[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 171 (Thursday, September 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46870-46872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-23601]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-230-AD; Amendment 39-10731; AD 98-18-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-V Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Gulfstream Model G-V series airplanes. This
action requires a one-time inspection to measure the clearance between
a certain wiring harness and the crew oxygen bottle; corrective
actions, if necessary; and eventual relocation of the crew oxygen
bottle and rework of the lines and tubing associated with the crew and
passenger oxygen bottles. This amendment is prompted by a report
indicating that interference between the wiring harness and the crew
oxygen bottle was found on a production airplane. The actions specified
in this AD are intended to prevent chafing of the wiring harness
against the crew oxygen bottle, which could result in electrical
shorting and possible fire in the underfloor structure of the airplane.
DATES: Effective September 18, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 18, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before November 2, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-230-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
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, Small Airplane Directorate, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berryman, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center,
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone
(770) 703-6066; fax (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating
that interference between a certain wiring harness and the crew oxygen
bottle was observed on several production Gulfstream Model G-V series
airplanes. Wiring contained in the affected harness, which is located
beneath floor board 4C, includes the fuel boost pump power, ground
service bus battery power, and three-phase alternating current power
for the right battery charger. Interference between the wiring harness
and the crew oxygen bottle could result in chafing of the electrical
wires and consequent electrical shorting. Due to the proximity of the
wiring harness to the oxygen bottle, such electrical shorting, if not
prevented, could result in a fire in the underfloor structure of the
airplane.
Gulfstream has inspected approximately 10 to 12 in-house airplanes
to measure clearance between the wiring harness and crew oxygen bottle.
These inspections revealed that, on certain airplanes, the lack of
clearance had been detected during production and protective Teflon
sheeting had been installed to prevent chafing. In some cases, evidence
of chafing of the Teflon sheeting was observed. However, no chafing of
wiring has been detected. It is unknown how many airplanes already have
such protective sheeting installed.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert
Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated July 8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream
Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August
10, 1998. That alert customer bulletin and amendment describe
procedures for a one-time visual inspection to measure the clearance
between the wiring harness located beneath floor board 4C and the crew
oxygen bottle and bottle mounting structure, and corrective actions, if
necessary. The corrective actions include inspections for chafing of
the wiring; repair of any damaged wiring in accordance with
instructions provided by Gulfstream Technical Services; and
installation of temporary protective Teflon sheeting, if not already
installed, to prevent contact between the wiring harness and oxygen
bottle. The alert customer bulletin and amendment reference Gulfstream
Aircraft Service Change (ASC) No. 059A, dated August 3, 1998, as an
additional source of service information. That ASC describes, among
other things, procedures for permanent relocation of the crew oxygen
bottle and rework of the lines and tubing associated with the crew and
passenger oxygen bottles. Accomplishment of the actions specified in
the alert customer bulletin and amendment is intended to adequately
address the identified unsafe condition.
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 chafing of a wiring harness against the crew
oxygen bottle, which could result in electrical shorting and possible
fire in the underfloor structure of the airplane. This AD requires
accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert customer bulletin
and amendment described previously, except as discussed below.
Differences Between This AD and the Alert Customer Bulletin and
Amendment
Operators should note that, although the alert customer bulletin
and amendment specify that the manufacturer may be contacted for
disposition of repair conditions, this AD requires the repair of those
conditions to be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by
the FAA.
[[Page 46871]]
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.
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 98-NM-230-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
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:
98-18-15 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-10731.
Docket 98-NM-230-AD.
Applicability: Model G-V series airplanes, serial numbers 501
through 549 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 prevent chafing of a wiring harness against the crew oxygen
bottle, which could result in electrical shorting and possible fire
in the underfloor structure of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
(a) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
perform a one-time visual inspection to measure the clearance
between the wiring harness located beneath floor board 4C and the
crew oxygen bottle and bottle mounting structure, in accordance with
Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated July
8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer
Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 10, 1998.
(1) If the clearance is greater than or equal to .250 inch, and
if any Teflon sheeting is installed: No further action is required
by paragraph (a) of this AD.
(2) If the clearance is greater than or equal to .250 inch, and
if no Teflon sheeting is installed: Prior to further flight, install
.030-inch Teflon sheeting in accordance with the alert customer
bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
(3) If the clearance is less than .250 inch, and if any Teflon
sheeting is installed: Prior to further flight, inspect the sheeting
for evidence of chafing, in accordance with the alert customer
bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
(i) If no evidence of chafing of the Teflon sheeting is
detected, prior to further flight, install .125-inch Teflon
sheeting, in accordance with the alert customer bulletin, as revised
by Amendment 1.
(ii) If any evidence of chafing of the Teflon sheeting is
detected, prior to further flight, remove the Teflon sheeting and
inspect the wires to detect evidence of chafing, in accordance with
the alert customer bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1; and
accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(4)(i) or
(a)(4)(ii), as applicable.
(4) If the clearance is less than .250 inch, and if no Teflon
sheeting is installed: Prior to further flight, inspect the wires to
detect evidence of chafing, in accordance with the alert customer
bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
(i) If no evidence of chafing of the wires is detected, prior to
further flight, install .125-inch Teflon sheeting in accordance with
the alert customer bulletin, as revised by Amendment 1.
(ii) If any evidence of chafing of the wires is detected, prior
to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by
the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate.
(b) Within 150 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
relocate the crew oxygen bottle and rework the lines and tubing
associated with the crew and passenger oxygen bottles, in accordance
with Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated
July 8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer
Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 10, 1998.
Note 2: Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A,
dated July 8, 1998, as revised by Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert
Customer Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment 1, dated August 10, 1998, refers
to Gulfstream
[[Page 46872]]
Aerospace Aircraft Service Change No. 059A, dated August 3, 1998, as
an additional source of service information for accomplishing the
relocation of the crew oxygen bottle.
(c) 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.
(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.
(e) Except as provided by (a)(4)(ii) of this AD, the actions
shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert
Customer Bulletin No. 4A, dated July 8, 1998, as revised by
Gulfstream Aerospace G-V Alert Customer Bulletin No. 4A, Amendment
1, dated August 10, 1998. 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, Small Airplane Directorate, 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 18, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 26, 1998.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-23601 Filed 9-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
