Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

Published date27 December 2019
Record Number2019-27716
SectionProposed rules
CourtFederal Aviation Administration
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 248 (Friday, December 27, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 248 (Friday, December 27, 2019)]
                [Proposed Rules]
                [Pages 71333-71335]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2019-27716]
                ========================================================================
                Proposed Rules
                 Federal Register
                ________________________________________________________________________
                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
                the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
                notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
                the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
                ========================================================================
                Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 248 / Friday, December 27, 2019 /
                Proposed Rules
                [[Page 71333]]
                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                Federal Aviation Administration
                14 CFR Part 39
                [Docket No. FAA-2019-1060; Product Identifier 2018-CE-020-AD]
                RIN 2120-AA64
                Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
                Airplanes
                AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
                ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
                -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
                for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model G-IV
                airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of un-commanded
                nose wheel steering turns. This proposed AD would require replacing the
                nose wheel steering servo valve manifold, incorporating revised
                operating procedures into the airplane flight manual (AFM), doing a
                records inspection for any incidents of un-commanded nose wheel
                steering turns, and reporting the results to the FAA. The FAA is
                proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
                DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by February
                10, 2020.
                ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
                 Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
                 Fax: 202-493-2251.
                 Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
                Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
                Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
                 Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
                a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                 For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Gulfstream
                Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
                Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-4853; fax 912-965-
                3520; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. You may view this service information at the FAA,
                Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
                64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
                call (816) 329-4148.
                Examining the AD Docket
                 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
                1060; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
                information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
                Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alex Armas, Aerospace Engineer,
                Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia
                30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-5605; email:
                [email protected].
                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                Comments Invited
                 The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
                arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
                under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-1060;
                Product Identifier 2018-CE-020-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
                The FAA specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
                economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
                consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
                NPRM because of those comments.
                 The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
                The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
                contact received about this NPRM.
                Discussion
                 The FAA received reports of numerous incidents of un-commanded nose
                wheel steering turns on Gulfstream Model G-IV airplanes. An
                investigation revealed the supplier compromised the seals during
                assembly of the electro-hydraulic servo valves, which allows moisture
                to enter the valve. During cold soak conditions, the moisture forms ice
                crystals in the servo valve armature air gaps, which may cause the
                valve armature to displace to a non-neutral position. This condition,
                if not addressed, could result in an un-commanded nose wheel position
                once power is applied to the nose wheel servo and subsequent lateral
                runway departure.
                 To address this condition, the supplier improved their production
                quality control process to reduce the risk of compromised seals in the
                nose wheel steering servo valve. Gulfstream also revised the normal,
                abnormal, and emergency procedures in the AFMs related to nose wheel
                steering un-commanded turns.
                Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
                 The FAA reviewed Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 244, dated
                March 12, 2018; Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12,
                2018; and Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12, 2018.
                For the applicable airplane configuration, each customer bulletin
                describes procedures for replacing the nose wheel steering servo valve
                manifold assembly.
                 The FAA also reviewed Gulfstream IV Airplane Flight Manual,
                Gulfstream Aerospace Document Number GAC-AC-GIV-OPS-0001, Revision 52,
                dated October 30, 2017; Gulfstream G300 Airplane Flight Manual,
                Gulfstream Aerospace Document Number GAC-AC-G300-OPS-0001, Revision 20,
                dated October 30, 2017; and Gulfstream G400 Airplane Flight Manual,
                Gulfstream Aerospace Document Number GAC-AC-G400-OPS-0001, Revision 20,
                dated October 30, 2017. For the applicable airplane configuration, each
                AFM document provides revisions to the AFM with instructions for flight
                crew to follow if un-commanded nose wheel steering turns occur.
                 This service information is reasonably available because the
                interested parties have access to it through their normal
                [[Page 71334]]
                course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                FAA's Determination
                 The FAA is proposing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant
                information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
                likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
                Proposed AD Requirements
                 This proposed AD would require revising the AFM and replacing the
                nose wheel steering servo valve manifold. This proposed AD would also
                require a records inspection for any incidents of un-commanded nose
                wheel steering turns and reporting the results to the FAA.
                Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
                 The Gulfstream customer bulletins require reporting compliance with
                the bulletins to Gulfstream. This proposed AD does not contain that
                requirement; however, this proposed AD would require reporting any
                known occurrences of un-commanded nose wheel steering turns to the FAA.
                 The Gulfstream customer bulletins include a compliance time of 48
                months beginning on March 12, 2018. The compliance time for this
                proposed AD is 36 months after the effective date of the AD.
                Costs of Compliance
                 The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 425 airplanes
                of U.S. registry.
                 The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
                AD:
                 Estimated Costs
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Cost per Cost on U.S.
                 Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Incorporate AFM revisions..... 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable............... $85 $36,125
                 per hour = $85.
                Replace nose wheel steering 7 work-hours x $63,624...................... 64,219 27,293,075
                 servo valve. $85 per hour =
                 $595.
                Records review and reporting 2 work-hours x Not applicable............... 170 72,250
                 of the review results. $85 per hour =
                 $170.
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
                AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
                affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
                affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in
                this cost estimate.
                Paperwork Reduction Act
                 A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
                required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
                failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
                requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
                information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
                Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
                reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
                approximately 2 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
                instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
                maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
                information. All responses to this collection of information are
                mandatory as required by this AD; the nature and extent of
                confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send comments regarding this
                burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
                including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information
                Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101
                Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
                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.
                 This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
                by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
                authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
                issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
                Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
                Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
                to small airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, domestic business jet
                transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the
                Policy and Innovation Division.
                Regulatory Findings
                 The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
                implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
                regulation:
                 (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 Proposed Amendment
                 Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
                Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 71335]]
                Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
                0
                2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
                directive (AD):
                Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2019-1060; Product
                Identifier 2018-CE-020-AD.
                (a) Comments Due Date
                 The FAA must receive comments by February 10, 2020.
                (b) Affected ADs
                 None.
                (c) Applicability
                 This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-IV
                airplanes, certificated in any category.
                (d) Subject
                 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
                (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.
                (e) Unsafe Condition
                 This AD was prompted by reports of un-commanded nose wheel
                steering turns. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent moisture from
                entering the nose steering wheel servo valve, which could freeze and
                cause an un-commanded nose wheel steering position during touchdown.
                The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a lateral
                runway departure.
                (f) Compliance
                 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
                unless already done.
                (g) Airplane Flight Manual Revisions
                 Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise your
                airplane flight manual (AFM) by incorporating the revision
                applicable to your airplane configuration as listed in paragraphs
                (g)(1) through (3) of this AD:
                 (1) Gulfstream IV Airplane Flight Manual, Gulfstream Aerospace
                Document Number GAC-AC-GIV-OPS-0001, Revision 52, dated October 30,
                2017;
                 (2) Gulfstream G300 Airplane Flight Manual, Gulfstream Aerospace
                Document Number GAC-AC-G300-OPS-0001, Revision 20, dated October 30,
                2017; or
                 (3) Gulfstream G400 Airplane Flight Manual, Gulfstream Aerospace
                Document Number FAC-AC-G400-OPS-0001, Revision 20, dated October 30,
                2017.
                (h) Replace the Nose Wheel Steering Servo Valve Manifold
                 Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
                the nose wheel steering servo valve manifold with nose wheel
                steering servo valve manifold part number 5100-11 or 5105-5 in
                accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the customer
                bulletin that applies to your airplane configuration as listed in
                paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD, except you are not
                required to comply with step H:
                 (1) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 244, dated March 12,
                2018;
                 (2) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12, 2018;
                or
                 (3) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12, 2018.
                (i) Records Inspection and Report of Results
                 (1) Between 12 months and 24 months after the replacement of the
                nose wheel steering valve manifold assembly required in paragraph
                (h) of this AD, inspect all aircraft records for entries of an un-
                commanded nose wheel steering turn.
                 (2) Within 10 days after the records inspection required in
                paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, report the results of the inspection,
                regardless of whether the inspection found any entries, to the FAA
                by either email: [email protected]; or by mail: Attn:
                Continued Operational Safety, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
                Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. The report must include as much
                of the information listed in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) through (vii) of
                this AD as is known about the event:
                 (i) Date of records inspection;
                 (ii) Date and time of all un-commanded occurrences (if any);
                 (iii) Airplane serial number;
                 (iv) Weather and runway conditions at the time of each
                occurrence;
                 (v) Copy of the pilot's report of the occurrence (if available);
                 (vi) Maintenance entry of the root cause of the un-commanded
                deflection (if available); and
                 (vii) Any other information pertinent to the occurrence.
                (j) Paperwork Reduction Act
                 A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
                required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
                for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
                the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
                collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control
                Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
                2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
                estimated to be approximately 2 hours per response, including the
                time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
                gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing
                the collection of information. All responses to this collection of
                information are mandatory as required by this AD; the nature and
                extent of confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send comments
                regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
                collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
                burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
                Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
                76177-1524.
                (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
                 (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO 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 local Flight Standards District
                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 (l)(1) of this AD.
                 (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
                principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
                district office.
                (l) Related Information
                 (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alex Armas,
                Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
                College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-
                5605; email: [email protected].
                 (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
                Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O.
                Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-4853;
                fax 912-965-3520; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. You may view this referenced
                service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901
                Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
                availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
                 Issued on December 18, 2019.
                Patrick R. Mullen,
                Aircraft Certification Service Manager, Small Airplane Standards
                Branch, AIR-690.
                [FR Doc. 2019-27716 Filed 12-26-19; 8:45 am]
                 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
                

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