Rule2025-00138
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
January 8, 2025
Effective
February 12, 2025
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 a report of cracking in the electrical grounding receptacles located on the left and right wings. This AD requires inspecting the electrical grounding receptacles for cracks and corrosion, performing applicable on-condition actions, and sealing over the grounding receptacles on the top of the wings to permanently disable the receptacle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 5 (Wednesday, January 8, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 8, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1357-1359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00138]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2021; Project Identifier AD-2023-01077-T;
Amendment 39-22905; AD 2024-25-03]
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 GVII-G500 and GVII-G600
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the
electrical grounding receptacles located on the left and right wings.
This AD requires inspecting the electrical grounding receptacles for
cracks and corrosion, performing applicable on-condition actions, and
sealing over the grounding receptacles on the top of the wings to
permanently disable the receptacle. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 12, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 12,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2021; 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 Gulfstream material 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#e8989d8a9ba88f9d848e9b9c9a8d8985c68b8785"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f6f6a7d6c5f786a73796c6b6d7a7e72317c7072">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://gulfstream.com/en/customer-support">gulfstream.com/en/customer-support</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material 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-2024-2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Ellis, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone:
404-474-5535; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a63771b0915771b0e161b1915771b1e291a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0f9ed81938fed81948c81838fed8184b380a6a1a1eea7afb6">[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 August 22, 2024 (89 FR 67913). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of cracking in the electrical grounding
receptacles located on the left and right wings. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require inspecting the electrical grounding receptacles for
cracks and corrosion, performing applicable on-condition actions, and
sealing over the grounding receptacles on the top of the wings to
permanently disable the receptacle. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address cracks and corrosion of the electrical grounding receptacles.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fuel leaking
from the electrical grounding receptacles.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from an individual and three anonymous
commenters who supported the NPRM without change.
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, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 089,
dated November 28, 2023; and Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No.
058, dated November 28, 2023. This material specifies procedures for
the following actions:
<bullet> Borescope inspections for cracking and corrosion of the
interior walls of the grounding receptacle casing.
[[Page 1358]]
<bullet> Measurement of the inner diameter of the grounding
receptacle if any Level 1 corrosion is found.
<bullet> Repair including cleaning and application of chemical
conversion coating if any Level 1 corrosion within the specified
tolerance (inner diameter) is found.
<bullet> Replacement of the grounding receptacle assembly if any
crack, any Level 2 or Level 3 corrosion, or any Level 1 corrosion
outside of the specified tolerance is found.
<bullet> Removal of the ``GROUND HERE'' decal/stencil from the
grounding receptacles, and application of epoxy over the ground
receptacle area to permanently disable the receptacles.
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane
models.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 236 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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Inspecting and disabling grounding 64 work-hours x $85 per $83 $5,523 $1,303,428
receptacles. hour = $5,440.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
corrective actions that would be required based on the results of the
inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Repair........................................ 12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,020. $83 $1,103
Replacement................................... 35 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,975. 926 3,901
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all 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:
2024-25-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-22905;
Docket No. FAA-2024-2021; Project Identifier AD-2023-01077-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 12,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) Model GVII-G500 airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns)
72001 through 72139 inclusive.
(2) Model GVII-G600 airplanes, having S/Ns 73001 through 73144
inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the electrical
receptacles located on left and right wings of certain Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Model GVII airplanes. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address cracks and corrosion of the electrical grounding
receptacles. The unsafe condition, if not
[[Page 1359]]
addressed, could result in fuel leaking from the electrical
grounding receptacles.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, in
accordance with Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 089 or
Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 058, both dated November
28, 2023, as applicable.
(1) Do borescope inspections for cracking and corrosion of the
interior walls of the grounding receptacle casing and do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(2) Remove the ``GROUND HERE'' decal/stencil from the grounding
receptacles and apply epoxy over the ground receptacle area to
permanently disable the grounding receptacles.
(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) 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 material that contains steps that are labeled as
Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (h)(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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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 Brandon Ellis,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5535; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c05117d6f73117d68707d7f73117d784f7c5a5d5d125b534a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a63771b0915771b0e161b1915771b1e291a3c3b3b743d352c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Gulfstream GVII-G500 Customer Bulletin No. 089, dated
November 28, 2023.
(ii) Gulfstream GVII-G600 Customer Bulletin No. 058, dated
November 28, 2023.
(3) For Gulfstream material 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#d4a4a1b6a794b3a1b8b2a7a0a6b1b5b9fab7bbb9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="11616473625176647d7762656374707c3f727e7c">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://gulfstream.com/en/customer-support">gulfstream.com/en/customer-support</a>.
(4) You may view this material 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fec29fde968c9b98c3" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dbb2b9a9f6b7b4b8baafb2b4b5a8b4a9beb6bab2b7bda9f5b2b5a8abbeb8afb2b4b59bb5baa9baf5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcd5dece91d0d3dfddc8d5d3d2cfd3ced9d1ddd5d0dace92d5d2cfccd9dfc8d5d3d2fcd2ddcedd92dbd3ca">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on December 4, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-00138 Filed 1-7-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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