Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes, 79443-79446 [2020-27059]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Proposed Rules 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 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: ■ Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2020–1115; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01230–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by January 25, 2021. (b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs) The AD affects AD 2018–23–14, Amendment 39–19501 (83 FR 60754, November 27, 2018) (AD 2018–23–14). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A330–223F and –243F airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before June 29, 2020. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible failure of certain life limited parts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0190, dated August 27, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0190). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0190 (1) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020–0190 do not apply to this AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Dec 09, 2020 Jkt 253001 (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020–0190 specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the ‘‘limitations’’ specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020– 0190 within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020–0190 is on or before the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020–0190, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (4) The provision specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020–0190 does not apply to this AD. (5) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0190 does not apply to this AD. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions or Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0190. (j) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2018–23–14 Accomplishing the revision required by this AD terminates the limitation for the nose landing gear lower torque link having part number D64001, as required by paragraph (g) of AD 2018–23–14, for Model A330–223F and –243F airplanes only. (k) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, if PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 79443 any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified 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 procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (l) Related Information (1) For information about EASA AD 2020– 0190, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@ easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–1115. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3229; email vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov. Issued on December 3, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–26942 Filed 12–9–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0831; Project Identifier 2019–CE–031–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GV airplanes. This SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10DEP1.SGM 10DEP1 79444 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Proposed Rules jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS proposed AD was prompted by notification of corrosion present in floor beam support links. This proposed AD would require inspecting the right butt line 6 floor beam inboard support links and bushings for corrosion. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25, 2021. 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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402–2206; phone: (800) 810–4853; fax: (912) 965–3520; email: pubs@gulfstream.com; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/en/ customer-support/. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0831; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald ‘‘Ron’’ Wissing, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5552; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: ronald.wissing@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Dec 09, 2020 Jkt 253001 arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0831; Project Identifier 2019–CE–031–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Ronald ‘‘Ron’’ Wissing, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA was advised of a failed floor beam support link at right butt line (RBL) 6 on a Gulfstream Model GV airplane. The failed support link resulted from seizure of the retaining sleeve and bushing at the lower attachment point due to undetected corrosion. The floor beam support links at RBL 6, fuselage stations (FS) 499, 531, and 569.5 have a two-piece installation with straight bushings rather than spherical bearings in the inboard link PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 lower end. Design of the support links allows floor beam movement when the cabin is pressurized. Seizure of the lower bushing will not allow the link assembly to move as designed, resulting in bending stress and potential failure of the link, which may compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel floor. Gulfstream determined that the procedures for the existing Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) inspection does not reliably detect corrosion in the floor beam support link lower bushings. Accordingly, Gulfstream has revised the airworthiness limitation requirements to the AMM by adding a detailed inspection with an initial and repetitive inspections at intervals of 96 months and including references for removal and installation instructions for RBL 6 Floor Beam Support Links. This condition, if not addressed, could result in link failure, which can compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel floor and lead to loss of pressurization to the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin Number 231, Revision A, dated July 30, 2019 (Gulfstream CB 231A). The service information contains procedures for the inspection of the RBL 6, FS 499, 531, and 569.5, and the bushing in the lower end of the link and all attachments for corrosion. The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GV AMM, Section 05–10–10, Revision 51, dated February 28, 2020. The service information identifies tasks for a recurring detailed inspection of the floor beam and wing links FS 465 through FS 576. 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 NPRM after determining that 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 a one-time inspection of the RBL 6 floor beam inboard support links and bushings for corrosion along with any repairs necessary. This proposed AD would require a recurring inspection of E:\FR\FM\10DEP1.SGM 10DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Proposed Rules the floor beam support links. This proposed AD also recommends sending the inspection results to Gulfstream. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information 79445 Costs of Compliance Gulfstream CB 231A requires reporting the results of the inspection to Gulfstream and this proposed AD would not. The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 148 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspection per the Customer Bulletin, all 3 locations. Revise the AMM ..................... 120 work-hours × $85 per hour = $10,200 ............................ Not applicable $10,200 $1,509,600 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ......................................... Not applicable 85 12,580 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these replacements: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement of all 3 links ............... 40 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,400 ................................................... $316 $3,716 According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this cost estimate. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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. Regulatory Findings 16:26 Dec 09, 2020 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. The FAA 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Jkt 253001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA–2020–0831; Project Identifier 2019–CE–031–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 25, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage Structure. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report that current inspection procedures of floor beam support links, which can fail due to corrosion, are inadequate. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion on a floor beam support link lower bushing. This condition, if not addressed, could result in link failure, which can compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel floor and lead to loss of pressurization of the airplane. (f) Actions and Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Action (1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the right butt line 6 floor beam inboard support links at fuselage stations (FS) 499, 531, and 569.5 for corrosion by following the Accomplishment Instructions, steps A through M, of Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin No. 231, E:\FR\FM\10DEP1.SGM 10DEP1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 79446 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 238 / Thursday, December 10, 2020 / Proposed Rules Revision A, dated July 30, 2019 (Gulfstream CB 231A). Where Gulfstream CB 231A specifies contacting Gulfstream for procedures if any corrosion is found, you must replace the support link in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, before further flight. For a method to be approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, as required by this paragraph, the Manager’s approval letter must specifically refer to this AD. (2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness limitations section of your maintenance manual or inspection program to incorporate the airworthiness limitations specified in Table 13: Fuselage Inspection Table, of Gulfstream GV Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Section 05–10–10, Revision 51, dated February 28, 2020. Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative inspection intervals may be approved for the fuselage floor beam and wing link FS 465–FS 576. email: pubs@gulfstream.com; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customersupport/. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. (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)(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) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the following provisions 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. [Docket No. FAA–2020–1103; Airspace Docket No. 20–ACE–21] (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ronald ‘‘Ron’’ Wissing, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5552; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: ronald.wissing@ faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402–2206; phone: (800) 810–4853; fax: (912) 965–3520; VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Dec 09, 2020 Jkt 253001 Issued on December 2, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–27059 Filed 12–9–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 RIN 2120–AA66 Proposed Amendment of V–72, V–132, V–190, and V–289, and Revocation of V–238 in the Vicinity of Maples, MO Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to amend VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V–72, V–132, V– 190, and V–289; and remove VOR Federal airway V–238 in the vicinity of Maples, MO. The VOR Federal airway modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Maples, MO, VOR/ Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected airways listed above. The Maples VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA’s VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 25, 2021. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2020– 1103; Airspace Docket No. 20–ACE–21 at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 online at https://www.faa.gov/air_ traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Rules and Regulations 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 7400.11E at NARA, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. 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 the 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 modify the route structure as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS). 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 (FAA Docket No. FAA– 2020–1103; Airspace Docket No. 20– ACE–21) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. E:\FR\FM\10DEP1.SGM 10DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 238 (Thursday, December 10, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79443-79446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27059]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0831; Project Identifier 2019-CE-031-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GV 
airplanes. This

[[Page 79444]]

proposed AD was prompted by notification of corrosion present in floor 
beam support links. This proposed AD would require inspecting the right 
butt line 6 floor beam inboard support links and bushings for 
corrosion. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25, 
2021.

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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O Box 2206, 
Savannah, GA 31402-2206; phone: (800) 810-4853; fax: (912) 965-3520; 
email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/. You may view this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0831; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald ``Ron'' Wissing, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5552; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0831; 
Project Identifier 2019-CE-031-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Ronald ``Ron'' Wissing, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, 
FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. Any commentary 
that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will 
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA was advised of a failed floor beam support link at right 
butt line (RBL) 6 on a Gulfstream Model GV airplane. The failed support 
link resulted from seizure of the retaining sleeve and bushing at the 
lower attachment point due to undetected corrosion. The floor beam 
support links at RBL 6, fuselage stations (FS) 499, 531, and 569.5 have 
a two-piece installation with straight bushings rather than spherical 
bearings in the inboard link lower end. Design of the support links 
allows floor beam movement when the cabin is pressurized. Seizure of 
the lower bushing will not allow the link assembly to move as designed, 
resulting in bending stress and potential failure of the link, which 
may compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel floor.
    Gulfstream determined that the procedures for the existing Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM) inspection does not reliably detect corrosion 
in the floor beam support link lower bushings. Accordingly, Gulfstream 
has revised the airworthiness limitation requirements to the AMM by 
adding a detailed inspection with an initial and repetitive inspections 
at intervals of 96 months and including references for removal and 
installation instructions for RBL 6 Floor Beam Support Links.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in link failure, 
which can compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel floor and 
lead to loss of pressurization to the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin Number 231, 
Revision A, dated July 30, 2019 (Gulfstream CB 231A). The service 
information contains procedures for the inspection of the RBL 6, FS 
499, 531, and 569.5, and the bushing in the lower end of the link and 
all attachments for corrosion.
    The FAA reviewed Gulfstream GV AMM, Section 05-10-10, Revision 51, 
dated February 28, 2020. The service information identifies tasks for a 
recurring detailed inspection of the floor beam and wing links FS 465 
through FS 576.
    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 NPRM after determining that 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 a one-time inspection of the RBL 6 
floor beam inboard support links and bushings for corrosion along with 
any repairs necessary. This proposed AD would require a recurring 
inspection of

[[Page 79445]]

the floor beam support links. This proposed AD also recommends sending 
the inspection results to Gulfstream.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Gulfstream CB 231A requires reporting the results of the inspection 
to Gulfstream and this proposed AD would not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 148 airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates 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 per the Customer        120 work-hours x $85 per  Not applicable.....         $10,200      $1,509,600
 Bulletin, all 3 locations.         hour = $10,200.
Revise the AMM...................  1 work-hour x $85 per     Not applicable.....              85          12,580
                                    hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need these replacements:

                                               On-condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of all 3 links................  40 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $316           $3,716
                                             $3,400.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this 
cost estimate.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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:

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2020-0831; Project 
Identifier 2019-CE-031-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 25, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage 
Structure.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that current inspection 
procedures of floor beam support links, which can fail due to 
corrosion, are inadequate. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and 
correct corrosion on a floor beam support link lower bushing. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in link failure, which can 
compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel floor and lead to 
loss of pressurization of the airplane.

(f) Actions and Compliance

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

(g) Action

    (1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the right butt line 6 floor beam inboard support links at 
fuselage stations (FS) 499, 531, and 569.5 for corrosion by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, steps A through M, of 
Gulfstream GV Customer Bulletin No. 231,

[[Page 79446]]

Revision A, dated July 30, 2019 (Gulfstream CB 231A). Where 
Gulfstream CB 231A specifies contacting Gulfstream for procedures if 
any corrosion is found, you must replace the support link in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO 
Branch, FAA, before further flight. For a method to be approved by 
the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, as required by this paragraph, the 
Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
    (2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the airworthiness limitations section of your maintenance manual or 
inspection program to incorporate the airworthiness limitations 
specified in Table 13: Fuselage Inspection Table, of Gulfstream GV 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Section 05-10-10, Revision 51, dated 
February 28, 2020. Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (h) 
of this AD, no alternative inspection intervals may be approved for 
the fuselage floor beam and wing link FS 465-FS 576.

(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)(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) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for 
Compliance (RC), the following provisions 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ronald ``Ron'' 
Wissing, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5552; 
fax: (404) 474-5606; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O 
Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; phone: (800) 810-4853; fax: (912) 
965-3520; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued on December 2, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-27059 Filed 12-9-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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