Rule2026-09170
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP 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
May 8, 2026
Effective
June 12, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP (GALP) Model Gulfstream G280 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the accumulation of water in electrical connectors located in the aft fuselage directly below the empennage, resulting in empennage flight control related crew alerting system (CAS) messages. This AD requires retrofitting the flight controls empennage electrical harness. 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 89 (Friday, May 8, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 89 (Friday, May 8, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25096-25098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09170]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5404; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00424-T;
Amendment 39-23325; AD 2026-09-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP 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 LP (GALP) Model Gulfstream G280 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of the accumulation of water in
electrical connectors located in the aft fuselage directly below the
empennage, resulting in empennage flight control related crew alerting
system (CAS) messages. This AD requires retrofitting the flight
controls empennage electrical harness. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 12, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 12,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5404; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
[[Page 25097]]
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) material
identified in this AD, contact CAAI, P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street,
Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9774665; fax 972-3-
9774592; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#afcec6dfefc2c0db81c8c0d981c6c3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80e1e9f0c0edeff4aee7eff6aee9ec">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the CAAI
website at <a href="http://www.gov">www.gov</a>.il/en/pages/israeli-airworthiness-directives.
<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-2025-5404.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Bolden, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 404-474-5592; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6d4cfc5cec7d4c288c4c9cac2c3c8e6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d3a1bab0bbb2a1b7fdb1bcbfb7b6bd93b5b2b2fdb4bca5">[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 GALP Model
Gulfstream G280 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on January 7, 2026 (91 FR 457). The NPRM was prompted by AD
ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1, dated August 28, 2025 (CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-
03-06 R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by CAAI, which is the
aviation authority for Israel. The MCAI states that several reports of
empennage flight control related CAS messages have been attributed to
the accumulation of water in electrical connectors located in the aft
fuselage directly below the empennage. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could, in combination with various specific failures or
scenarios, result in loss of controllability of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require retrofitting the flight
controls empennage electrical harness. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5404.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. 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
CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1 specifies procedures for
retrofitting the flight controls empennage electrical harness by
replacing the backshells of electrical connectors at the vertical tail
compartment.
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 140 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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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80 work-hours x $85 per hour = $6,800............... $3,200 $10,000 $1,400,000
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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.
[[Page 25098]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-09-04 Gulfstream Aerospace LP: Amendment 39-23325; Docket No.
FAA-2025-5404; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00424-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G280
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Civil
Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1, dated
August 28, 2025 (CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the accumulation of water in
electrical connectors located in the aft fuselage directly below the
empennage, resulting in empennage flight control related crew
alerting system (CAS) messages. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the accumulation of water in electrical connectors located
in the aft fuselage directly below the empennage. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could, in combination with various
specific failures or scenarios, result in loss of controllability of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1.
(h) Exceptions to CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1
Where CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06 R1 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in CAAI AD ISR I-27-2025-03-06
R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation 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
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d495999b9794b2b5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5e52505c5f797e7e31787069">[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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or CAAI; or CAAI's authorized Designee. If
approved by the CAAI Designee, the approval must include the
Designee's authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Richard Bolden,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 404-474-5592; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d7a5beb4bfb6a5b3f9b5b8bbb3b2b997b1b6b6f9b0b8a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e7c676d666f7c6a206c61626a6b604e686f6f20696178">[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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-27-2025-
03-06 R1, dated August 28, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For CAAI material identified in this AD, contact CAAI, P.O.
Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972-
3-9774665; fax 972-3-9774592; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cfaea6bf8fa2a0bbe1a8a0b9e1a6a3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ff9e968fbf92908bd1989089d19693">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find
this material on the CAAI website at <a href="http://www.gov">www.gov</a>.il/en/pages/israeli-
airworthiness-directives.
(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#caacb8e4a3a4b9baafa9bea3a5a48aa4abb8abe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c5a3b7ebacabb6b5a0a6b1acaaab85aba4b7a4eba2aab3">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 23, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-09170 Filed 5-7-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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