fittings and to prevent the GVII-G600 flap yoke from remaining in
service beyond its life limit. An inboard flap actuator yoke fitting
remaining in service beyond its life limit could result in the flaps
being jammed in position, if fracture occurred. Additional failures in
the flap actuator force limiter, or flap yoke actuator disconnect,
could result in asymmetric flap positions leading to a loss of control
of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
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 the Summary Section
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation states the summary statement does
not accurately describe the condition or reason for this AD as the flap
yoke fittings installed on GVII-G500 are not installed on any GVII-G600
aircraft. Gulfstream has added a limitation to the GVII-G600 ALS based
on a reevaluation of the damage tolerance analysis considering the
GVII-G500 flap yoke fitting failure. The shaft diameters on both the
inboard and outboard GVII-G600 flap yoke fittings are larger than the
corresponding GVII-G500 configurations, and the operational stresses
are lower.
The FAA agrees with adopting Gulfstream's recommended language for
the Summary with two exceptions. The FAA will continue to reference the
unsafe condition because it follows previous NPRM language for ALS
revisions when establishing life limits. The FAA will also continue to
reference the GVII-G500 failure as the life limit for the GVII-G600
flap yokes was informed by the GVII-G500 flap yoke failure that
occurred during flight testing and resulted in additional test and
analysis to establish more accurate life limits reflective of each
model's design features and stress levels.
Request To Clarify the Background Section
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation states there is no design flaw on
the GVII-G600 flap yoke. The flap yoke fittings installed on GVII-G500
have a different design. A damage tolerance analysis was performed on
the GVII-G600 inboard yoke fittings and determined that a life limit
was necessary to protect the integrity of the flap actuation system.
Gulfstream has requested the Background be changed to clarify this
section.
The FAA agrees with Gulfstream and has revised the Background
section accordingly. While the GVII-G600 does have design features
known to reduce fatigue life, the use of the term `design flaw' should
not be applied to the GVII-G600 flap yoke fittings.
Request To Clarify Paragraph (e) Unsafe Condition
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation states the GVII-G600 design is
much more robust than the GVII-G500 design, and there is no design flaw
with the GVII-G600 flap yoke. Through analysis, Gulfstream determined a
life limit was needed to address all threats required under 14 CFR
25.571(a) and (b), including fatigue, corrosion, and accidental damage.
Gulfstream acknowledges this AD is necessary to notify operators of a
revision to the G600 ALS to incorporate life limits for the inboard
flap actuator yoke fittings. Gulfstream requested a change to the
unsafe paragraph to clarify the reason for this AD.
The FAA agrees to revise the language in paragraph (e) to remove
reference to the GVII-G500 investigation as a need to establish a life
limit. While the GVII-G500 flap yoke fitting failure incident did
inform the fatigue effects, the FAA
[[Page 46678]]
understands the GVII-G600 has unique design features and operating
stress levels. The FAA disagrees with removal of the reference to the
term ``unsafe condition'' from this section since all ADs are issued to
address unsafe conditions in accordance with 14 CFR 39.5.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 41 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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Revise ALS............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per N/A $85 $3,485
hour = $85.
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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:
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:
2023-14-08 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-22508;
Docket No. FAA-2023-0659; Project Identifier AD-2022-01404-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 24, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-
G600 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 73001
through 73051 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an addition of a life limit in the
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) for GVII-G600 inboard flap
actuator yoke fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
decreased fatigue life of GVII-G600 inboard flap actuator yoke
fittings and to prevent the GVII-G600 flap yoke from remaining in
service beyond its life limit. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in the flaps being jammed in position, if
fracture occurred. Additional failures in the flap actuator force
limiter, or flap yoke actuator disconnect, could result in
asymmetric flap positions leading to a loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Incorporation of ALS Revisions
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
existing ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA)
or inspection program for your airplane by establishing a life limit
of 4,000 flight cycles for the left-hand part number (P/N)
73P5755033M005 and right-hand P/N 73P5755033M006 inboard flap yoke
fittings.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): The life limit in paragraph (g) of this
AD is contained in table 2 in Section 05-10-10 of Gulfstream GVII-
G600 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Revision 9, dated November 15,
2022.
(h) 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 (i)(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Johnson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5554; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4edf995879bf995809895979bf99590a794b2b5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="526b7f13011d7f13061e13111d7f131621123433337c353d24">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For Gulfstream service information identified in this AD
that is not incorporated by reference, contact Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation, Technical Publications Dept.,
[[Page 46679]]
P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b7c7c2d5c4f7d0c2dbd1c4c3c5d2d6da99d4d8da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="47373225340720322b2134333522262a6924282a">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/">gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/</a>. 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.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on July 13, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-15255 Filed 7-19-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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