Federal Register, Volume 77 Issue 146 (Monday, July 30, 2012)

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 146 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44432-44434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18153]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1164; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-057-AD;
Amendment 39-17135; AD 2012-15-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.)
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and
Gulfstream 100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating
that sponge rubber padding was found between wheel well fuel lines and
electrical harnesses. This AD requires inspecting for the presence of
sponge rubber padding and for proper separation of the fuel lines and
electrical harnesses in the wheel well area, and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or
chafing of the fuel lines, which could result in fuel leakage and
possible fire in the wheel well area.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 4, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 4,
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1503; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2010 (75
FR 76317). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:

Sponge rubber padding used to provide separation between wheel
well fuel lines and electrical harnesses was discovered during fleet
maintenance. Use of this type of padding for this purpose is not
approved as it is liable to cause corrosion of the fuel lines.
Unless steps are taken to remove this padding and install approved
separation means, fuel lines may be damaged by corrosion and/or
chafing resulting in an unsafe condition due to fuel leakage[, which
could result in a fire] in the wheel well area.

Corrective actions include installing loop clamps to correct improper
separation and removing sponge rubber padding, and repair or
replacement of any corroded or chafed fuel lines found after sponge
rubber padding removal. You may obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Requests To Include Additional Inspection Area

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) requested that the
inspection area be expanded to include tube assemblies outside of the
wheel well area that have also been found to have sponge rubber padding
and corrosion beneath the padding. Gulfstream stated that the padding
with corrosion beneath has been found on four tube assemblies outside
of the wheel well area specified in the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8,
2010) and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21,
2010. These four tube assemblies are part of, or an extension of, the
tube assemblies identified by part number in that service bulletin, and
terminate in the wing root area.
John R. Dunn, a private citizen, stated that, upon further
investigation after discovering instances of sponge rubber

[[Page 44433]]

in the left wheel well, foam (sponge rubber padding) was found wrapped
around tubes in the forward wing root areas of two airplanes along with
wire harnesses alongside the affected tubes. Corrosion was also found
on those tubes. John R. Dunn stated that neither of the affected wing
root areas are mentioned in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297,
dated January 21, 2010.
We partially agree. We agree to investigate reports of sponge
rubber padding use, and any subsequent corrosion, that occurs outside
of the wheel well area specified in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-
297, dated January 21, 2010. Depending on the results of the
investigation, we will work with the airplane manufacturer to develop
appropriate service information and might consider additional
rulemaking to address these areas. We do not agree to change this AD to
include the additional areas outside of the wheel well areas, since
that would expand the scope of this AD and therefore require additional
public review. We do not yet have sufficient information to justify
delaying this AD to include those tubes. We have not changed the AD in
this regard.

Request To Revise Wording in Paragraph (g) of NPRM (75 FR 76317,
December 8, 2010)

Gulfstream requested that the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010)
be revised to state that ``all'' tubes in the wheel well areas be
inspected for the sponge rubber padding and corrosion conditions.
Gulfstream stated that it has received reports where tube part numbers
other than those called out in the service information have sponge
rubber padding.
We disagree to revise the wording in paragraph (g) of this AD to
add the word ``all.'' Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated
January 21, 2010, already specifies a detailed inspection in the wheel
well area for the presence of sponge rubber padding without specifying
part numbers. As noted in paragraph 4.A. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of that service bulletin, this inspection is not limited
to the fuel line part numbers identified in that service bulletin. The
Accomplishment Instructions of that service bulletin note that if fuel
lines other than those with part numbers identified in that service
bulletin are found to have sponge rubber padding, then the padding must
be removed and those affected tubes must also be inspected for
corrosion. We have not revised the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8, 2010).

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

Where Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21,
2010, specifies to submit a photo of any sponge rubber padding that is
found to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 2010,
instructs operators to contact Gulfstream if technical assistance is
required. However, any deviation from the instructions provided in that
service bulletin and mandated by this AD must be approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under the provisions of
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 130 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 25 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $100 per product.
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators
to be $289,250, or $2,225 per product.

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 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 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM (75 FR 76317, December 8,
2010), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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:

[[Page 44434]]

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 AD:

2012-15-06 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held
by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-17135. Docket No.
FAA-2010-1164; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-057-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 4,
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate
previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra
SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 airplanes, serial
numbers 002 through 158 inclusive, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that sponge rubber
padding was found between wheel well fuel lines and electrical
harnesses. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or
chafing of the fuel lines, which could result in fuel leakage and
possible fire in the wheel well area.

(f) Compliance

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.

(g) Actions

Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
for the presence of sponge rubber padding on the fuel lines in the
wheel well area and inspect the fuel lines and electrical harnesses
in the wheel well area for proper separation, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-
297, dated January 21, 2010.
(1) If any sponge rubber padding is found, before further
flight, remove all sponge rubber padding from the fuel lines,
inspect the fuel lines that were covered with the rubber padding for
any corrosion and repair or replace as applicable any corroded or
chafed fuel lines, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated
January 21, 2010.
(2) If any fuel lines and electrical harnesses are found to not
have proper separation, before further flight, install loop clamps
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream
Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 2010.
(3) If proper separation is found, and no sponge rubber padding
is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Groves,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1503; fax (425) 227-1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this
AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(i) Related Information

Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 28-10-02-01, dated
February 22, 2010; and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated
January 21, 2010; for related information.

(j) 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. 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:
(i) Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21,
2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 17, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-18153 Filed 7-27-12; 8:45 am]
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