[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 29, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31483-31486]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13034]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 103 / Tuesday, May 29, 2012 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 31483]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0494; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-088-AD;
Amendment 39-17069; AD 2012-11-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159, G-1159A, and G-1159B
airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, a measurement to
determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the
doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and
repair if necessary. This AD also requires, for certain other
airplanes, determining if a certain aircraft service change has been
incorporated, and for affected airplanes, a measurement to determine
the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and
clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and repair if
necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of an improper structural
modification that had excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment
fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive gaps
in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings, which could result in
reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage attachment and
consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective May 29, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 29, 2012.
We must receive comments on this AD by July 13, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
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.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 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: Michael Cann, Senior Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, Atlanta Aircraft Certification
Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404)
474-5548; fax (404) 474-5606; email: michael.cann@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We received a report of an improper structural modification that
resulted in excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings
on a number of airplanes. The modification specified in Gulfstream
Model G-1159A (also known as (aka) G-III) and G-1159B (aka G-IIB)
Aircraft Service Change (ASC) 229 and G-1159 (aka G-II) ASC 426
installs a new three-piece box fitting on the left and right side wing-
to-fuselage installations, including new part number 1159SB30175-11/-12
doublers.
During a routine corrosion inspection on a Model G-1159A (G-III)
airplane, it was observed that the aft wing-to-fuselage attach fitting
had an assembly gap exceeding the gap allowed by type design. This
condition results in a transfer of wing loads through a different load
path resulting in negative margins of safety in the upper bolt and
lower bolt in bearing.
A records review revealed that this condition was the result of an
improper structural modification. This records search also revealed
that six other Model G-1159 (G-II) and G-1159A (G-III) airplanes
incorporated the modification. All seven airplanes have been inspected,
and four airplanes were found not to be in conformity with the type
design, two are in conformity to the type design, and no data are
available on the other. A further search has revealed that a similar
nonconforming condition was found on a total of six airplanes. Of
those, one airplane does not conform to type design, and no further
information is available for the other five airplanes. Based on this
information, it is possible that other Model G-1159 (G-II), G-1159B (G-
IIB), and G-1159A (G-III) airplanes could potentially exhibit the same
condition.
The excessive clearance between the structural members results in a
change in load path and reduced structural strength of the assembly
below certified limits. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage attachment and
consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.
[[Page 31484]]
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 21, including
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes);
and Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 36, including Service
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B
airplanes). This service information describes procedures for a
measurement to determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded
portion of the doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage
attachment, and contacting Gulfstream if necessary.
We have also reviewed Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22,
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A
airplanes); and Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B
airplanes). This service information describes procedures for
determining if a certain airplane service change has been incorporated,
and, for affected airplanes, a measurement to determine the clearance
(gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and clothespin
fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and contacting Gulfstream
if necessary.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.'' The AD also
requires sending the measurement results to Gulfstream.
Differences Between the AD and the Service Information
Although the service information specifies that operators may
contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions,
this AD requires operators to repair those conditions in accordance
with a method approved by the FAA.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently
developing a modification intended to address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved,
and available, we might consider additional rulemaking.
FAA's Justification and 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 of
the discovery of an improper structural modification that had excessive
gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage
attachment fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity
at the wing-to-fuselage attachment. 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-2012-0494 and
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-088-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 223 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Number of U.S. Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators operators
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Records Review........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85........ $0 $85 210 $17,850
Measurement........................... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...... 0 340 13 4,420
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary measurements
and repairs that would be required based on the results of the
measurement. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need these actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Measurement................................... 4 work-hours.................... $0 $340
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition repair 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,
[[Page 31485]]
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):
2012-11-06 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-17069;
Docket No. FAA-2012-0494; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-088-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 29, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-
1159, G-1159A, and G-1159B airplanes; certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings; and 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an improper structural
modification that had excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage
attachment fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings, which
could result in reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage
attachment and consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Measurement and Repair
For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this
AD: Before further flight, measure to determine the clearance (gap)
of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and clothespin fitting
at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, in accordance with Gulfstream
III Alert Customer Bulletin 21, including Service Reply Card, dated
May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB
Alert Customer Bulletin 36, including Service Reply Card, dated May
18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B airplanes). If the clearance
exceeds the limit specified in Gulfstream III Alert Customer
Bulletin 21, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for
Model G-1159A airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer
Bulletin 36, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for
Model G-1159 and G-1159B airplanes); before further flight, repair
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be
approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph,
the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(1) Model G-1159, and G-1159B airplanes, having serial numbers
(S/N) 083, 084, 096, 130, 176, 202, 238, 239, and 240.
(2) Model G-1159A airplanes, having S/N 346, 355, 385, and 486.
(h) Records Review, Measurement, and Repair
For all airplanes except those identified in paragraph (g) of
this AD: Within 10 flight hours or 60 days after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a review of airplane
maintenance records to determine if the aircraft service change
specified in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A
airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37,
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159
and G-1159B airplanes); has been incorporated.
(1) For airplanes on which the aircraft service change specified
in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including Service
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); or
Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including Service
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B
airplanes); has not been incorporated: No more work is required by
this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the aircraft service change specified
in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including Service
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); or
Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including Service
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B
airplanes); has been incorporated: Within 10 flight hours or 60 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, measure
to determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of
the doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage
attachment, in accordance with Gulfstream III Alert Customer
Bulletin 22, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for
Model G-1159A airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer
Bulletin 37, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for
Model G-1159 and G-1159B airplanes). If the clearance exceeds the
limit specified in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22,
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A
airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37,
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159
and G-1159B airplanes); before further flight, repair in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA. For a
repair method to be approved by the Manager, Atlanta, ACO, as
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must
specifically refer to this AD.
(i) Reporting
Submit a report of the findings of any measurement required by
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD to Gulfstream, at the applicable
time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, using the
Service Reply Card of the applicable customer bulletin specified in
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD. The report must include the
measurement results, a description of any discrepancies found, the
airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours
on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection requirements contained in
this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the measurement was done on or after the effective date
of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the measurement.
(2) If the measurement was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the
[[Page 31486]]
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not
allowed.
(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
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.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta 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.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Michael Cann, Senior
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: (404) 474-5548; fax (404) 474-5606; email:
michael.cann@faa.gov.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(2) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(i) Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 21, including Service
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
(ii) Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
(iii) Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 36, including
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
(iv) Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
(3) 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; 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,
Washington. 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 NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 22, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-13034 Filed 5-25-12; 8:45 am]
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