Rule2026-00994
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 20, 2026
Effective
February 24, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2290-2293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1349; Project Identifier AD-2025-00310-T;
Amendment 39-23231; AD 2026-01-03]
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 all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new and more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 24, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 24,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1349; 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, 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#e191948392a186948d8792959384808ccf828e8c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7b7b2a5b487a0b2aba1b4b3b5a2a6aae9a4a8aa">[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-2025-1349.
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#b2d7d1d09fd1ddc1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fe9b9d9cd39d918dbe989f9fd0999188">[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 all Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2025 (90 FR 27824).
The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new and more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed
to revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of principal
structural elements throughout the service life of each part. This
condition, if not addressed, could compromise the structural integrity
of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Aery Aviation and Gulfstream. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Increase the Labor Rate
Aery Aviation stated that the labor rate used in the proposed AD
does not accurately reflect the cost to implement the proposed AD,
particularly for airplanes maintained by the airplane manufacturer. The
commenter stated the Gulfstream labor rate currently ranges from $250
to $322 per hour. The commenter recommended using Gulfstream's
published labor rates for executive/private jets.
[[Page 2291]]
The FAA notes that the current wage rate for aviation mechanics as
provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, found at <a href="http://data.bls.gov/oesprofile">data.bls.gov/oesprofile</a>, after accounting for fringe benefits that are valued at
roughly 50% of the nominal wage, is lower than the estimated fully
burdened labor rate of $85 per hour. Therefore, the FAA is unable to
justify increasing the labor rate above $85 per hour. The FAA has not
revised this AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify What Prompted the Proposed AD
Gulfstream requested the FAA revise the Background section of the
proposed AD to specify the FAA received a report that the airworthiness
limitations section of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 aircraft
maintenance manuals (AMMs) has been revised to correct a typographical
error for the main landing gear (MLG) cross bolt part number and to
clarify safe life limit part numbers where ``& Sub'' was previously
noted. Gulfstream also requested the FAA revise paragraph (e) of the
proposed AD to specify the proposed AD was prompted by that report.
Gulfstream said the statements in the Background section of the
proposed AD regarding incorrect part numbers and new safe life limits,
and in paragraph (e) of proposed AD regarding the FAA's determination
that new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary,
are vague and may be misleading. Gulfstream asserted these statements
should revised for better clarity and to align with the actual reported
condition.
The FAA agrees to clarify that the report indicated the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the AMMs were revised to
correct an error for the MLG cross bolt part number and to add safe
life limit part numbers that were incorrectly assumed as included under
the ``& sub'' family of parts. However, the FAA disagrees with revising
this AD. The FAA considers differences between the FAA-approved
engineering data and the technical publications to be errors. The MLG
cross bolt part number was revised, and the safe life limit part
numbers were expanded, because the ALS of the AMMs did not match the
FAA-approved engineering data. Further, the FAA determined that these
changes to ALS of the AMMs constitute new and more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, and this AD was prompted by that
determination.
Request To Reference Later AMM Revisions
Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise paragraphs (g) and (l) of
the proposed AD to reference Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,''
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 20, dated April 15, 2025; and
Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 16, dated April 15, 2025. Gulfstream
stated paragraph (g) of the proposed AD would require incorporating
earlier AMM revisions, without accommodating these later AMM revisions.
Gulfstream noted that Revision 20 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM and
Revision 16 of the Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM incorporate additional
guidance for airplanes operating under European Union Part-26/EASA
Certification Specifications 26 and do not modify any of the
airworthiness limitations related to the proposed AD. Gulfstream
expressed concern that operators who have incorporated later AMM
revisions would not be able to demonstrate compliance with the proposed
AD unless they obtained an alternative method of compliance (AMOC).
Gulfstream also stated that paragraph (l) of the proposed AD would
require incorporating by reference the entire AMM, whereas only the
airworthiness limitations in Section 05-10-10 are necessary to address
the unsafe condition.
The FAA agrees to revise paragraph (g) of this AD to clarify that
using a later revision of Section 05-10-10 of the applicable AMM is
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of
this AD, provided that the information in the later revision is
identical to that contained in Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,''
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14,
dated March 29, 2024; as applicable. As long as the information in the
later revision of the applicable AMM is identical, an operator can show
compliance with those airworthiness limitations without having to
obtain an AMOC.
The FAA disagrees with Gulfstream's interpretation that this AD
mandates the entire AMM. The FAA notes that paragraph (g) of this AD
mandates Section 05-10-10 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18,
dated March 29, 2024; and Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,''
Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 29, 2024; as
applicable. Accordingly, paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD
incorporate by reference that same service information. It is not
necessary to reference Revision 20 of the Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM and
Revision 16 of the Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM in paragraph (l) of this AD
because these later revisions are not required for compliance and are
instead referenced as acceptable methods of compliance with the
requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD. Therefore, the FAA has not
revised paragraph (l) of this AD in response to this comment.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,''
Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G500
AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and Section 05-10-10,
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 29, 2024.
This material specifies more restrictive airworthiness limitations and
includes new safe life limit part numbers. 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 278 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
[[Page 2292]]
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:
2026-01-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-23231;
Docket No. FAA-2025-1349; Project Identifier AD-2025-00310-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 24,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model
GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Main Landing
Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that new and more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent failure of principal structural elements
throughout the service life of each part. This condition, if not
addressed, could compromise the structural integrity of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the information specified in Section 05-10-10,
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM),
Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and Section 05-10-10,
``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14, dated March 29,
2024; as applicable. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks
is at the time specified in Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,''
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14,
dated March 29, 2024; as applicable, or within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Using a later
revision of Section 05-10-10 of the applicable AMM with information
identical to that contained in Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness
Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,''
Gulfstream GVII-G500 AMM, Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024; and
Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05, ``Time
Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM, Revision 14,
dated March 29, 2024; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of this paragraph.
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the
actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
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 East Certification Branch, send it to the attention
of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e8a9a5a7aba88e8989c68f879e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="37767a78747751565619505841">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(k) Additional Information
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#dbbeb8b9f6b8b4a89bbdbabaf5bcb4ad"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c393f3e713f332f1c3a3d3d723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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) Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter 05,
``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G500 Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 18, dated March 29, 2024.
(ii) Section 05-10-10, ``Airworthiness Limitations,'' Chapter
05, ``Time Limits/Maintenance Checks,'' Gulfstream GVII-G600 AMM,
Revision 14, dated March 29, 2024.
(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#443431263704233128223730362125296a272b29"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="58282d3a2b183f2d343e2b2c2a3d3935763b3735">[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="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#93f5e1bdfafde0e3f6f0e7fafcfdd3fdf2e1f2bdf4fce5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a3c28743334292a3f392e3335341a343b283b743d352c">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 2293]]
Issued on January 14, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00994 Filed 1-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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