[Federal Register: November 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 213)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 64255-64258]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04no04-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19492; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-200-AD;
Amendment 39-13844; AD 2004-22-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP 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
certain Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP series airplanes. This AD
requires a one-time general visual inspection for contact or
insufficient clearance between the crew oxygen bottle/supports and any
wiring harness, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, adjusting the
wiring harness to obtain a minimum clearance between the crew oxygen
bottle and wiring, and applying Teflon sheeting, as applicable; and for
certain other airplanes, reworking certain wiring bundles. This AD is
prompted by reports of insufficient clearance between certain wiring
harnesses and the crew oxygen bottle on several in-production and in-
service airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the
electrical wires 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 November 19, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
November 19, 2004.
We must receive comments on this AD by January 3, 2005.
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, P.O. 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. This docket
number is FAA-2004-19492; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-200-AD.
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
[[Page 64256]]
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 reports indicating that
insufficient clearance was found between certain wiring harnesses and
the crew oxygen bottle on several in-production and in-service
Gulfstream Model GV and GV-SP series airplanes. Interference between
the wiring harness and crew oxygen bottle could cause chafing of the
electrical wires of the wiring harness and consequent electrical
shorting. Electrical shorting, if not prevented, could result in a fire
in the underfloor structure of the airplane.
Other Related AD
On August 26, 1998, we issued AD 98-18-15, amendment 39-10731 (63
FR 46870, September 3, 1998), which addresses the same unsafe condition
as this AD. AD 98-18-15 is applicable to certain other Gulfstream Model
GV series airplanes (serial numbers 501 through 549 inclusive) that are
not included in the applicability of this AD. That AD currently
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.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the following customer bulletins:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert customer bulletin-- Revision level-- Date--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream GV Alert Customer Bulletin Original........................... September 13, 2004.
21 (for Model GV series airplanes).
Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Original........................... September 13, 2004.
Bulletin 1 (for Model GV-SP (G500) A.................................. September 8, 2004.
series airplanes), including
Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987.
Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Original........................... September 13, 2004.
Bulletin 1 (for Model GV-SP (G550) A.................................. September 8, 2004.
series airplanes), including
Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987.
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The customer bulletins describe procedures for doing a one-time
inspection of the area around the forward end of the crew oxygen
bottle, including any supports, for contact or insufficient clearance
with any wiring harness, and related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. The related investigative action includes
inspecting the wiring for damage if the wiring harness is in contact
with the crew oxygen bottle or any supports. The corrective action
includes applying Teflon sheeting to the wiring harness if necessary;
and contacting the manufacturer if wiring damage is found. Gulfstream
GV Alert Customer Bulletin 21 also describes procedures for adjusting
the wiring harness to obtain a minimum clearance of 0.250 inch between
the crew oxygen bottle and wiring if necessary, and applying Teflon
sheeting if necessary. Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 1 and
Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 1 also describe procedures for
reworking certain wiring bundles. The reworking includes the following
actions:
Adding new harness supports to the existing harness
supports at stations 241, 253, and 265;
For certain airplanes, relocating the completion center
wire bundle through the new support, and for certain other airplanes,
relocating wire bundle R77 ORG through the new support; and
Inspecting any remaining harness bundles in the area
around the passenger and crew oxygen bottles, and redressing any
harness bundles that do not meet the minimum separation requirement of
0.500 inch.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
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 prevent chafing of the electrical wires 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. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the AD and Customer Bulletins.''
Differences Between the AD and Customer Bulletins
In this AD, the inspections for clearance and damage to wiring
specified in the Gulfstream customer bulletins are referred to as
``general visual inspections.'' We have included the definition for a
general visual inspection in a note in this AD.
Although the customer bulletins specify that operators may contact
the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, this AD
would require operators to repair those conditions according to a
method approved by the FAA.
Although the customer bulletins referenced in this AD specify to
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
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-2004-19492;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-200-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
[[Page 64257]]
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 19477-78), 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):
2004-22-16 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13844.
Docket No. FAA-2004-19492; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-200-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective November 19, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model GV series airplanes,
serial numbers (S/N) 550 through 693 inclusive and 699; and Model
GV-SP series airplanes, S/N 5001 through 5051 inclusive;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of insufficient clearance
between certain wiring harnesses and the crew oxygen bottle on
several in-production and in-service airplanes. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent chafing of the electrical wires 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.
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.
Customer Bulletin References
(f) The term ``customer bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means
the Accomplishment Instructions of the following customer bulletins,
as applicable:
(1) Gulfstream GV Alert Customer Bulletin 21, dated September
13, 2004 (for Model GV series airplanes);
(2) Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 1, dated September
13, 2004, including Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987, Revision A,
dated September 8, 2004 (for Model GV-SP (G500) series airplanes);
and
(3) Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 1, dated September
13, 2004, including Gulfstream Drawing 1159SB59987, Revision A,
dated September 8, 2004 (for Model GV-SP (G550) series airplanes).
Inspection for Contact and Clearance
(g) For all airplanes: Within 25 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection
for contact or insufficient clearance between the crew oxygen
bottle/supports and any wiring harness, and related investigative
and corrective actions if necessary, by doing all of the actions in
Part I of the applicable customer bulletin. If any damage is found
during the general visual inspection required by this AD, and the
customer bulletin specifies contacting Gulfstream for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair the damage according to a
method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the
Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's
approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
Note 1: 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.''
Adjustment of Wiring Harness
(h) For Model GV series airplanes: If the clearance between the
crew oxygen bottle/supports and any wiring harness is found to be
0.250 inch or more during the inspection required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, no further action is required by this AD. If the
clearance between the crew oxygen bottle/supports and any wiring
harness is found to be less than 0.250 inch during the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, within 150 flight hours after
completing paragraph (g) of this AD, adjust the wiring harness to
obtain a minimum clearance of 0.250 inch between the crew oxygen
bottle and wiring, and apply Teflon sheeting as applicable, in
accordance with Part II of the applicable customer bulletin.
Reworking of Wiring Bundle
(i) For Model GV-SP series airplanes: Within 150 flight hours
after completing paragraph (g) of this AD, rework the wiring bundle
by complying with Drawing 1159SB59987, in accordance with Part II of
the applicable customer bulletin.
Reporting Requirement
(j) Although the customer bulletins referenced in this AD
specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k) 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
(l) You must use the service information that is specified in
Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
[[Page 64258]]
Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert customer bulletin-- Revision level-- Date--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream GV Alert Customer Bulletin Original........................... September 13, 2004.
21.
Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Original........................... September 13, 2004.
Bulletin 1, including Gulfstream A.................................. September 8, 2004.
Drawing 1159SB59987.
Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Original........................... September 13, 2004.
Bulletin 1, including Gulfstream A.................................. September 8, 2004.
Drawing 1159SB59987.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 25, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24519 Filed 11-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P