2018-08956. Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. This AD was prompted by the potential for fatigue cracks developing in the main landing gear actuator attachment fitting that had a certain repair incorporated. This AD requires incorporating new revisions into the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) that establish an inspection cycle for the repaired MLG side brace actuator fittings. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective June 11, 2018.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 11, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone: [phone]; fax [phone]; email: [e-mail]; internet: http://www.gulfstream.com/​product_​support/​technical_​pubs/​pubs/​index.htm. 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 [phone]. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1163.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1163; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: [phone]) is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Models G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2017 (82 FR 58362). The NPRM was prompted by the potential for fatigue cracks developing in the main landing gear actuator attachment fitting that had a certain repair incorporated. The NPRM proposed to require incorporating new revisions into the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) that establish an inspection cycle for the repaired MLG side brace actuator fittings. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Change Compliance Time

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation stated that the compliance time for the actions required in the proposed AD should be changed to be in-line with the service information incorporated by reference in the proposed AD.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation stated that the compliance time specified in the service information incorporated by reference in the proposed AD is 24 months from September 16, 2016. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation believes that the 100-hour time-in-service (TIS) compliance time after the effective date of the proposed AD significantly reduces the original compliance time and may cause an undue burden on the owner/operators of the affected airplanes.

We agree that the compliance time can be changed to more fully coincide with the service bulletin without affecting the safety risk of this AD. We have changed the compliance time of this AD to “Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.” The 3-month compliance time combined with the 35 days after publication in the Federal Register effective date should coincide with the compliance time in the service bulletin.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 192A, dated June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model Gulfstream G350); Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin 192A, dated June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model Gulfstream G450); Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model Gulfstream IV); Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model Gulfstream G300); and Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 15, 2017, including Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016 (for model Gulfstream G400). For the applicable models, the service information describes procedures for inspecting maintenance records to determine if repair SE05732102 for the main landing gear side brace fitting has been incorporated and determining initial and repetitive inspection requirements for the main landing gear side brace fitting. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 709 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Inspect Maintenance Records	1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85	Not applicable	$85	$60,265
Incorporate new revisions into the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual)	1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85	Not applicable	85	60,265

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.

This 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, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

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 that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

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

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(4) 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

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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2018-09-04 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19260; Docket No. FAA-2017-1163; Product Identifier 2017-CE-041-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective June 11, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the following Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation model airplanes that are certificated in any category:

(1) Model G-IV, serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 through 1399 having Aircraft Service Change (ASC) 416A (MSG-3) incorporated; and S/Ns 1400 through 1535; and

(2) Model GIV-X, S/Ns 4001 through 4355.

(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 the potential for fatigue cracks in the main landing gear (MLG) actuator attachment fitting that had a certain repair incorporated. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MLG actuator attachment. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could compromise the lateral support of the MLG during ground maneuvers, possibly leading to collapse of the affected MLG with consequent loss of control. In addition, this condition could also cause the MLG side brace to fail, which could result in a penetration of the wing fuel tank causing an uncontained fire.

(f) Compliance

At whichever of the following in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) that occurs later, comply with the actions in paragraphs (g) through (i) of this AD, unless already done.

(1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after June 11, 2018 (the effective date of this AD); or

(2) Within the next 3 months after June 11, 2018 (the effective date of this AD).

(g) Inspect Maintenance Records

Inspect the airplane maintenance records to determine if repair SE05732102 for the MLG side brace fitting has been incorporated. To do this inspection, use the Accomplishment Instructions in Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 192A; Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin 192A; Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 238A; Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 238A; and Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 238A; all dated June 15, 2017, as applicable. The service information referenced in this paragraph specifies sending a service reply card back to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation if repair SE05732102 for the MLG side brace fitting has been not been incorporated. This action is not required in this AD.

(h) Determine Initial and Repetitive Inspection Requirements

If it is determined during the maintenance records inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD that repair SE05732102 for the MLG side brace fitting has been incorporated, determine the initial and repetitive inspection requirements using the Accomplishment Instructions of the service information identified in paragraph (g) of this AD along with the following documents, as applicable. Comply with the inspection requirements as determined.

(1) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin No. 192A, dated June 15, 2017;

(2) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin No. 192A, dated June 15, 2017;

(3) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin No. 283A, dated June 15, 2017;

(4) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin No. 283A, dated June 15, 2017; and

(5) Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016, to Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 283A, dated June 15, 2017.

(i) Revise Limitations Section

Insert the documents listed in paragraphs (h)(1) through (5) of this AD into the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness of the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual), as applicable. The revised limitations sections establish inspections of the repaired MLG side brace actuator fittings.

(j) 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 (k) 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.

(3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (g) through (i) of this AD apply.

(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures.

(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.

(k) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 192A, dated June 15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.

(ii) Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin 192A, dated June 15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.

(iii) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.

(iv) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.

(v) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 238A, dated June 15, 2017, that incorporates Appendix A, Gulfstream Document GIV-SGER-553, Revision A, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for Gulfstream Repair Drawing SE05732102, dated December 14, 2016.

(3) For Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone: [phone]; fax [phone]; email: [e-mail]; internet: http://www.gulfstream.com/​product_​support/​technical_​pubs/​pubs/​index.htm.

(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call [phone].

(5) You may view this 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/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 19, 2018.

Melvin Johnson,

Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service.