Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes, 68037-68039 [2019-26849]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
November 27, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–26676 Filed 12–12–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0960; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–049–AD; Amendment
39–19805; AD 2019–23–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
(Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. This
AD requires revising the airplane flight
manual (AFM) for your airplane by
adding an airplane flight manual
supplement (AFMS), which contains
operating limitations and abnormal
procedures for loss of rudder or yaw
damper. This AD was prompted by a
report of an inflight rudder surface
shutdown that resulted in lateraldirectional oscillations of the airplane.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
30, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of December 30, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by January 27, 2020.
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: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:53 Dec 12, 2019
Jkt 250001
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this final rule, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, Technical
Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, GA 31402–2206; telephone:
(800) 810–4853; fax: (912) 965–3520;
email: pubs@gulfstream.com; internet:
https://www.gulfstream.com/customersupport. 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. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0960.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0960; 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 final
rule, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alex
Armas, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta
ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337;
phone: (404) 474–5538; fax: (404) 474–
5605; email: alex.armas@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On October 1, 2019, the FAA received
a report from Gulfstream of an inflight
rudder surface shutdown that resulted
in lateral-directional oscillations on a
Model GVI airplane. The flight crew
experienced an amber ‘‘Rudder Fail’’
crew alerting system message at flight
level 340 and was unable to command
any movement of the rudder. The flight
crew attempted a Flight Control Reset,
but the condition remained. Following
the rudder shutdown, the airplane
experienced sustained lateraldirectional oscillations, which persisted
for eight minutes before the flight crew
was able to stop the oscillations. The
flight crew made an emergency landing
of the airplane with no rudder authority.
The investigation of this inflight event
revealed the root cause as an unstable
rudder hinge moment when the aircraft
is in a sideslip condition, combined
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68037
with a rudder surface shutdown, which
is inherent to the GVI aircraft type
design.
A rudder ‘‘shutdown’’ occurs when
the flight control computer detects a
rudder control anomaly and commands
the rudder hydraulic actuators into
damped bypass mode. When this
happens, the rudder becomes unusable
and ‘‘floats’’ at the aerodynamic neutral
position. After a rudder shutdown, the
combination of the unstable rudder
hinge movement with an airplane
sideslip could lead to uncontrollable
lateral-directional oscillations of the
airplane when operated within the flight
envelope at high altitude and high
speed.
This condition, if not addressed,
could result in catastrophic structural
damage or loss of control of the
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream
Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement No. G650–2019–03, dated
November 4, 2019; and Gulfstream
Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight
Manual Supplement No. G650ER–2019–
03, dated November 4, 2019. For the
applicable airplane designations, the
AFMSs contain new altitude
limitations, revised airspeed limitations,
and revised abnormal procedures for
loss of rudder or yaw damper. These
limitations prevent the airplane from
operating in the portion of the flight
envelope where instability has occurred.
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.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because
it 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires revising the AFM for
your airplane by adding the applicable
AFMS, which contains limitations to
the operating envelope of the airplane
and revised abnormal procedures for
loss of rudder or yaw damper.
Differences Between the AD and the
Service Information
The AFMSs apply to Model GVI
airplanes that do not incorporate aircraft
service change (ASC) 134. However, this
E:\FR\FM\13DER1.SGM
13DER1
68038
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
AD applies to all Model GVI airplanes,
regardless of whether the airplane has
ASC 134. Gulfstream plans to develop a
modification, tentatively identified as
ASC 134, to correct the unsafe condition
and terminate the operating limitations
and abnormal procedures in the AFMS.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim
action. Gulfstream is analyzing the
airplane lateral-directional oscillations
and developing a terminating action that
will address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. Once this action
is developed, approved, and available,
the FAA may consider additional
rulemaking.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because a rudder shutdown during
high altitude and high speed could
produce uncontrollable lateraldirectional oscillations of the airplane
and result in catastrophic structural
damage or loss of control of the
airplane. Based on data from
Gulfstream, the FAA determined that
corrective action within 15 days was
necessary because of the probability that
a recurrence of this event could lead to
loss of control of the airplane or
catastrophic structural damage.
Therefore, the FAA finds good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are impracticable. In
addition, for the reasons stated above,
the FAA finds that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment.
However, the FAA invites you to send
any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include Docket
Number FAA–2019–0960 and Product
Identifier 2019–CE–049–AD at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this final rule. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this final rule
because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments it
receives, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact it receives about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 262 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per
product
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Revise the AFM ..............................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85
Not applicable ................................
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.
The FAA is 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:53 Dec 12, 2019
Jkt 250001
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to small airplanes, domestic
business jet transport airplanes, and
associated appliances to the Director of
the Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because FAA
has determined that it has good cause to
adopt this rule without notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
Frm 00020
Fmt 4700
$85
$22,270
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
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:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
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,
and
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Cost on U.S.
operators
Sfmt 4700
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):
■
2019–23–11 Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation: Amendment 39–19805;
Docket No. FAA–2019–0960; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–049–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 30, 2019.
E:\FR\FM\13DER1.SGM
13DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation Model GVI airplanes, all serial
numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an
inflight rudder surface shutdown that
resulted in sustained lateral-directional
oscillations of the airplane. The FAA is
issuing this AD to provide operating
limitations and flight crew procedures in the
event of an inflight loss of rudder or yaw
damper. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in catastrophic
structural damage or loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Revise the Airplane Flight Manual
Within 15 days after December 30, 2019
(the effective date of this AD), revise the
airplane flight manual for your airplane by
adding the applicable airplane flight manual
supplement specified below:
(1) Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement No. G650–2019–
03, dated November 4, 2019; or
(2) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement No. G650ER–
2019–03, dated November 4, 2019.
(h) 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 (i) 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.
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(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Alex Armas, Aerospace Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone:
(404) 474–5538; fax: (404) 474–5605; email:
alex.armas@faa.gov.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:53 Dec 12, 2019
Jkt 250001
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement No. G650–2019–
03, dated November 4, 2019.
(ii) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement No. G650ER–
2019–03, dated November 4, 2019.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation, Technical Publications Dept.,
P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402–2206;
telephone: (800) 810–4853; fax: (912) 965–
3520; email: pubs@gulfstream.com; internet:
https://www.gulfstream.com/customersupport.
(4) You may view this service information
at 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 4, 2019.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Aircraft Certification Service, Manager, Small
Airplane Standards Branch, AIR–690.
[FR Doc. 2019–26849 Filed 12–12–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0591; Airspace
Docket No. 19–ASO–15]
RIN 2120–AA66
Establishment of Class E Airspace, St.
Simons, GA, and Brunswick, GA;
Revocation of Class E Airspace,
Brunswick, GA; and, Amendment of
Class E Airspace, Brunswick, GA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action establishes Class
E surface airspace for St. Simons Island
Airport, St. Simons, GA, and for
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport,
Brunswick, GA, and amends Class E
airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface in Brunswick, GA,
to accommodate airspace
reconfiguration due to the airport’s
names and cities requiring updates.
Also, this action removes Class E
surface airspace listed as Brunswick
Glynco Jetport, GA, and Brunswick
Malcolm-McKinnon Airport, GA in the
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68039
FAA’s 7400.11D. Controlled airspace is
necessary for the safety and
management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations at these airports. This
action also updates the geographic
coordinates of St. Simons Island
Airport, (formally Brunswick MalcolmMcKinnon Airport). In addition, this
action amends Class E airspace
extending upward from 700 feet above
the surface in the Brunswick area by
updating the name and geographic
coordinates of St. Simons Island Airport
and Brunswick Golden Isles Airport.
Controlled airspace is necessary for the
safety and management of instrument
flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, January 30,
2020. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1 Code of
Federal Regulations part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11D,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed on line at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/.
For further information, you can contact
the Airspace Policy Group, Federal
Aviation 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 7400.11D at NARA, email
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Fornito, Operations Support Group,
Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave.,
College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404)
305–6364.
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
E:\FR\FM\13DER1.SGM
13DER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 240 (Friday, December 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68037-68039]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26849]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0960; Product Identifier 2019-CE-049-AD; Amendment
39-19805; AD 2019-23-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. This
AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) for your airplane
by adding an airplane flight manual supplement (AFMS), which contains
operating limitations and abnormal procedures for loss of rudder or yaw
damper. This AD was prompted by a report of an inflight rudder surface
shutdown that resulted in lateral-directional oscillations of the
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 30, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 30,
2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 27, 2020.
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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O.
Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-4853; fax:
(912) 965-3520; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. 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. It is also available on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0960.
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-2019-
0960; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alex Armas, Aerospace Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia
30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-5605; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On October 1, 2019, the FAA received a report from Gulfstream of an
inflight rudder surface shutdown that resulted in lateral-directional
oscillations on a Model GVI airplane. The flight crew experienced an
amber ``Rudder Fail'' crew alerting system message at flight level 340
and was unable to command any movement of the rudder. The flight crew
attempted a Flight Control Reset, but the condition remained. Following
the rudder shutdown, the airplane experienced sustained lateral-
directional oscillations, which persisted for eight minutes before the
flight crew was able to stop the oscillations. The flight crew made an
emergency landing of the airplane with no rudder authority.
The investigation of this inflight event revealed the root cause as
an unstable rudder hinge moment when the aircraft is in a sideslip
condition, combined with a rudder surface shutdown, which is inherent
to the GVI aircraft type design.
A rudder ``shutdown'' occurs when the flight control computer
detects a rudder control anomaly and commands the rudder hydraulic
actuators into damped bypass mode. When this happens, the rudder
becomes unusable and ``floats'' at the aerodynamic neutral position.
After a rudder shutdown, the combination of the unstable rudder hinge
movement with an airplane sideslip could lead to uncontrollable
lateral-directional oscillations of the airplane when operated within
the flight envelope at high altitude and high speed.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in catastrophic
structural damage or loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement No. G650-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019; and Gulfstream
Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual Supplement No. G650ER-2019-03,
dated November 4, 2019. For the applicable airplane designations, the
AFMSs contain new altitude limitations, revised airspeed limitations,
and revised abnormal procedures for loss of rudder or yaw damper. These
limitations prevent the airplane from operating in the portion of the
flight envelope where instability has occurred. 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.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires revising the AFM for your airplane by adding the
applicable AFMS, which contains limitations to the operating envelope
of the airplane and revised abnormal procedures for loss of rudder or
yaw damper.
Differences Between the AD and the Service Information
The AFMSs apply to Model GVI airplanes that do not incorporate
aircraft service change (ASC) 134. However, this
[[Page 68038]]
AD applies to all Model GVI airplanes, regardless of whether the
airplane has ASC 134. Gulfstream plans to develop a modification,
tentatively identified as ASC 134, to correct the unsafe condition and
terminate the operating limitations and abnormal procedures in the
AFMS.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. Gulfstream is analyzing
the airplane lateral-directional oscillations and developing a
terminating action that will address the unsafe condition identified in
this AD. Once this action is developed, approved, and available, the
FAA may consider additional rulemaking.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because a rudder shutdown during high altitude and high speed could
produce uncontrollable lateral-directional oscillations of the airplane
and result in catastrophic structural damage or loss of control of the
airplane. Based on data from Gulfstream, the FAA determined that
corrective action within 15 days was necessary because of the
probability that a recurrence of this event could lead to loss of
control of the airplane or catastrophic structural damage. Therefore,
the FAA finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above,
the FAA finds that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include Docket Number FAA-2019-0960
and Product Identifier 2019-CE-049-AD at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact it receives about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 262 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the AFM.................... 1 work-hour x $85 per Not applicable....... $85 $22,270
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
The FAA is 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, domestic business
jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of
the Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
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):
2019-23-11 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19805;
Docket No. FAA-2019-0960; Product Identifier 2019-CE-049-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 30, 2019.
[[Page 68039]]
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an inflight rudder surface
shutdown that resulted in sustained lateral-directional oscillations
of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to provide operating
limitations and flight crew procedures in the event of an inflight
loss of rudder or yaw damper. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in catastrophic structural damage or loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Revise the Airplane Flight Manual
Within 15 days after December 30, 2019 (the effective date of
this AD), revise the airplane flight manual for your airplane by
adding the applicable airplane flight manual supplement specified
below:
(1) Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual Supplement
No. G650-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019; or
(2) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement No. G650ER-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019.
(h) 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 (i) 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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Alex Armas,
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-
5605; email: [email protected].
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual Supplement
No. G650-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019.
(ii) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement No. G650ER-2019-03, dated November 4, 2019.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O.
Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-4853; fax:
(912) 965-3520; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support.
(4) You may view this service information at 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 4, 2019.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Aircraft Certification Service, Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, AIR-690.
[FR Doc. 2019-26849 Filed 12-12-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P