[Federal Register: February 16, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 31)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7847-7850]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16fe05-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20280; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-254-AD;
Amendment 39-13978; AD 2005-04-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV-SP Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (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-SP series airplanes. This AD requires
repetitive inspections of the avionics standard communication bus
(ASCB) for any noise interference and repair of the ASCB if noise
interference is found. This AD also requires revisions of the airplane
flight manual (AFM) to prohibit dispatch of any flight with the
integrated standby flight display (SFD) inoperative; to add procedures
to facilitate recovery of the cockpit display units in the event that
the cockpit displays go blank; and to add flightcrew briefings on the
use of standby instruments in case the cockpit display units go blank
and do not recover. This AD also requires installing an avionics
software update and a hardware upgrade to the Honeywell Primus Epic
system to correct a display blanking problem; installing the update
will allow removal of certain AFM revisions and will end the repetitive
inspections of the ASCB. This AD is prompted by a report indicating
that all four cockpit flight panel displays went blank simultaneously.
We are issuing this AD to prevent a software error from blanking the
cockpit display units, which will result in a reduction of the
flightcrew's situational awareness, and possible loss of control of the
airplane. We are also issuing this AD to address noise interference in
the ASCB, which can interfere with the display recovery after a
blanking event and consequently extend the time that the displays
remain blank. In addition, we are issuing this AD to ensure that the
flightcrew is advised of the procedures necessary to address blank
cockpit display units.
DATES: Effective February 23, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
February 23, 2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by April 18, 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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206. 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-2005-20280; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-254-AD.
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: Robert Chupka, 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) 703-6070; fax (770) 703-
6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating that
all four cockpit flight panel displays went blank simultaneously during
flight, then recovered without any flightcrew action after
approximately 74 seconds, on a Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplane.
Two similar incidents occurred on the ground. An engineering
investigation revealed a software problem on the Honeywell Primus Epic
system, which can cause a temporary loss of data from the cockpit
display units. Loss of the cockpit display units will result in a
reduction of the flightcrew's situational awareness, and possible loss
of control of the airplane. The engineering investigation also revealed
noise interference on the avionics standard communication bus (ASCB),
which is a part of the Honeywell Primus Epic system. Noise
interference, if not corrected, can possibly interfere with the display
recovery after a blanking event, and
[[Page 7848]]
consequently extend the time that the cockpit displays remain blank.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We determined that since the Honeywell Primus Epic system also is
installed on Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ
170 series airplanes, those airplanes are subject to an unsafe
condition similar to that addressed in this AD. In light of that
determination, we issued AD 2004-26-12, amendment 39-13924 (69 FR
78300, December 30, 2004), to address that unsafe condition on that
airplane model. We may consider additional rulemaking on other airplane
models having the Honeywell Primus Epic system that also exhibit a
similar unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, dated
October 27, 2004; and Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, dated
October 27, 2004. The customer bulletins describe procedures for
inspecting the ASCB for any noise interference and contacting the
manufacturer if any noise interference indications are found during the
inspection.
We have also reviewed Gulfstream G500 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 28, 2004; and
Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December
28, 2004. The AFM revisions describe procedures to recover the cockpit
display units in the event that all four cockpit display units go blank
during flight. Additionally, these AFM revisions describe procedures to
ensure that the flightcrew is aware that dispatch of any flight with
any of the following display units inoperative is prohibited: the
integrated standby flight display (SFD), very high frequency (VHF) 1,
very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) 1, or air traffic
control (ATC) 1. The AFM revisions also describe procedures to advise
the flightcrew that, during the use of Taxi/Before Takeoff, Descent,
and Before Landing checklists, the briefings (takeoff and approach)
should include the possibility of the loss of all cockpit display units
and the subsequent transition to the use of the standby instruments.
In addition, we have reviewed Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service
Change 902; and Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 902; both dated
December 30, 2004. The aircraft service changes describe procedures to
install software updates to the Honeywell Primus Epic systems and for
submitting the service reply card, and specify concurrent
accomplishment of Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service Change 043, dated
December 30, 2004; and Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 043,
dated December 30, 2004; as applicable. Gulfstream G500 Aircraft
Service Change 043 and Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 043
describe procedures for installing hardware upgrades to the Honeywell
Primus Epic systems. The hardware upgrades include upgrading and
retrofitting display controllers, display units, a display driver unit,
and a data management unit in addition to replacing an existing circuit
breaker with a new circuit breaker. Installing the software update and
the hardware upgrade will allow removal of certain AFM revisions and
will end the repetitive inspections of the ASCB.
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 a software error from blanking the cockpit
display units, which will result in a reduction of the flightcrew's
situational awareness, and possibly loss of control of the airplane. We
are also issuing this AD to address noise interference in the avionics
standard communication bus (ASCB), which can interfere with the display
recovery after a blanking event and consequently extend the time that
the displays remain blank. In addition, we are issuing this AD to
ensure that the flightcrew is advised of the procedures necessary to
address blank cockpit display units, and to ensure that adequate
standby instrument systems are available to safely complete the flight.
This AD requires doing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the AD and the Customer Bulletins.''
Differences Between the AD and the Customer Bulletins
Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced customer bulletins describe procedures
for submitting a sheet recording compliance with the customer bulletin,
this AD will not require those actions. The FAA does not need this
information from operators.
Operators should note that, although the Modification Instructions
of the referenced aircraft service changes describe procedures for
submitting a service reply card, this AD will not require those
actions. The FAA does not need this information from operators.
Although the customer bulletins specify that operators may contact
the manufacturer for disposition if any noise interference indications
are found during the inspection of the ASCB, this AD requires operators
to repair the ASCB according to a method approved by the FAA.
The customer bulletins specify a one time inspection; however, they
do note that a recurring inspection will be added to the applicable
airplane maintenance manual (AMM). The recurring inspection interval in
the applicable AMM is specified as 60 days, the same as this AD.
The customer bulletins state that a certain number of Gulfstream
Model GV-SP series airplanes with specific serial numbers are affected.
This AD also specifies certain additional airplanes with serial numbers
that are not stated in the customer bulletin. These additional
airplanes may also be subject to the unsafe condition.
Clarification of AFM Revisions
As indicated in Note 1 of this AD, operators may accomplish the AFM
revisions required by this AD by inserting a copy of Gulfstream G500
AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 28, 2004, or
Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December
28, 2004, into the applicable AFM. Future general revisions to the AFM
must contain the identical procedures specified in the applicable
sections of the AFM revisions required by this AD.
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-2005-20280;
Directorate Identifier
[[Page 7849]]
2004-NM-254-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 19477-78), or you can visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
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 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):
2005-04-06 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-13978.
Docket No. FAA-2005-20280; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-254-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 23, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplanes,
certificated in any category; with serial numbers 5001 through 5062
inclusive.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that all four
cockpit flight panel displays went blank simultaneously. There were
also two reports of similar incidents occurring on the ground. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent a software error from blanking the
cockpit display units, which will result in a reduction of the
flightcrew's situational awareness, and possible loss of control of
the airplane. We are also issuing this AD to address noise
interference in the avionics standard communication bus (ASCB),
which can interfere with the display recovery after a blanking event
and consequently extend the time that the displays remain blank. In
addition, we are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is
advised of the procedures necessary to address blank cockpit display
units.
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.
Initial and Repetitive Inspections
(f) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 days: Do an inspection
of the ASCB for any noise interference indications in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream G500 Alert
Customer Bulletin 2, dated October 27, 2004, including Appendix A;
or Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, dated October 27,
2004, including Appendix A; as applicable. If any noise interference
indication is found during any inspection required by this AD,
before further flight, repair the ASCB according to a method
approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions
(g) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, revise
sections of the applicable AFM in accordance with the actions
required in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this
AD. Any further revisions to the AFM must contain the identical
procedures in the applicable sections of the AFM revisions as
required by this AD.
Note 1: This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of
Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December
28, 2004; or Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9,
dated December 28, 2004; as applicable; into the applicable AFM.
(1) Revise the Limitations section of the Gulfstream G500 AFM
and the Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the procedures in
Section 1-34-140, ``3-in-1'' Integrated Standby Instrument System
(SFD), of Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7,
dated December 28, 2004; or Section 1-34-140, ``3-in-1'' Integrated
Standby Instrument System (SFD), of Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-
OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 28, 2004; as applicable; in the
applicable AFM.
(2) Revise the Limitations section of the Gulfstream G500 AFM
and the Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the procedures in
Section 1-101-10, Checklist Compliance, of Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-
AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December 28, 2004; or Section 1-
101-10, Checklist Compliance, of Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-
OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December 28, 2004; as applicable; in the
applicable AFM.
(3) Revise the Abnormal Procedures section of the Gulfstream
G500 AFM and the Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the
procedures in Section 3-16-150, Loss of All Display Units (DUs), of
Gulfstream G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, Revision 7, dated December
28, 2004; or Section 3-16-150, Loss of All Display Units (DUs), of
Gulfstream G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, Revision 9, dated December
28, 2004; as applicable; in the applicable AFM.
(4) Revise the Normal Procedures section of the Gulfstream G500
AFM and the
[[Page 7850]]
Gulfstream G550 AFM by inserting a copy of the procedures contained
in the applicable ``Section'' listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--AFM Revisions
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Section Applicable gulfstream AFM
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Section 02-04-20, Taxi/Before G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as
Takeoff. specified in Revision 7, dated December
28, 2004.
Section 02-04-20, Taxi/Before G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as
Takeoff. specified in Revision 9, dated December
28, 2004.
Section 02-05-30, Descent.... G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as
specified in Revision 7, dated December
28, 2004.
Section 02-05-30, Descent.... G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as
specified in Revision 9, dated December
28, 2004.
Section 02-05-50, Before G500 AFM GAC-AC-G500-OPS-0001, as
Landing. specified in Revision 7, dated December
28, 2004.
Section 02-05-50, Before G550 AFM GAC-AC-G550-OPS-0001, as
Landing. specified in Revision 9, dated December
28, 2004.
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Note 2: Instead of inserting the AFM procedures required by this
AD into the AFM, use of the information contained in Gulfstream G550
AFM GAC-AC-JAA-550-OPS-0001, Revision 2, dated January 12, 2005, is
considered acceptable for airplanes operated under/in accordance
with Joint Aviation Authority/European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
regulations/supervision/oversight.
Terminating Action
(h) Within 90 days or 300 flight hours after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions required in
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2). Doing the actions in paragraphs (h)(1)
and (h)(2) ends the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, and
the AFM revisions required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(4)
of this AD may be removed from the AFMs.
(1) Install an avionics software update for the Honeywell Primus
Epic system in accordance with the Modification Instructions of
Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service Change 902, dated December 30,
2004; or Gulfstream G550 aircraft Service Change 902, dated December
30, 2004; as applicable.
(2) Concurrent with the actions required in paragraph (h)(1) of
this AD, install hardware upgrades for the Honeywell Primus Epic
system in accordance with the Modification Instructions of
Gulfstream G500 Aircraft Service Change 043, dated December 30,
2004; or Gulfstream G550 Aircraft Service Change 043, dated December
30, 2004; as applicable.
No Reporting
(i) 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)
(j) 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
(k) 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. (The appendices to the
Gulfstream alert customer bulletins are not dated.) 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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206. 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
.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Gulfstream service information Pages Revision level Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G500 Airplane Flight Manual GAC- List of Effective Revision 7............... December 28, 2004.
AC-G500-OPS-0001. Pages; Pages A
through H.
G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, 1-2; 1-4 (appendix) Original................. October 27, 2004.
including Appendix A.
G500 Aircraft Service Change 043 1-8................ Original................. December 30, 2004.
G500 Aircraft Service Change 902 1-6................ Original................. December 30, 2004.
G550 Airplane Flight Manual GAC- List of Effective Revision 9............... December 28, 2004.
AC-G550-OPS-0001. Pages; Pages A
through H.
G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 2, 1-2; 1-4 (appendix) Original................. October 27, 2004.
including Appendix A.
G550 Aircraft Service Change 043 1-8................ Original................. December 30, 2004.
G550 Aircraft Service Change 902 1-6................ Original................. December 30, 2004.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2761 Filed 2-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P