[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 145 (Friday, July 27, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44113-44116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17955]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0675; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-120-AD;
Amendment 39-17131; AD 2012-13-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.)
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes. This
emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators
of these airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed or borescope
inspection of the left- and right-hand inboard vent holes for debris or
obstructions, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report
indicating that an inboard vent tube hole was completely covered with
sealant, which blocked airflow through the vent. Under these
conditions, the rise of internal pressure during pressure fueling or
due to thermal expansion is sufficient to damage the wing. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct compromised integrity of the wing
structure.
DATES: This AD is effective August 13, 2012 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2012-
13-51, issued on June 26, 2012, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication identified in the AD as of August
13, 2012.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 10, 2012.
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 http://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 AD, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, Savannah,
Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; email
pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory
[[Page 44114]]
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-227-
1503; fax: 425-227-1149; email: tom.groves@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On June 26, 2012, we issued emergency AD 2012-13-51, which requires
a one-time detailed or borescope inspection of the left- and right-hand
inboard vent holes for debris or obstructions, and repair if necessary.
Emergency AD 2012-13-51 also requires reporting positive inspection
findings to the manufacturer. This action was prompted by a report from
the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which is the
airworthiness authority for Israel, indicating that an unsafe condition
may exist on Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes.
The CAAI advises that fasteners protruding from the lower wing surface
were discovered during a post-flight inspection. Investigation revealed
structural damage to (and separation of) ribs from wing planks.
Further inspection showed that the inboard vent tube hole was
completely covered with sealant, which blocked airflow through the
vent. This condition was also found on some airplanes in production.
Under these conditions, the rise of internal pressure during pressure
fueling or due to thermal expansion is sufficient to damage the wing.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could compromise the
integrity of the wing structure.
Relevant Service Information
Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Gulfstream G150 Alert Service
Bulletin 150-28A-146, dated June 22, 2012. The service information
describes procedures for a one-time detailed or borescope inspection of
the left- and right-hand inboard vent holes for debris and
obstructions. The service information specifies to contact the
manufacturer if any debris or obstruction is found. The CAAI mandated
this service bulletin and issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive 28-
12-06-18, dated June 24, 2012 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''),
to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Israel.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other airplanes of the same type design, we issued emergency AD
2012-13-51 to detect and correct compromised integrity of the wing
structure. The AD requires a one-time detailed or borescope inspection
of the left- and right-hand inboard vent holes for debris or
obstructions, and repair if necessary. The AD also requires reporting
positive inspection findings to the manufacturer.
We found that immediate corrective action was required; therefore,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices
issued on June 26, 2012, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes. These
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal
Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. We may consider further
rulemaking when additional information is available.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because we
received a report indicating that an inboard vent tube hole was
completely covered with sealant, which blocked airflow through the
vent. Under these conditions, the rise of internal pressure during
pressure fueling or due to thermal expansion is sufficient to damage
the wing. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct compromised
integrity of the wing structure. Therefore, we find that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and 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, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2012-0675 and
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-120-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection................... Up to 18 work-hours $0 Up to $1,530........ Up to $88,740.
x $85 per hour = up
to $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 44115]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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):
2012-13-51 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held
by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-17131; Docket No.
FAA-2012-0675; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-120-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 13, 2012 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD
2012-13-51, issued on June 26, 2012, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate
previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model
Gulfstream G150 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial
numbers 201 through 290 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)[sol]Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that an inboard vent
tube hole was completely covered with sealant, which blocked airflow
through the vent. Under these conditions, the rise of internal
pressure during pressure fueling or due to thermal expansion is
sufficient to damage the wing. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct compromised integrity of the wing structure.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Repair
Before further flight: Do a one-time detailed or borescope
inspection of the left- and right-hand inboard vent holes for debris
and obstructions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Gulfstream G150 Alert Service Bulletin 150-28A-146, dated June
22, 2012. If any debris or obstruction is found, before further
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI)
(or its delegated agent).
(h) Reporting Requirement
(1) Submit a report of positive findings of the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Gulfstream Aerospace CMP,
fax 800-944-1775 or 912-963-0265, at the applicable time specified
in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (h)(1)(ii) of this AD. The report must
include the inspection date and results, a description of any
finding, the airplane serial number, and the number of flight hours
and landings on the airplane.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(2) A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is
not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate.
If sending information directly to the manager of the International
Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
(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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically
reference this AD.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are allowed provided the criteria in this paragraph are
met. A general visual inspection must be done to detect fuel leaks,
skin distortion, protruding fasteners, and loose fasteners of the
left- and right-hand lower wing skins. A special flight permit is
not allowed if there is any finding from the inspection. If there
are no findings from the inspection, a special flight permit is
allowed, provided the total wing tank fuel quantity of
[[Page 44116]]
the airplane (i.e., total of both wing tanks) is limited to 3,500
pounds or less.
(k) Related Information
(1) For further information about this AD, contact Tom Groves,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-227-1503; fax: 425 227-1149; email:
tom.groves@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI Israeli Emergency Airworthiness Directive 28-
12-06-18, dated June 24, 2012; and Gulfstream G150 Alert Service
Bulletin 150-28A-146, dated June 22, 2012; for related information.
(l) 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 G150 Alert Service Bulletin 150-28A-146, dated
June 22, 2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25,
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-
3520; email pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17955 Filed 7-26-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P