2022-26974. Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

SUMMARY:

The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This action revises the NPRM by adding Model Galaxy airplanes to the applicability. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those in the NPRM, the FAA is requesting comments on this SNPRM.

DATES:

The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by January 27, 2023.

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 regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

• Fax: [phone].

• 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.

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, this SNPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• For material that is proposed for incorporation by reference in this SNPRM, contact Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]. You may find this material on the CAAI website at caa.gov.il. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0994.

• You may view this service information 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

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 ADDRESSES . Include “Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00052-T” at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.

Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this SNPRM.

Confidential Business Information

CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as “PROPIN.” The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2022 (87 FR 50588). The NPRM was prompted by AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, issued by CAAI, which is the aviation authority for Israel (referred to after this as the MCAI). There were reports that wing flap fairing debonding and corrosion were discovered at the lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on both wings. The MCAI states that the reason for the AD is to prevent the possibility of flap fairing debonding, moisture intrusion and wing lower skin corrosion at rib 3 and rib 11.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for corrosion in certain areas of the wing skin fairings, additional inspections if necessary, resealing the fairings with new fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0994.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the FAA determined that Model Galaxy airplanes must be added to the applicability. The FAA is proposing this AD to address flap fairing debonding and moisture intrusion that might lead to lower wing skin corrosion and cracking on both wings, and reduced structural integrity of the wings.

Comments

The FAA received comments from an anonymous commenter. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Add Model Galaxy Airplanes to the Applicability

The commenter requested that the FAA add Model Galaxy airplanes to the applicability. The commenter stated that Model Galaxy airplane serial numbers are included in the applicability of the NPRM, but the model designation (Galaxy) is not mentioned. The commenter concluded that owners/operators for Model Galaxy airplanes might not be aware of the proposed AD and might not address the unsafe condition.

The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has revised this AD to add Model Galaxy airplanes to the applicability.

Request To Change the Model Designation From Gulfstream G200 to Gulfstream 200

The commenter requested that the FAA change Model Gulfstream G200 airplanes to Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes in the applicability. The commenter noted that in the FAA type certificate data sheet (TCDS) A53NM, the model designation is Gulfstream 200. The commented stated that the correction brings the intended model designation in line with the FAA TCDS.

The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has revised this AD to change the model designation from Gulfstream G200 to Gulfstream 200.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, describes procedures for an inspection for corrosion in the area of the wing skin (or doubler if installed) under the rib 3 and rib 11 fairings, a penetration or eddy current inspection for cracks if corrosion was found, a measurement of the thickness of remaining wing skin (or doubler) if no cracks were found, resealing of rib 3 and rib 11 fairings with new fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions include cleaning and removing corrosion, crack repair, and repair of fairing installation locations with a certain thickness reduction.

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 ADDRESSES .

FAA's Determination

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI described above. The FAA is issuing this SNPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, by reference in the FAA final rule. This AD would, therefore, require compliance with CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Service information required by CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022, for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0994 after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 168 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs for Required Actions

Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
29 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,465	Minimal	$2,465	$414,120

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition action that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions *

Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product
Up to 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850	$0	Up to $850.
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.

The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this proposed 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

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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) Would 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Docket No. FAA-2022-0994; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00052-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 27, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 004 through 250 inclusive.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing debonding and corrosion were discovered at lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on both wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address flap fairing debonding and moisture intrusion that might lead to lower wing skin corrosion and cracking on both wings, and reduced structural integrity of the wings.

(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, Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4).

(h) Exceptions to CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4

(1) Where CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(2) Where the Compliance paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 requires compliance at a certain time, replace the text “at the next suitable planned maintenance inspection within the next 24 months from the effective date of this AD” with “within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.”

(3) Where the Action paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 refers to certain service information, replace the text “Gulfstream Service Bulletin No. 200-57-426, dated January 01, 2022, or later approved revision,” with “Gulfstream Service Bulletin No. 200-57-426, Revision 1, dated June 16, 2022, or later approved revision.”

(4) Where the service information specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 specifies to report to Gulfstream if “cracks were discovered” and “for any fairing installation location with one or more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10%,” for this AD, cracks and fairing installation locations with one or more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10% must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or CAAI; or CAAI's authorized Designee. If approved by the authorized Designee, the approval must include the Designee's authorized signature.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

Although the service information referenced in CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. 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 Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information 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-57-2021-12-4, dated January 1, 2022.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-4, contact Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]. You may find this CAAI AD on the CAAI website at caa.gov.il.

(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 that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [e-mail], or go to: www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued on December 7, 2022.

Christina Underwood,

Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.