Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes, 31152-31154 [2023-10328]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31152-31154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10328]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; Project Identifier AD-2022-01026-T; 
Amendment 39-22418; AD 2023-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159A and G-1159B 
airplanes and all Model G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by a report that the ground spoiler actuator installation does not 
preclude improper hydraulic line connections that could result in 
unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. This AD requires 
incorporating corrective actions that physically prevent improper 
connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 20, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 20, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; 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, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     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; email 
[email protected]; website gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/.
     You may view this service information 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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1486.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Belete, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5580; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159A and G-1159B airplanes and all Model 
G-IV and GIV-X airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 25, 2022 (87 FR 72422). The NPRM was prompted by a report, 
following a fatal accident involving a Gulfstream Model G-IV, that the 
ground spoiler actuator configuration does not preclude improper 
hydraulic line connections that could result in unintended asymmetrical 
spoiler deployment. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed incorporating 
corrective actions that physically prevent improper connection of the 
hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address improper connection of the ground spoiler hydraulic 
lines, which, if not addressed, could result in unintended asymmetrical 
spoiler deployment leading to loss of control of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the National Transportation Safety 
Board (NTSB). The NTSB supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received comments from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Information in the Preamble

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise the description of the 
incident that prompted the NPRM. Gulfstream requested aligning the 
SUMMARY with the Background details in the NPRM to state that the 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that the ground spoiler actuator 
installation ``does not preclude'' improper hydraulic line connections, 
instead of stating that the installation ``allows'' such improper 
connections.
    The FAA agrees with the suggested revision and has revised the 
SUMMARY of this final rule accordingly.

Request To Clarify the Total Affected Airplanes (Cost of Compliance)

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA revise the Cost of Compliance 
section of the NPRM to reflect a total population of affected airplanes 
of 1,045. This includes airplanes of all registries. The ``Cost of 
Compliance'' section in the NPRM identified a total of 550 airplanes of 
U.S. Registry as affected.
    The FAA does not agree because the ``Cost of Compliance'' section 
accounts for the cost of AD compliance only for affected airplanes that 
are certificated by the FAA and included on the U.S. Registry. 
Airplanes registered in other countries are regulated by their civil 
aviation authorities, who may or may not adopt similar rulemaking. The 
FAA has not changed this final rule as a result of this comment.

Request To Change Compliance Time

    Gulfstream requested that the FAA change the compliance time for 
Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes from 18 months after the 
effective date of this AD to 18 months from March 3, 2023. Gulfstream 
stated that if the AD becomes effective prior to March 3, 2023, it will 
shorten the FAA and Gulfstream agreed-on corrective action timelines, 
and would increase an already challenging compliance window.
    The FAA finds it unnecessary to change the compliance time. The 
effective date of this AD is after the requested reference date of 
March 3, 2023, so this AD will provide the full 18 months for 
compliance for those airplanes.

Additional Change to This Final Rule

    Gulfstream has developed and published service information that 
will address the unsafe condition for certain airplanes identified in 
this final rule. This service information is described under ``Related 
Service Information under 1 CFR part 51'' in this final rule. After 
reviewing this service information, the FAA determined that it is 
acceptable to use for compliance with the requirements of this AD for 
the identified airplanes. The FAA has

[[Page 31153]]

revised the proposed AD to present the requirements for Model G-1159A, 
G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes in paragraph (g) of this AD, which also 
identifies this service information as acceptable for compliance with 
the requirements of the AD for those airplanes. The requirements for 
Model GIV-X airplanes have not changed, and are restated in new 
paragraph (h) of this AD. In addition, the Costs of Compliance section 
has been updated to reflect costs specified in this service 
information.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following service information:

 Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022
 Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022
 Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated November 
9, 2022
 Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 9, 
2022
 Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022

    This service information specifies procedures for replacing the 
left and right ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hoses and associated 
fittings. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes. 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 
ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 550 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700........................            $500           $2,200       $1,210,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) 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 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:

2023-08-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-22418; 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; Project Identifier AD-2022-01026-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 20, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, 
certificated in any category.
    (1) Model G-1159A airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 385, 
387, 388, and 390 through 498 inclusive.
    (2) Model G-1159B airplanes having S/Ns 009, 016, 042, 048, 054, 
064, 086, 088, 095, 098, 102, 119, 123, 125, 131, 140, 151, 154, 
155, 156, 165, 166, 189, 198, 199, 207, 219, 237, 245, 254, 255, and 
257.
    (3) Model G-IV airplanes, all serial numbers.
    (4) Model GIV-X airplanes, all serial numbers.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Some Model G-IV airplanes are also 
referred to by the marketing designations G300, G400, and GIV-SP.
    Note 2 to paragraph (c): Some Model GIV-X airplanes are also 
referred to by the marketing designations G350 and G450.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that a Gulfstream Model G-IV 
airplane was involved in a fatal accident on December 15, 2021, 
after spoilers deployed in an asymmetrical manner. The asymmetrical 
spoiler deployment resulted in in-flight loss of control of the 
airplane. The fatal flight was

[[Page 31154]]

the first flight after maintenance actions where the spoiler 
hydraulic lines were improperly connected (reversed) to the ground 
spoiler actuator. The ground spoiler actuator configuration does not 
preclude improper hydraulic line connections that could result in 
unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent incorrect connection of the hydraulic lines to the 
ground spoiler actuator. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment leading 
to loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions: Model G-1159A, G-1159B, G-IV

    For Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes: Within 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD, incorporate corrective actions 
(includes replacing a ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hose and 
associated fittings) that physically prevent improper connection of 
the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator, in accordance 
with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable service 
information in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022.
    (2) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022.
    (3) Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated 
November 9, 2022.
    (4) Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 9, 
2022.
    (5) Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022.

(h) Required Actions: Model GIV-X

    For Model GIV-X airplanes: Within 60 months after the effective 
date of this AD, incorporate corrective actions (includes replacing 
a ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hose and associated fittings) 
that physically prevent improper connection of the hydraulic lines 
to the ground spoiler actuator, in accordance with a method approved 
by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA.

(i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(i)(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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Belete, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO 
Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-
474-5580; email: [email protected].

(k) 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 G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022.
    (ii) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 
9, 2022.
    (iii) Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated 
November 9, 2022.
    (iv) Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 
9, 2022.
    (v) Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 
2022.
    (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; email 
[email protected]; website gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/.
    (4) You may view this service information 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.
    (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 protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 14, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10328 Filed 5-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P