[Federal Register: October 18, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 200)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61305-61309]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18oc04-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19337; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-155-AD;
Amendment 39-13824; AD 2004-21-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-
1159B, and G-IV Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes.
This AD requires a one-time inspection of the left and right aileron
and elevator
[[Page 61306]]
actuators to determine the part and serial numbers of each actuator,
repetitive inspections of suspect actuators to detect broken damper
shafts, and replacement of any actuator having a broken damper shaft.
This AD also requires that operators report any broken damper shaft
they find to the FAA. This AD also provides an optional terminating
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. This AD
is prompted by reports of broken or cracked damper shafts within the
aileron and elevator actuator assemblies. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct broken damper shafts, which could result in locking
of an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-over condition), subsequent
loss of aileron or elevator control, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective November 2, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
November 2, 2004.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 17, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http: //dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, PO Box 2206, Mail Station D-10, Savannah,
Georgia 31402-9980. You can examine this information 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
.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Examining the Dockets
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical information: Gerald Avella,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA,
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix
Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6066;
fax (770) 703-6097.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report from the airplane
manufacturer, Gulfstream, that the damper shafts in two actuators broke
under normal torquing requirements during assembly of the actuators for
a Gulfstream Model GV-SP airplane. Approximately one week after the
original occurrence, a third actuator was found with a cracked damper
shaft. In each case, the cracks originated at the threaded base of the
damper shaft. In addition, the third actuator was found to be from a
manufacturing lot previous to that of the other two actuators. Parker
Aerospace, the actuator manufacturer, notified Gulfstream that the
production process used after 1998 to manufacture aileron and elevator
actuator damper shafts (internal to the actuator) may induce cracks in
the threaded portion of the shaft. This cracking could cause the
retaining nut and the separated portion of the failed damper shaft to
become dislodged from the damper body and block the movement of the
assembly. This condition, if not corrected, could result in locking of
an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-over condition), subsequent loss
of aileron or elevator control, and consequent reduced controllability
of the airplane.
The affected aileron and elevator actuators installed on Gulfstream
Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, G-IV, and GV series airplanes, are
identical to those installed on Model GV-SP airplanes. Therefore, all
of these models may be subject to the identified unsafe condition.
Other Rulemaking for Additional Airplane Models
Operators should note that, as we explained previously, Gulfstream
Model GV and GV-SP series airplanes are subject to the same unsafe
condition addressed in this AD. We are currently considering additional
rulemaking to address the unsafe condition for those airplanes.
However, because the unsafe condition is less severe for those models,
the planned compliance time for that action would allow enough time to
provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits
of the corrective actions.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the following Gulfstream alert customer bulletins:
Table--Relevant Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For model-- Alert customer bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G-1159 and G-1159B series Gulfstream GII/GIIB Alert A August 23, 2004.
airplanes. Customer Bulletin 29A.
G-1159A series airplanes........ Gulfstream GIII Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 15A.
G-IV series airplanes............ Gulfstream G300 Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
G-IV series airplanes............ Gulfstream G400 Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
G-IV series airplanes............ Gulfstream GIV Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
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[[Page 61307]]
The alert customer bulletins describe procedures for a one-time
inspection of the left and right aileron and elevator actuators to
determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of each
actuator. The alert customer bulletins also describe procedures for an
inspection of the actuators with certain P/Ns and S/Ns to detect broken
damper shafts, and replacement of any actuator having a broken damper
shaft with a new or serviceable actuator.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are
issuing this AD to detect and correct broken damper shafts, which could
result in locking of an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-over
condition), subsequent loss of aileron or elevator control, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD requires
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the AD and Alert Customer Bulletins.'' This AD also requires that
operators report any broken damper shafts found during the initial and
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD to the FAA.
Differences Between the AD and Alert Customer Bulletins
The alert customer bulletins do not specify the type of inspection
to use to determine the P/N and S/N of the actuators. We have
determined that the location of the actuators will require access and
possibly additional inspection aides, and therefore, this AD requires a
general visual inspection to determine the P/N and S/N of the
actuators. We have included the definition of a general visual
inspection in this AD.
The alert customer bulletins do not specify what to do if an
installed actuator either has a P/N and/or S/N that is missing or is
unreadable. This AD requires that those actuators be inspected to
detect broken damper shafts--as if they have a P/N and S/N listed in
the alert customer bulletin.
The alert customer bulletins recommend a one-time inspection of the
aileron and elevator actuators for broken damper shafts. However, a
suspect damper shaft found undamaged during the initial inspection
still has the potential to break at some time in the future. Because a
one-time inspection alone would not provide the degree of safety
necessary, we have determined that repetitive inspections of the
suspect actuators are necessary to ensure an adequate level of safety
for the affected transport airplane fleet. We have also determined that
an interval of 500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever is first, is an
appropriate compliance time for the repetitive inspections. Although
the alert customer bulletins do not include repetitive inspections,
they do note that a recurring inspection will be added to the
applicable airplane maintenance manual.
The alert customer bulletins also do not specify the type of
inspection to use to detect broken damper shafts. We have determined
that a detailed inspection for this action is appropriate; we have
included the definition of this inspection in this AD. Therefore, this
AD requires a detailed inspection to detect broken damper shafts. We
have included the definition of a detailed inspection in this AD.
The alert customer bulletins specify replacing an actuator having a
broken damper shaft, but they do not specify with what type of
replacement actuator. This AD requires replacement with either:
A new or serviceable actuator having a subject P/N and S/N
listed in the alert customer bulletin, provided it has been inspected
for broken damper shafts in accordance with the requirements of this
AD; or
A new or serviceable actuator having a P/N and/or S/N
different than those listed in the alert customer bulletin. Replacing
an actuator with an actuator having a different P/N and/or S/N
terminates the requirements of this AD for that actuator only.
We are not requiring the terminating action (i.e., replacement of
all suspect actuators) at this time, because we have determined, and
the actuator manufacturer has confirmed, that the necessary replacement
actuators (with a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert
customer bulletin) are not yet available and will not be available for
another 24 to 36 months. Therefore, we are providing the terminating
action as an option for operators once those parts become available.
The alert customer bulletins do not recommend that findings of
broken damper shafts be reported. This AD requires findings of all
broken damper shafts be reported to the FAA. When the unsafe condition
addressed by an AD is likely due to a manufacturer's quality control
(QC) problem, a reporting requirement is instrumental in ensuring that
we can gather as much information as possible regarding the extent and
nature of the QC problem or breakdown, especially in cases where the
data may not be available through other established means. This
information is necessary to ensure that proper corrective action will
be taken. Based on the results of these reports, we may determine that
further corrective action is warranted.
The Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced alert customer
bulletins specify to submit the Service Reply Card or compliance
information to the manufacturer. This AD does not include those
actions; we do not need this information from operators.
Clarification of Applicability
The effectivities of the alert customer bulletins include all Model
G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes, equipped with
aileron or elevator actuators having certain P/Ns and S/Ns. Because
there is no way to determine if an actuator with a suspect P/N and S/N
is installed without inspecting the airplane, this AD applies to all
Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes. We would,
however, point out that the first action in the alert customer
bulletins is an inspection to determine if an actuator having a certain
P/N and S/N is installed.
Interim Action
This AD is considered to be interim action. The inspection reports
that are required by this AD will enable us to obtain better insight
into the nature and extent of the broken damper shafts, and eventually
to develop final action to address the unsafe condition. Once final
action has been developed and replacement parts are available, we may
consider further rulemaking.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD Relating to Special Flight
Permits
On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of
compliance (AMOC). This material is included in part 39, except that
the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual
AD.
However, as amended, part 39 provides for the FAA to add special
requirements for operating an airplane to a repair facility to do the
work required by an airworthiness directive. For purposes of this AD,
we have determined that such a special flight permit is prohibited.
[[Page 61308]]
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make
this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19337;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-155-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket
web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), or you can
visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain
language at http://www/faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Regulatory
Findings
We have 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 that the regulation:
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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to
examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2004-21-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13824.
Docket No. FAA-2004-19337; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-155-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective November 2, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-
1159B, and G-IV series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by reports of broken or cracked damper
shafts within the aileron and elevator actuator assemblies. The FAA
is issuing this AD to detect and correct broken damper shafts, which
could result in locking of an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-
over condition), subsequent loss of aileron or elevator control, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Note 1: This AD refers to certain portions of Gulfstream alert
customer bulletins for applicability and inspection information. In
addition, this AD specifies inspection requirements beyond those
included in the alert customer bulletins. Where the AD and the alert
customer bulletins differ, the AD prevails.
Service Information References
(f) The term ``alert customer bulletin,'' as used in this AD,
means the Accomplishment Instructions of the Gulfstream alert
customer bulletins, as applicable, specified in Table 1 of this AD.
Although the applicable alert customer bulletin recommends
completing and submitting the Service Reply Card or reporting
compliance with the applicable alert customer bulletin, those
actions are not required by this AD.
Table 1.--Applicable Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For model-- Alert customer bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G-1159 and G-1159B series airplanes. Gulfstream GII/GIIB Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 29A.
G-1159A series airplanes............ Gulfstream GIII Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 15A.
G-IV series airplanes............... Gulfstream G300 Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
G-IV series airplanes............... Gulfstream G400 Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
G-IV series airplanes............... Gulfstream GIV Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
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[[Page 61309]]
Inspection To Determine Actuator Part and Serial Numbers
(g) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
do a one-time general visual inspection of the left and right
aileron and elevator actuators to determine the part number (P/N)
and serial number (S/N) of each actuator, in accordance with the
applicable alert customer bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``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 from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight 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.''
Initial and Repetitive Actuator Inspections and Corrective Action
(h) For any actuator identified during the inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this AD with a P/N and S/N listed in the
applicable alert customer bulletin, and for actuators for which the
P/N and/or S/N were missing or unreadable: Before further flight, do
a detailed inspection of each identified actuator to detect a broken
damper shaft, in accordance with the applicable alert customer
bulletin.
Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
(1) If no damper shaft is found broken: Repeat the inspection
required by paragraph (h) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
(2) If any damper shaft is found broken: Before further flight,
do the action specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this
AD, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin.
(i) Replace the actuator with a new or serviceable actuator
having a P/N and S/N listed in the applicable alert customer
bulletin, provided the new or serviceable actuator has been
inspected in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of
this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (h)
of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 12 months,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) Replace the actuator with a new or serviceable actuator
having a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert customer
bulletin. This replacement terminates the requirements of this AD
for that actuator only.
Optional Terminating Action
(i) Replacement of all suspect actuators with new or serviceable
actuators having a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert
customer bulletin terminates the requirements of this AD.
Reporting Requirement
(j) Submit a report of any broken damper shafts to the Manager,
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450,
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; fax (770) 703-6097. The report must be done
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of
this AD. The report must include the inspection date, the airplane
model and S/N, the actuator position (left or right aileron or
elevator), and the actuator P/N and S/N. Information collection
requirements contained in this AD 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) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD was
done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within
10 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD was
done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within
10 days after the effective date of this AD.
Parts Installation
(k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an aileron or elevator actuator having a P/N and S/N specified in
the applicable alert customer bulletin, on any airplane, unless the
actuator has been inspected according to paragraph (h) of this AD.
Special Flight Permit
(l) Special flight permits (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) are not
allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use the service information that is specified in
Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert customer bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
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Gulfstream GII/GIIB Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 29A.
Gulfstream GIII Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 15A.
Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer A August 23, 2004.
Bulletin 32A.
Gulfstream G300 Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
Gulfstream G400 Alert A August 23, 2004.
Customer Bulletin 32A.
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The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation
by reference of those documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-10,
Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. You can review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; or 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 October 4, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-23027 Filed 10-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P