Airworthiness directives: Gulfstream,

[Federal Register: November 13, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 219)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 68755-68757]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr13no02-2]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD; Amendment 39-12945; AD 2002-23-01]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection for evidence of damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly; and repair if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the forward engine cross spar assembly. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective November 29, 2002.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 29, 2002.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before December 13, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anm-iarcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD'' in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Gulfstream Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises that, during the installation of the mounting brackets for the baggage compartment liner, damage occurred to the upper beam cap of the forward engine cross spar assembly, located at fuselage station 582.00. The damage may have been a result of drill runs, and, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the forward engine cross spar assembly.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Gulfstream has issued Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, dated September 18, 2002, including a Service Reply Card, which describes procedures for performing a one-time detailed inspection for evidence of damage (i.e., drill marks) to the forward engine cross spar assembly at fuselage station 582.00; and contacting the airplane manufacturer for repair instructions, if necessary. The service bulletin recommends that operators submit a report verifying completion of the actions. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The CAAI classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Israeli airworthiness directive 53-02-08-08, dated September 10, 2002, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and Service Bulletin/Foreign Airworthiness Directive

This AD differs from the parallel Israeli airworthiness directive and Gulfstream 200 service bulletin in that, if damage is found to the forward engine cross spar assembly, and repair is necessary, the repair must be accomplished prior to further flight. The service bulletin and the Israeli airworthiness directive allow the repair to be accomplished after an additional 2 flight cycles, not to exceed 10 flight hours. The FAA has determined that, because of the safety implications and consequences associated with this type of damage, any damage on the affected airplanes must be repaired prior to further flight. This difference has been coordinated with the CAAI.

Clarification of Repair Information in Service Bulletin

Operators should note that, although the service bulletin specifies that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of repair methods, this AD requires that the repair be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the FAA or the CAAI (or its delegated agent).

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good

[[Page 68756]]

cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Submit comments using the following format:

[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.

[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.

[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2002-NM-265-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

   2002-23-01 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-12945. Docket 2002-NM-265-AD.

   Applicability: Model Galaxy airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 056 inclusive; and Gulfstream 200 airplanes, having serial numbers 057 through 073 inclusive; certificated in any category.

   Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

   Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

   To detect and correct damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly, which could result in the reduced structural integrity of the forward engine cross spar assembly, accomplish the following:

   Inspection and Corrective Action, If Necessary

   (a) Within 20 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect evidence of damage (i.e., drill marks) to the forward engine cross spar assembly at fuselage station 582.000, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, dated September 18, 2002.

   Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

   (1) If no evidence of damage is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.

   (2) If any damage is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (or its delegated agent).

   Reporting Requirement

   (b) Submit a report of inspection findings (both positive and negative) to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402; fax (912) 965-3598; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancy found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

   (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

   (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.

   Alternative Methods of Compliance

   (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be

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   used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

   Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

   Special Flight Permits

   (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   Incorporation by Reference

   (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, dated September 18, 2002, including a Service Reply Card. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli airworthiness directive 53-02-08-08, dated September 10, 2002.

   Effective Date

   (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 2002.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 2002. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 02-28613 Filed 11-12-02; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P