01-31430. Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-IV Series 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 Model G-IV series airplanes. This action requires an inspection of the electrical connections for the fire extinguisher bottles; an inspection after any subsequent maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles; and corrective action, if necessary. This action is prompted by a report indicating that the electrical connections for the fire extinguisher bottle squibs had been improperly installed either during manufacturing or during subsequent maintenance. This action is necessary to prevent fire extinguishing agent from being discharged into the wrong location, which could result in failure to extinguish an in-flight fire on an affected engine and jeopardize operation of the opposite engine.

DATES:

Effective January 11, 2002.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 11, 2002.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before January 28, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-361-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to [phone]. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: [e-mail]. Comments sent via the Internet must contain “Docket No. 2001-NM-361-AD” in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via fax or 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, M/S D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John J. Philbin, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The FAA has received a report that, during an inspection of a Gulfstream Model G-IV series airplane, the electrical connections for the left and right fire extinguisher bottle squibs were found to be improperly installed. The improper installation occurred either during manufacturing or during subsequent maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles. The manufacturer states that a contributing factor for improper connection of the fire extinguisher bottle is the potential for the identification labels to migrate up the wiring harness, which increases the possibility for a technician to connect the wiring to incorrect terminals. This condition, if not corrected, could cause fire extinguishing agent to be discharged into the wrong location, which could result in failure to extinguish an in-flight fire on an affected engine and jeopardize operation of the opposite engine.

FAA Determination

The FAA has determined that issuance of this AD, applicable to Gulfstream Model G-IV series airplanes, serial numbers 1253 through 1464 inclusive, is necessary because of the potential for improper connection of the electrical connections, as described previously. The FAA adds that wire marking tags often have been found much farther from the terminal ends than intended by the design, and it is uncertain when the discrepancies in tag installation began during production.

However, the FAA has been notified by the manufacturer that the identified unsafe condition has been addressed on Model G-IV series airplanes, serial numbers 1465 and subsequent, by a clarification in the build instructions. Therefore, it is unnecessary to include those airplanes in the applicability of this AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No. 30, dated November 2, 2001, which describes procedures for an inspection of the electrical connections for the engine fire extinguisher bottles; and corrective action, if necessary.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent fire extinguishing agent from being discharged into the wrong location, which could result in failure to extinguish an in-flight fire on an affected engine and jeopardize operation of the opposite engine. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert customer bulletin described previously, except as discussed below. This AD also requires that operators report the results of the inspection findings (both positive and negative) to the FAA.

Differences Between Service Bulletin and This AD

Because it is not known whether the improper installation of the electrical connections for the fire extinguisher bottles occurred during the manufacturing process or during subsequent maintenance, this AD requires inspection of those electrical connections following any maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles. The alert customer bulletin does not refer to inspection following maintenance. This AD also requires that inspection findings be reported to the FAA, whereas the alert customer bulletin recommends notice to Gulfstream that the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert customer bulletin have been performed.

Interim Action

This is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

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 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:

• 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.
• For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.
• 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 2001-NM-361-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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

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

2001-26-07 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-12571. Docket 2001-NM-361-AD.

Applicability: Model G-IV series airplanes, serial numbers 1253 through 1464 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 (e) 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 prevent fire extinguishing agent from being discharged into the wrong location, which could result in failure to extinguish an in-flight fire on an affected engine and jeopardize operation of the opposite engine, accomplish the following:

Inspections

(a) Within the next 25 flight hours, but no later than 10 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the electrical connections of the fire extinguisher bottles for correct connections, in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No. 30, dated November 2, 2001.

Note 2:

For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

(b) Prior to further flight following any maintenance affecting the fire extinguisher bottles that is accomplished after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Perform the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No. 30, dated November 2, 2001.

Corrective Action

(c) If any incorrect electrical connection is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct that connection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No. 30, dated November 2, 2001.

Reporting

(d) Submit a report of inspection findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; fax [phone]; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, airplane serial number, and number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation 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 required by paragraph (a) of this AD is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 35 days after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

(2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 35 days after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.

Note 3:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

Special Flight Permits

(f) 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

(g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin No. 30, dated November 2, 2001. 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, M/S D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

(h) This amendment becomes effective on January 11, 2002.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 2001.

Kalene C. Yanamura,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.