Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes, 35568-35570 [2018-15964]

Download as PDF 35568 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 145 Friday, July 27, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2018–0689; Product Identifier 2018–CE–016–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Models G–IV and GIV–X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of disbonding and surface cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. This proposed AD would require inspections of the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure bulkhead composite panels for damage and repair of any damage found. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 10, 2018. SUMMARY: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Gulfstream amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1 ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Jul 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, 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. You may view this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0689; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5547; fax: (404) 474–5605; email: william.o.herderich@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2018–0689; Product Identifier 2018–CE– 016–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Discussion We received reports of disbonding and accompanying surface cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead on Gulfstream Model G–IV airplanes. Gulfstream Model GIV–X airplanes have the same type design. During scheduled maintenance, areas with disbonding and accompanying surface cracks were found. Operational pressure loads bypassing the disbonded facesheet caused wrinkling or compression failure and led to the surface cracking. This condition, if not addressed, could result in structural failure of the bulkhead and loss of cabin pressure. Airplanes maintained under Gulfstream’s Maintenance Steering Group (MSG–3) maintenance program do not have a scheduled tap test inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead. Model G–IV airplanes with a serial number (S/N) 1400 through 1535, and Model GIV–X airplanes with a S/N 4001 through 4004 adopted the MSG–3 maintenance program in production. Airplanes produced earlier may change to the MSG–3 program by following the instructions in Aircraft Service Change (ASC) No. 416A, dated September 29, 2000. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 243; Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 198; Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 243; Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin Number 198; and Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 243; all dated January 25, 2018. For the applicable airplanes, the service information describes procedures for inspecting the composite panels of the forward and aft pressure bulkhead for damage and repairing any damage found. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Other Related Service Information We also reviewed ASC No. 416A, dated September 29, 2000, which contains instructions for changing the maintenance program for Model G–IV airplanes from the airplane’s existing program to the MSG–3 maintenance program. E:\FR\FM\27JYP1.SGM 27JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 145 / Friday, July 27, 2018 / Proposed Rules 35569 FAA’s Determination Proposed AD Requirements Costs of Compliance We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. We estimate that this proposed AD affects 709 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspection ......................... 18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530 .................... Not applicable .................. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1 The extent of damage found during the proposed inspection may vary from airplane to airplane. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need repairs or the cost of such repairs for each airplane. 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. This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Jul 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 proposed 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), (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. $1,084,770 (c) Applicability List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 $1,530 Cost on U.S. operators (e) Unsafe Condition Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 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 airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA–2018–0689; Product Identifier 2018–CE–016–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 10, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 This AD applies to the following Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation airplanes, certificated in any category: (1) Model G–IV: Serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 through 1399 that are maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Steering Group (MSG–3) maintenance program by complying with Aircraft Service Change (ASC) 416A; and S/Ns 1400 through 1535. (2) Model GIV–X: S/Ns 4001 through 4004. Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model G–IV airplanes are also referred to by the marketing designations G300 and G400. Model GIV–X airplanes are also referred to by the marketing designations G350 and G450. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53; fuselage. This AD was prompted by reports of disbonding and surface cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and address damage of the composite forward and aft pressure bulkhead. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in structural failure of the bulkhead and loss of cabin pressure. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, visually and tap inspect the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure bulkhead composite panels following the Accomplishment Instructions of the service information listed in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD, as applicable to your model airplane. (1) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 243, dated January 25, 2018; (2) Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 198, dated January 25, 2018; (3) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 243, dated January 25, 2018; (4) Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin Number 198, dated January 25, 2018; (5) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 243, dated January 25, 2018. E:\FR\FM\27JYP1.SGM 27JYP1 35570 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 145 / Friday, July 27, 2018 / Proposed Rules (h) Repairs If any damage is found during the inspections required by this AD, before further flight, replace or repair the pressure bulkhead composite panels in accordance with FAA-approved procedures. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 20, 2018. Pat Mullen, Aircraft Certification Service, Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, AIR– 601. (i) Special Flight Permit A special flight permit may be issued per 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a facility to perform the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. If damage is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, a special flight permit may be issued per 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location for repair, provided the aircraft is unpressurized. [FR Doc. 2018–15964 Filed 7–26–18; 8:45 am] amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. (2) 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. (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5547; fax: (404) 474–5605; email: william.o.herderich@ faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, 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. You may view this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Jul 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0370; Airspace Docket No. 18–AGL–11] RIN 2120–AA66 Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Wooster, OH Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Wayne County Airport, Wooster, OH. The FAA is proposing this action as a result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Tiverton VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The geographic coordinates of the airport would also be updated to coincide with the FAA’s aeronautical database. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before September 10, 2018. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 366–9826, or (800) 647–5527. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2018– 0370; Airspace Docket No. 18–AGL–11, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Claypool, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5711. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Wayne County Airport, Wooster, OH, to support instrument flight rule operations at this airport. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped E:\FR\FM\27JYP1.SGM 27JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 145 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35568-35570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15964]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 145 / Friday, July 27, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 35568]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0689; Product Identifier 2018-CE-016-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Models G-IV and 
GIV-X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of disbonding 
and surface cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. This 
proposed AD would require inspections of the forward and aft surfaces 
of the pressure bulkhead composite panels for damage and repair of any 
damage found. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 10, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; 
telephone: (800) 810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; email: 
[email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0689; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William O. Herderich, Aerospace 
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5547; fax: (404) 474-5605; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0689; 
Product Identifier 2018-CE-016-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    We received reports of disbonding and accompanying surface cracking 
of the composite aft pressure bulkhead on Gulfstream Model G-IV 
airplanes. Gulfstream Model GIV-X airplanes have the same type design. 
During scheduled maintenance, areas with disbonding and accompanying 
surface cracks were found. Operational pressure loads by-passing the 
disbonded facesheet caused wrinkling or compression failure and led to 
the surface cracking. This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
structural failure of the bulkhead and loss of cabin pressure.
    Airplanes maintained under Gulfstream's Maintenance Steering Group 
(MSG-3) maintenance program do not have a scheduled tap test inspection 
of the aft pressure bulkhead. Model G-IV airplanes with a serial number 
(S/N) 1400 through 1535, and Model GIV-X airplanes with a S/N 4001 
through 4004 adopted the MSG-3 maintenance program in production. 
Airplanes produced earlier may change to the MSG-3 program by following 
the instructions in Aircraft Service Change (ASC) No. 416A, dated 
September 29, 2000.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 243; 
Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 198; Gulfstream G400 Customer 
Bulletin Number 243; Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin Number 198; and 
Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 243; all dated January 25, 2018. 
For the applicable airplanes, the service information describes 
procedures for inspecting the composite panels of the forward and aft 
pressure bulkhead for damage and repairing any damage found. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed ASC No. 416A, dated September 29, 2000, which 
contains instructions for changing the maintenance program for Model G-
IV airplanes from the airplane's existing program to the MSG-3 
maintenance program.

[[Page 35569]]

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 709 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................  18 work-hours x $85    Not applicable.......          $1,530      $1,084,770
                                     per hour = $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The extent of damage found during the proposed inspection may vary 
from airplane to airplane. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need repairs or the cost of such repairs for each 
airplane.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
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),
    (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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2018-0689; Product 
Identifier 2018-CE-016-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 10, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation airplanes, certificated in any category:
    (1) Model G-IV: Serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 through 1399 that are 
maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Steering Group (MSG-3) 
maintenance program by complying with Aircraft Service Change (ASC) 
416A; and S/Ns 1400 through 1535.
    (2) Model GIV-X: S/Ns 4001 through 4004.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model G-IV airplanes are 
also referred to by the marketing designations G300 and G400. Model 
GIV-X airplanes are also referred to by the marketing designations 
G350 and G450.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53; fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of disbonding and surface 
cracking of the composite aft pressure bulkhead. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and address damage of the composite forward and aft 
pressure bulkhead. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in structural failure of the bulkhead and loss of cabin 
pressure.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, visually 
and tap inspect the forward and aft surfaces of the pressure 
bulkhead composite panels following the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the service information listed in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) 
of this AD, as applicable to your model airplane.
    (1) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin Number 243, dated January 
25, 2018;
    (2) Gulfstream G350 Customer Bulletin Number 198, dated January 
25, 2018;
    (3) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin Number 243, dated January 
25, 2018;
    (4) Gulfstream G450 Customer Bulletin Number 198, dated January 
25, 2018;
    (5) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 243, dated January 
25, 2018.

[[Page 35570]]

(h) Repairs

    If any damage is found during the inspections required by this 
AD, before further flight, replace or repair the pressure bulkhead 
composite panels in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit may be issued per 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199 to operate the airplane to a facility to perform the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. If damage is found 
during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, a 
special flight permit may be issued per 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to 
operate the airplane to a location for repair, provided the aircraft 
is unpressurized.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
    (2) 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.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(j)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact William O. 
Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5547; 
fax: (404) 474-5605; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 
31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; email: 
[email protected]stream.com; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 20, 2018.
Pat Mullen,
Aircraft Certification Service, Acting Deputy Director, Policy & 
Innovation Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-15964 Filed 7-26-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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