Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes, 44432-44434 [2012-18153]
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44432
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4145; fax: (816)
329–4090; email:
sarjapur.nagarajan@faa.gov. 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, a federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 5 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2012–0097R1, dated
June 1, 2012; and Rotax Aircraft Engines BRP
Alert Service Bulletin ASB–912–061R1,
dated May 31, 2012, for related information.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use Rotax Aircraft Engines
BRP Alert Service Bulletin ASB–912–061R1,
dated May 31, 2012, to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact BRP–Powertrain GmbH &
Co. KG, Welser Strasse 32, A–4623
Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246 601
0; fax: +43 7246 601 9130; Internet: https://
www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com.
(3) You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
(4) You may also review copies of the
service information that is incorporated by
reference at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:44 Jul 27, 2012
Jkt 226001
information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202–741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 17,
2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–18149 Filed 7–27–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–1164; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NM–057–AD; Amendment
39–17135; AD 2012–15–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream
Aerospace LP (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Israel Aircraft
Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type
Certificate previously held by Israel
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra
SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and
Gulfstream 100 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report indicating that
sponge rubber padding was found
between wheel well fuel lines and
electrical harnesses. This AD requires
inspecting for the presence of sponge
rubber padding and for proper
separation of the fuel lines and
electrical harnesses in the wheel well
area, and corrective actions if necessary.
We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct corrosion or chafing of the fuel
lines, which could result in fuel leakage
and possible fire in the wheel well area.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
September 4, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 4, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
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.
SUMMARY:
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Tom
Groves, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1503; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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 December 8, 2010 (75 FR
76317). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Sponge rubber padding used to provide
separation between wheel well fuel lines and
electrical harnesses was discovered during
fleet maintenance. Use of this type of
padding for this purpose is not approved as
it is liable to cause corrosion of the fuel lines.
Unless steps are taken to remove this
padding and install approved separation
means, fuel lines may be damaged by
corrosion and/or chafing resulting in an
unsafe condition due to fuel leakage[, which
could result in a fire] in the wheel well area.
Corrective actions include installing
loop clamps to correct improper
separation and removing sponge rubber
padding, and repair or replacement of
any corroded or chafed fuel lines found
after sponge rubber padding removal.
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
have considered the comments received.
Requests To Include Additional
Inspection Area
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
(Gulfstream) requested that the
inspection area be expanded to include
tube assemblies outside of the wheel
well area that have also been found to
have sponge rubber padding and
corrosion beneath the padding.
Gulfstream stated that the padding with
corrosion beneath has been found on
four tube assemblies outside of the
wheel well area specified in the NPRM
(75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010) and
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100–28–
297, dated January 21, 2010. These four
tube assemblies are part of, or an
extension of, the tube assemblies
identified by part number in that service
bulletin, and terminate in the wing root
area.
John R. Dunn, a private citizen, stated
that, upon further investigation after
discovering instances of sponge rubber
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30JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
in the left wheel well, foam (sponge
rubber padding) was found wrapped
around tubes in the forward wing root
areas of two airplanes along with wire
harnesses alongside the affected tubes.
Corrosion was also found on those
tubes. John R. Dunn stated that neither
of the affected wing root areas are
mentioned in Gulfstream Service
Bulletin 100–28–297, dated January 21,
2010.
We partially agree. We agree to
investigate reports of sponge rubber
padding use, and any subsequent
corrosion, that occurs outside of the
wheel well area specified in Gulfstream
Service Bulletin 100–28–297, dated
January 21, 2010. Depending on the
results of the investigation, we will
work with the airplane manufacturer to
develop appropriate service information
and might consider additional
rulemaking to address these areas. We
do not agree to change this AD to
include the additional areas outside of
the wheel well areas, since that would
expand the scope of this AD and
therefore require additional public
review. We do not yet have sufficient
information to justify delaying this AD
to include those tubes. We have not
changed the AD in this regard.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Request To Revise Wording in
Paragraph (g) of NPRM (75 FR 76317,
December 8, 2010)
Gulfstream requested that the NPRM
(75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010) be
revised to state that ‘‘all’’ tubes in the
wheel well areas be inspected for the
sponge rubber padding and corrosion
conditions. Gulfstream stated that it has
received reports where tube part
numbers other than those called out in
the service information have sponge
rubber padding.
We disagree to revise the wording in
paragraph (g) of this AD to add the word
‘‘all.’’ Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100–
28–297, dated January 21, 2010, already
specifies a detailed inspection in the
wheel well area for the presence of
sponge rubber padding without
specifying part numbers. As noted in
paragraph 4.A. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of that service bulletin, this
inspection is not limited to the fuel line
part numbers identified in that service
bulletin. The Accomplishment
Instructions of that service bulletin note
that if fuel lines other than those with
part numbers identified in that service
bulletin are found to have sponge rubber
padding, then the padding must be
removed and those affected tubes must
also be inspected for corrosion. We have
not revised the AD in this regard.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:44 Jul 27, 2012
Jkt 226001
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data,
including the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
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 (75 FR
76317, December 8, 2010) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (75 FR 76317,
December 8, 2010).
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
Where Gulfstream Service Bulletin
100–28–297, dated January 21, 2010,
specifies to submit a photo of any
sponge rubber padding that is found to
the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100–28–
297, dated January 21, 2010, instructs
operators to contact Gulfstream if
technical assistance is required.
However, any deviation from the
instructions provided in that service
bulletin and mandated by this AD must
be approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) under the
provisions of paragraph (h)(1) of this
AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
130 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 25 workhours per product to comply with the
basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $100 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 $289,250, or
$2,225 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:
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44433
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 that 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);
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.
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 https://
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 (75 FR 76317,
December 8, 2010), 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
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
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30JYR1
44434
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin
100–28–297, dated January 21, 2010.
(3) If proper separation is found, and no
sponge rubber padding is found, no further
action is required by this paragraph.
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 AD:
■
2012–15–06 Gulfstream Aerospace LP
(Type Certificate Previously Held by
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.):
Amendment 39–17135. Docket No.
FAA–2010–1164; Directorate Identifier
2010–NM–057–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective September 4, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace
LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra SPX,
1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100
airplanes, serial numbers 002 through 158
inclusive, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28: Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report
indicating that sponge rubber padding was
found between wheel well fuel lines and
electrical harnesses. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct corrosion or chafing of
the fuel lines, which could result in fuel
leakage and possible fire in the wheel well
area.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Actions
Within 24 months after the effective date
of this AD, inspect for the presence of sponge
rubber padding on the fuel lines in the wheel
well area and inspect the fuel lines and
electrical harnesses in the wheel well area for
proper separation, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream
Service Bulletin 100–28–297, dated January
21, 2010.
(1) If any sponge rubber padding is found,
before further flight, remove all sponge
rubber padding from the fuel lines, inspect
the fuel lines that were covered with the
rubber padding for any corrosion and repair
or replace as applicable any corroded or
chafed fuel lines, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream
Service Bulletin 100–28–297, dated January
21, 2010.
(2) If any fuel lines and electrical harnesses
are found to not have proper separation,
before further flight, install loop clamps in
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:44 Jul 27, 2012
Jkt 226001
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
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.
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 International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; telephone (425) 227–1503; fax (425)
227–1149. Information may be emailed to:
9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
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. The AMOC
approval letter must specifically reference
this AD.
(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.
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness
Directive 28–10–02–01, dated February 22,
2010; and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100–
28–297, dated January 21, 2010; for related
information.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service
information to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the
following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part:
(i) Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100–28–
297, dated January 21, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station
D–25, Savannah, Georgia 31402–2206;
telephone 800–810–4853; fax 912–965–3520;
email pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet https://
www.gulfstream.com/product_support/
technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
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(4) You may also review copies of the
service information that is incorporated by
reference at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202–741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17,
2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–18153 Filed 7–27–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0488; Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–20–AD; Amendment 39–
17126; AD 2012–14–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Restricted Category Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Arrow
Falcon Exporters, Inc. (previously Utah
State University); Firefly Aviation
Helicopter Services (previously
Erickson Air-Crane Co.); California
Department of Forestry; Garlick
Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter
Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters,
LLC (previously Western International
Aviation, Inc.); International
Helicopters, Inc.; Precision Helicopters,
LLC; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San
Joaquin Helicopters (previously
Hawkins and Powers Aviation, Inc.);
S.M.&T. Aircraft (previously US
Helicopters, Inc., UNC Helicopter, Inc.,
Southern Aero Corporation, and Wilco
Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern
Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida
Aviation International, Inc. (previously
Jamie R. Hill and Southwest Florida
Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.
(previously Ranger Helicopter Services,
Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc. (previously
UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast
Fabrication; and Williams Helicopter
Corporation (previously Scott Paper Co.)
Model HH–1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–1A,
UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H, UH–
1L, and UH–1P Helicopters; and
Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH–
1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH–1H
(SW205) Helicopters. This AD requires
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\30JYR1.SGM
30JYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 146 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44432-44434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18153]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1164; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-057-AD;
Amendment 39-17135; AD 2012-15-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.)
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and
Gulfstream 100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating
that sponge rubber padding was found between wheel well fuel lines and
electrical harnesses. This AD requires inspecting for the presence of
sponge rubber padding and for proper separation of the fuel lines and
electrical harnesses in the wheel well area, and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or
chafing of the fuel lines, which could result in fuel leakage and
possible fire in the wheel well area.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 4, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 4,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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: Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1503; 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 December 8, 2010 (75
FR 76317). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Sponge rubber padding used to provide separation between wheel
well fuel lines and electrical harnesses was discovered during fleet
maintenance. Use of this type of padding for this purpose is not
approved as it is liable to cause corrosion of the fuel lines.
Unless steps are taken to remove this padding and install approved
separation means, fuel lines may be damaged by corrosion and/or
chafing resulting in an unsafe condition due to fuel leakage[, which
could result in a fire] in the wheel well area.
Corrective actions include installing loop clamps to correct improper
separation and removing sponge rubber padding, and repair or
replacement of any corroded or chafed fuel lines found after sponge
rubber padding removal. 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 have considered the comments received.
Requests To Include Additional Inspection Area
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) requested that the
inspection area be expanded to include tube assemblies outside of the
wheel well area that have also been found to have sponge rubber padding
and corrosion beneath the padding. Gulfstream stated that the padding
with corrosion beneath has been found on four tube assemblies outside
of the wheel well area specified in the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8,
2010) and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21,
2010. These four tube assemblies are part of, or an extension of, the
tube assemblies identified by part number in that service bulletin, and
terminate in the wing root area.
John R. Dunn, a private citizen, stated that, upon further
investigation after discovering instances of sponge rubber
[[Page 44433]]
in the left wheel well, foam (sponge rubber padding) was found wrapped
around tubes in the forward wing root areas of two airplanes along with
wire harnesses alongside the affected tubes. Corrosion was also found
on those tubes. John R. Dunn stated that neither of the affected wing
root areas are mentioned in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297,
dated January 21, 2010.
We partially agree. We agree to investigate reports of sponge
rubber padding use, and any subsequent corrosion, that occurs outside
of the wheel well area specified in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-
297, dated January 21, 2010. Depending on the results of the
investigation, we will work with the airplane manufacturer to develop
appropriate service information and might consider additional
rulemaking to address these areas. We do not agree to change this AD to
include the additional areas outside of the wheel well areas, since
that would expand the scope of this AD and therefore require additional
public review. We do not yet have sufficient information to justify
delaying this AD to include those tubes. We have not changed the AD in
this regard.
Request To Revise Wording in Paragraph (g) of NPRM (75 FR 76317,
December 8, 2010)
Gulfstream requested that the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010)
be revised to state that ``all'' tubes in the wheel well areas be
inspected for the sponge rubber padding and corrosion conditions.
Gulfstream stated that it has received reports where tube part numbers
other than those called out in the service information have sponge
rubber padding.
We disagree to revise the wording in paragraph (g) of this AD to
add the word ``all.'' Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated
January 21, 2010, already specifies a detailed inspection in the wheel
well area for the presence of sponge rubber padding without specifying
part numbers. As noted in paragraph 4.A. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of that service bulletin, this inspection is not limited
to the fuel line part numbers identified in that service bulletin. The
Accomplishment Instructions of that service bulletin note that if fuel
lines other than those with part numbers identified in that service
bulletin are found to have sponge rubber padding, then the padding must
be removed and those affected tubes must also be inspected for
corrosion. We have not revised the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD 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 (75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010).
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
Where Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21,
2010, specifies to submit a photo of any sponge rubber padding that is
found to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 2010,
instructs operators to contact Gulfstream if technical assistance is
required. However, any deviation from the instructions provided in that
service bulletin and mandated by this AD must be approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under the provisions of
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 130 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 25 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $100 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 $289,250, or $2,225 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 that 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);
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.
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 https://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 (75 FR 76317, December 8,
2010), 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
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 44434]]
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:
2012-15-06 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held
by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-17135. Docket No.
FAA-2010-1164; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-057-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 4,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate
previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra
SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 airplanes, serial
numbers 002 through 158 inclusive, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that sponge rubber
padding was found between wheel well fuel lines and electrical
harnesses. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or
chafing of the fuel lines, which could result in fuel leakage and
possible fire in the wheel well area.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Actions
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
for the presence of sponge rubber padding on the fuel lines in the
wheel well area and inspect the fuel lines and electrical harnesses
in the wheel well area for proper separation, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-
297, dated January 21, 2010.
(1) If any sponge rubber padding is found, before further
flight, remove all sponge rubber padding from the fuel lines,
inspect the fuel lines that were covered with the rubber padding for
any corrosion and repair or replace as applicable any corroded or
chafed fuel lines, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated
January 21, 2010.
(2) If any fuel lines and electrical harnesses are found to not
have proper separation, before further flight, install loop clamps
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream
Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 2010.
(3) If proper separation is found, and no sponge rubber padding
is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Groves,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1503; fax (425) 227-1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this
AD.
(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.
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 28-10-02-01, dated
February 22, 2010; and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated
January 21, 2010; for related information.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part:
(i) Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21,
2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25,
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-
3520; email pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet https://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-18153 Filed 7-27-12; 8:45 am]
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