2010-11760. Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream 100 Airplanes, and Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

* * * * *

Incomplete closure of the MED [main entry door] may be followed by in-flight opening of the door. As a result, the MED and the adjacent fuselage structure may be damaged during opening and landing impact. Damage to the left engine by flying debris and objects may also occur.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective June 25, 2010.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 25, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 8, 2010 (75 FR 6157), and proposed to supersede AD 2007-03-05, Amendment 39-14916 (72 FR 4414, January 31, 2007). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

To increase pilots' awareness to the possibility of incomplete closure of the Main Entry Door (MED) by the following means:

1. Splitting the common caution light CABIN DOOR signaling both MED Improper Closure and MED Inflatable Seal Failure into two separate lights: CABIN DOOR and CABIN DOOR SEAL.

2. Converting the separated CABIN DOOR Caution light into a Warning light by changing its color to red.

Note: Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFM'S) refer to these changes as MOD G1-20052.

Incomplete closure of the MED may be followed by in-flight opening of the door. As a result, the MED and the adjacent fuselage structure may be damaged during opening and landing impact. Damage to the left engine by flying debris and objects may also occur.

Required actions include modifying the warning and caution lights panel (WACLP), changing the WACLP and MED wiring, changing the wiring harness connecting the MED to the WACLP, and ensuring the Log of Modification of the AFM includes reference to MOD G1-20052. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

We have revised the applicability of the existing AD to identify model designations as published in the most recent type certificate data sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Explanation of Change to Costs of Compliance

Since issuance of the NPRM, we have increased the labor rate used in the Costs of Compliance from $80 per work-hour to $85 per work-hour. The Costs of Compliance information, below, reflects this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will affect about 120 products of U.S. registry.

The actions that are required by AD 2007-03-05 and retained in this AD take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions is $85 per product.

We estimate that it will take about 60 additional work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. Required parts will cost about $600 per product. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $684,000, or $5,700 per product.

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.

We are 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

We determined that 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 this AD:

1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;

2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.

We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov;​; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of 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

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 removing Amendment 39-14916 ( 72 FR 4414, January 31, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

2010-11-02 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-16307. Docket No. FAA-2010-0034; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-120-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 25, 2010.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-03-05, Amendment 39-14916.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes; and Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31: Instruments.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

To increase pilots' awareness to the possibility of incomplete closure of the Main Entry Door (MED) by the following means:

1. Splitting the common caution light CABIN DOOR signaling both MED Improper Closure and MED Inflatable Seal Failure into two separate lights: CABIN DOOR and CABIN DOOR SEAL.

2. Converting the separated CABIN DOOR Caution light into a Warning light by changing its color to red.

Note:

Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFMs) refer to these changes as MOD G1-20052.

Incomplete closure of the MED may be followed by in-flight opening of the door. As a result, the MED and the adjacent fuselage structure may be damaged during opening and landing impact. Damage to the left engine by flying debris and objects may also occur.

Required actions include modifying the warning and caution lights panel (WACLP), changing the WACLP and MED wiring, changing the wiring harness connecting the MED to the WACLP, and ensuring the Log of Modification of the AFM includes reference to MOD G1-20052.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-03-05, With No Changes

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 10 days after February 15, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-03-05), amend Section IV, Normal Procedures, of the following Gulfstream airplane flight manuals (AFMs): Model 1125 Astra, 25W-1001-1; Model Astra SPX, SPX-1001-1; and Model G100, G100-1001-1; as applicable; to include the following statement. Insertion of copies of this AD at the appropriate places of the AFMs is acceptable.

“1. BEFORE ENGINE START:

(PRE and POST Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284):

CABIN DOOR—CLOSED (Physically verify door latch handle pin is fully engaged in the handle lock)

2. BEFORE TAXIING:

Change the CABIN DOOR procedure as follows (POST Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284):

Check CABIN DOOR light—OUT

3. BEFORE TAKE-OFF:

Insert between the POSITION lights switch and the THRUST LEVERS procedures:

(PRE Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284):

Check CABIN DOOR light—OUT (50% N1 may be required)

(POST Mod 20052/Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284):

Check CABIN DOOR light—OUT

CABIN DOOR SEAL light—OUT (50% N1 may be required)”

Note 1:

Mod 20052 is equivalent to Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284, dated August 17, 2006.

Note 2:

This AD may be accomplished by a holder of a Private Pilot's License.

NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD:

Actions and Compliance

(g) Unless already done, for all airplanes except airplane serial number 158, do the following actions.

(1) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Modify the WACLP in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD.

Table 1—Modification Service Information

Honeywell Service Bulletin—	Dated—
80-0548-31-0001	April 1, 2006.
80-0548-31-0002	March 1, 2006.
80-5090-31-0001	March 1, 2006.

(2) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Change the WACLP and MED wiring in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284, dated August 17, 2006.

(3) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Change the wiring harness connecting the MED to the WACLP in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284, dated August 17, 2006.

(4) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Verify that the Log of Modification of the relevant airplane flight manual (AFM) includes reference to MOD G1-20052, and, if no reference is found, revise the Log of Modification of the AFM to include reference to the modification.

(5) Doing the modifications specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, and after the modifications have been done, the AFM limitation required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.

FAA AD Differences

Note 3:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: Paragraph (g)(5) of this AD mandates a terminating action. However, Israeli Airworthiness Directive 31-06-11-05, dated May 27, 2009, does not explicitly mandate a terminating action. This difference has been coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Attn: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

(i) Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 31-06-11-05, dated May 27, 2009, and the applicable service information identified in Table 2 of this AD for related information.

Table 2—Service Information

Service information	Date
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284	August 17, 2006.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 80-0548-31-0001	April 1, 2006.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 80-0548-31-0002	March 1, 2006.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 80-5090-31-0001	March 1, 2006.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(j) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information contained in Table 3 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

Table 3—Material Incorporated by Reference

Service information	Date
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-31-284	August 17, 2006.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 80-0548-31-0001	April 1, 2006.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 80-0548-31-0002	March 1, 2006.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 80-5090-31-0001	March 1, 2006.

(2) For Gulfstream service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/​product_​support/​technical_​pubs/​pubs/​index.htm. For Honeywell service information identified in this AD, contact Honeywell Aerospace, Technical Publications and Distribution, M/S 2101-201, P.O. Box 52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2170; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; Internet http://www.honeywell.com.

(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 7, 2010.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.