FR Doc E8-14469

[Federal Register: July 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 131)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 38898-38900]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08jy08-8]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0299; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-254-AD;
Amendment 39-15593; AD 2008-13-30]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra
SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Failure of the attachment fasteners could result in possible in-flight
loss of a horizontal or vertical stabilizer and consequent loss of
control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 12, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 12,
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2008 (73
FR 13800). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:

Two of the fasteners used to attach the ``scissors'' to the
horizontal and the vertical stabilizers were found broken during
routine maintenance. The highest loads on the ``scissors'' occur
when using high reverse thrust. Therefore, the reverse thrust must
be limited to idle in order to keep the loads at a sufficiently low
level to preclude any structural problem. It was established that on
model 1125 Astra, alternate fasteners of inferior strength were
sometimes installed. When the originally specified fasteners are
installed, the limitations on reverse thrust used may be lifted. For
models Astra SPX and G100, however, the limitation remains in effect
till further revision of this AD.

Failure of the attachment fasteners could result in possible in-flight
loss of a horizontal or vertical stabilizer and consequent loss of
control of the airplane. Corrective actions include revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM); inspections for damage of the bolts and
replacing the bolt, if necessary; and doing related investigative and
other corrective actions (eddy current inspection for bolt hole
diameter and damage, contact Gulfstream for repair and do repair). You
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect about 129 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 10

[[Page 38899]]

work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this
AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will
cost about $33 per product. Where the service information lists
required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed
that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control
warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs
higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $107,457, or $833 per
product.

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 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 this AD:
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 and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.

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 AD:

2008-13-30 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-15593. Docket No. FAA-2008-0299;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-254-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
12, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX,
1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 airplanes; certificated in
any category; serial numbers 004 through 158.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55:
Stabilizers.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:

Failure of the attachment fasteners could result in possible in-
flight loss of a horizontal or vertical stabilizer and consequent
loss of control of the airplane. Corrective actions include revising
the airplane flight manual (AFM); inspections for damage of the
bolts and replacing the bolt, if necessary; and doing related
investigative and other corrective actions (eddy current inspection
for bolt hole diameter and damage, contact Gulfstream for repair and
do repair).

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the Limitations section of the AFM by incorporating the information
in the applicable Israel Aircraft Industries (Gulfstream) temporary
revisions (TR): Astra AFM TR 15; Astra SPX AFM TR 8; or Gulfstream
100 AFM TR 1; all dated June 14, 2007; into the Limitations section
of the Gulfstream Astra, Astra SPX, or Gulfstream 100 AFM, as
applicable. The TRs limit the normal use of reverse thrust to idle.

Note 1: The actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be
done by inserting a copy of Israel Aircraft Industries (Gulfstream)
Astra AFM TR 15; Astra SPX AFM TR 8; or Gulfstream 100 AFM TR 1; all
dated June 14, 2007; as applicable; into the Limitations section of
the Gulfstream Astra, Astra SPX, or Gulfstream 100 AFM, as
applicable. When the applicable TR has been included in the general
revisions of the applicable AFM, the general revisions may be
inserted in the AFM.

(2) For all airplanes: Within 25 flight hours or 30 days after
the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, do the
inspections specified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this
AD in accordance with Part A of Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin
100-55A-293, dated June 22, 2007.
(i) Visually inspect the attachment bolts and replace any
damaged bolt before further flight.
(ii) Perform a detailed visual inspection of fittings with part
number (P/N) 25W357222-501-51, and fillers with P/N 25W4011001-003,
and surrounding structure for damage. If blind bolts with P/N
MS21141U0612 are installed and no damage is found, no further action
is required. If any damage is found, before further flight, repair
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. If any bolt with P/N AN173C11 is
installed and damage is found, replace the bolt and do all related
investigative and applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
(3) For Model 1125 Westwind Astra airplanes (serial numbers 004,
011 through 072 inclusive, and 073 through 078 inclusive): Within 12
months after the effective date of this AD, replace all P/N AN173C11
bolts, and do all related investigative and applicable corrective

[[Page 38900]]

actions before further flight, as detailed in Part B of Gulfstream
Alert Service Bulletin 100-55A-293, dated June 22, 2007.
Accomplishment of Part B of the alert service bulletin constitutes
terminating action for paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Israel Aircraft
Industries (Gulfstream) TR 15 may be deleted and unlimited use of
reverse thrust is allowed per the Gulfstream Astra AFM.

Note 2: Reverse thrust limitations remain in effect for Model
Astra SPX and Gulfstream 100 airplanes.

FAA AD Differences

Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows:
Compliance Time: The compliance time required by the MCAI or
service information for performing the AFM revision is immediate on
receipt of this AD; however, to avoid inadvertently grounding
airplanes, this AD requires performing the AFM revision within 30
days after the effective date of this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Mike
Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

(h) Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 55-07-06-07R1,
dated June 26, 2007; Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 100-55A-293,
dated June 22, 2007; and Israel Aircraft Industries (Gulfstream)
Astra SPX AFM TR 8, Astra AFM TR 15, and Gulfstream 100 AFM TR 1,
all dated June 14, 2007; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 100-55A-293,
dated June 22, 2007, and the temporary revisions specified in Table
1 of this AD, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25,
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 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/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.

Table 1.--Temporary Revisions Incorporated by Reference
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Israel Aircraft Industries (Gulfstream) Dated To the
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Astra SPX Temporary Revision 8........... June 14, 2007.......................... Gulfstream Astra SPX Airplane Flight Manual.
Astra Temporary Revision 15.............. June 14, 2007.......................... Gulfstream Astra Airplane Flight Manual.
Gulfstream 100 Temporary Revision 1...... June 14, 2007.......................... Gulfstream 100 Airplane Flight Manual.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 6, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-14469 Filed 7-7-08; 8:45 am]

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