[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36392-36395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15537]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0572; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-009-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model
GV and GV-SP Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD would require inspecting to
determine whether a third Halon fire extinguisher bottle is installed
in the auxiliary power unit (APU) fragment impact zone, revising the
limitations section of the airplane flight manual to add restrictions
for APU usage for certain airplanes having a third fire extinguisher
bottle, and removing the third fire extinguisher bottle from certain
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by notification from the
airplane manufacturer that the third fire extinguisher bottle is
mounted in a small-fragment impact zone. We are proposing this AD to
prevent penetration of the bottle by fragments released due to a
failure of the APU rotor system. The bottle could rupture and cause
substantial damage to primary airframe structure and primary flight
controls.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 8, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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 proposed AD, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O.
Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax
912-965-3520; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket 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: Sanford Proveaux, Aerospace Engineer,
Continued Operational Safety and Certificate Management Branch, ACE-
102A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: 404-474-5566; fax: 404-474-
5606; e-mail: [email protected].
[[Page 36393]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0572;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-009-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received reports from Gulfstream that the third Halon
bottle (third fire extinguisher bottle) is mounted in the auxiliary
power unit (APU) small-fragment impact zone (rotor burst zone). Some
operators might have installed this third fire extinguisher bottle in
accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate ST01822AT-D; other
operators might have installed the bottle under FAA approval means
other than the supplemental type certificate. The bottle is mounted in
a very confined area surrounded by primary airframe structure that
carries the empennage loads. Primary flight controls for pitch and yaw
are also routed through the area adjacent to the third fire
extinguisher bottle. Failure of the APU rotor system could release
fragments that could strike the bottle and cause explosive rupture of
the high-pressure Halon bottle, and result in substantial damage to
primary airframe structure and primary flight controls.
Related Rulemaking
We previously issued AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR
40061, August 11, 2009), for all Model GV airplanes and certain Model
GV-SP airplanes (and other Gulfstream airplanes). That AD requires, for
certain airplanes, an inspection for sealant applied to the exterior of
the APU enclosure (firewall), and, for certain airplanes, a revision of
the airplane flight manual to prohibit operation of the APU during
certain ground and flight operations. That AD was issued to prevent the
flammable sealant from igniting the exterior surfaces of the firewall
under certain anomalous conditions such as an APU failure or APU
compartment fire, which could result in propagation of an uncontained
fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
We are considering revising AD 2009-17-01 to provide an optional
terminating action (modification of the APU enclosure), which would
allow removal of the APU limitations after the requirements of this new
AD have been met.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin 30A (for Model GV
airplanes) Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 10A (for Model GV-SP
airplanes); and Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 10A (for Model
GV-SP airplanes), all dated December 20, 2010, all including Gulfstream
GV/GV-SP Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision
A, dated December 20, 2010, to the Gulfstream GV and GV-SP AFMs. These
customer bulletins describe procedures for inspecting to determine
whether a third fire extinguisher bottle is installed for engines, and,
if so, determining whether the third bottle is installed as a spare or
in a dedicated configuration. These bulletins also describe procedures
for removing the third bottles installed as spares on Model GV and GV-
SP airplanes. The Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001,
Revision A, dated December 20, 2010, adds restrictions for APU usage on
Model GV and GV-SP airplanes having a third bottle in a dedicated or
non-dedicated (spare) configuration.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described previously.
Certain airplanes have a third Halon fire extinguisher bottle
carried as a spare. These ``spare'' bottles are not connected to the
aircraft fire suppression system electrical or plumbing provisions. In
these cases, the bottle can be easily removed without affecting the
aircraft fire suppression system. Operators can also leave the spare
bottle installed, but must implement the revised APU operating
limitations in this case. In some Model GV airplanes only, the third
Halon fire extinguisher bottle is a functioning part of the aircraft
fire suppression system. In these cases the bottle must remain
installed in the airplane, and the revised APU operating limitations
must be implemented.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer is
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe
condition identified in this proposed AD. Once this modification is
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,000 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85 $85,000
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary actions that
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
[[Page 36394]]
On-condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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AFM revision................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85 (about 70 GV/GV-SP
airplanes).
Bottle removal................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85 (about 30 GV[dash]SP
airplanes).
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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. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our 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.
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
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2011-0572;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-009-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August 8, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model GV airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 501 and
subsequent.
(2) Model GV-SP airplanes having S/Ns 5001 through 5308
inclusive.
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 2621, Fire bottle-fixed.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by notification from the airplane
manufacturer that the third fire extinguisher bottle is mounted in a
small-fragment impact zone. We are issuing this AD to prevent
penetration of the bottle by fragments released due to a failure of
the auxiliary power unit (APU) rotor system. The bottle could
rupture and cause substantial damage to primary airframe structure
and primary flight controls.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Inspection
(g) For all airplanes: Within 21 days after the effective date
of this AD, or before removing the APU flight restrictions required
by AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991, whichever occurs first,
inspect to determine whether a third Halon fire extinguisher bottle
for engines is installed in the APU fragment impact zone (rotor
fragment impact zone), in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable Gulfstream alert customer bulletin
identified in table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Applicable Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletins
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For Model-- Use-- Which includes-- To the--
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GV airplanes................... Gulfstream V Alert Customer Gulfstream GV/GV-SP Airplane Gulfstream GV AFM.
Bulletin 30A, dated Flight Manual (AFM)
December 20, 2010. Supplement CE51 628M001,
Revision A, dated December
20, 2010.
GV-SP (G500) airplanes......... Gulfstream G500 Alert Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Gulfstream GV-SP
Customer Bulletin 10A, Supplement CE51 628M001, AFM.
dated December 20, 2010. Revision A, dated December
20, 2010.
GV-SP (G550) airplanes......... Gulfstream G550 Alert Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Gulfstream GV-SP
Customer Bulletin 10A, Supplement CE51 628M001, AFM.
dated December 20, 2010. Revision A, dated December
20, 2010.
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[[Page 36395]]
(1) If the third fire extinguisher bottle is not installed, no
further work is required by this paragraph.
(2) For Model GV airplanes in which the third fire extinguisher
bottle is installed as a dedicated APU fire bottle configuration, as
defined in Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin 30A, dated December
20, 2010 (as a functioning part of the aircraft fire suppression
system): Before further flight, revise the Limitations section of
the Gulfstream GV AFM to include the information in Gulfstream GV/
GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision A, dated December 20,
2010 (which is included in Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin 30A,
dated December 20, 2010). This AFM supplement adds restrictions for
APU usage. Operate the airplane thereafter according to the
limitations in this AFM supplement.
Note 1: This may be done by inserting a copy of Gulfstream GV/
GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision A, dated December 20,
2010, in the applicable AFM. When information in this AFM supplement
has been included in general revisions of the applicable AFM, the
general revisions may be inserted in the applicable AFM, provided
the relevant information in the general revision is identical to
that in Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision A,
dated December 20, 2010, and that AFM supplement may be removed.
(3) For Model GV and GV-SP airplanes in which the third fire
extinguisher bottle is installed as a spare fire bottle
configuration (not connected to the airplane's electrical or fire
suppression systems), as defined in the applicable Gulfstream alert
customer bulletin identified in table 1 of this AD: Do the actions
required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (g)(3)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Before further flight, remove the bottle, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Gulfstream alert
customer bulletin identified in table 1 of this AD.
(ii) Before further flight, revise the limitations section of
the applicable Gulfstream AFM specified in table 1 of this AD to
include the information in Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51
628M001, Revision A, dated December 20, 2010. This AFM supplement
adds restrictions for APU usage. Operate the airplane thereafter
according to the limitations in that AFM supplement.
Note 2: This may be done by inserting a copy of Gulfstream GV/
GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision A, dated December 20,
2010, in the applicable AFM. When information in this AFM supplement
has been included in general revisions of the applicable AFM, the
general revisions may be inserted in the applicable AFM, provided
the relevant information in the general revision is identical to
that in Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision A,
dated December 20, 2010, and that AFM supplement may be removed.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin 30 (for Model
GV airplanes), dated December 6, 2010, including Gulfstream GV AFM
Supplement CE51 628M001, dated November 18, 2010, to the Gulfstream
GV AFM; or Gulfstream G550 (for Model GV-SP airplanes) or G500 (for
Model GV-SP airplanes) Alert Customer Bulletin 10, both dated
December 6, 2010; are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Parts Installation
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
third fire extinguisher bottle in the APU fragment impact zone
(rotor fragment impact zone) of any airplane.
No Reporting
(j) Although Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin 30A (for Model
GV airplanes), Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 10A (for
Model GV-SP airplanes), and Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin
10A (for Model GV-SP airplanes); all dated December 20, 2010, all
including Gulfstream GV/GV-SP AFM Supplement CE51 628M001, Revision
A, dated December 20, 2010, to the Gulfstream GV, and GV-SP AFMs;
specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Special Flight Permit
(k) 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), may be issued to operate the airplane to a location
where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided the
following conditions are met:
(1) If an airplane is grounded due to a single generator
failure, the APU may be operated during a ferry flight, provided no
passengers are carried.
(2) Only the minimum required flight crew is allowed on any
ferry flight.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section 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.
Related Information
(m) For more information about this AD, contact Sanford
Proveaux, Aerospace Engineer, Continued Operational Safety and
Certificate Management Branch, ACE-102A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO) 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
Georgia 30337; telephone 404-474-5566; fax 404-474-5606;
[email protected].
(n) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O.
Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax
912-965-3520; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington on June 10, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-15537 Filed 6-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P