[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 26, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 75908-75911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31036]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1313; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-080-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
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 all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV and GV-SP airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of two failures of the fuel boost
pump and over-heat damage found on the internal components and external
housing. This proposed AD would require doing an inspection to
determine if fuel boost pumps having a certain part number are
installed, replacing the fuel boost pumps having a certain part number,
and revising the airplane maintenance program to include revised
instructions for continued airworthiness. We are proposing this AD to
prevent fuel leakage into the dry cavity of the boost pump and outside
of the fuel pump, and to prevent capacitor clearance issues in the dry
cavity, which together could result in an uncontrolled fire in the
wheel well.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 11,
2013.
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 Gulfstream, Triumph Aerostructures, and GE Aviation service
information identified in this proposed AD, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520;
email [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.
[[Page 75909]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darby Mirocha, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
telephone (404) 474-5573; fax (404) 474-5606; email:
[email protected].
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-2012-1313;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-080-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 a report of failure of the fuel boost pump and
over-heat damage found on the internal components and external housing.
A subsequent investigation identified inadequate clearance between the
internal capacitor and a printed circuit board as the root cause of the
failure. Additionally, on other components, a damaged o-ring between
the ``wet'' and ``dry'' cavities of the boost pump resulted in fuel
ingress into the ``dry'' cavity. Product improvements have been
incorporated into the boost pumps to modify the capacitor installation
to prevent external shorting and incorporate an inspection port to
allow for inspection of the ``dry'' cavity. This condition, if not
corrected, could cause fuel leakage into the dry cavity of the boost
pump and outside of the fuel pump, and capacitor clearance issues in
the dry cavity, which together could result in an uncontrolled fire in
the wheel well.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Gulfstream V Service Bulletin 197 (for Model GV
airplanes), and Gulfstream G550 Service Bulletin 122 (for Model GV-SP
airplanes), both dated April 11, 2012, both including the following
service information:
Triumph Service Bulletin SB-TAGV/GVSP-28-JG0162, dated
August 30, 2011.
GE Service Bulletin 31760-28-100, dated February 15, 2011.
This service information describes procedures for doing an inspection
to determine if fuel boost pumps having a certain part number are
installed, and replacing the fuel boost pumps having a certain part
number.
We have also reviewed Gulfstream Document GV-GER-0003, Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness, Fuel Boost Pump with Leak Check Port,
dated November 24, 2010. This service information describes procedures
for fuel leak checks of the fuel boost pump.
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 would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Gulfstream V Service Bulletin 197 (for Model GV airplanes) and
Gulfstream G550 Service Bulletin 122 (for Model GV-SP airplanes), both
dated April 11, 2012, specify a compliance time of 42 months after the
release of those service bulletins for accomplishing the actions in
those service bulletins. This proposed AD requires a compliance time of
36 months after the effective date of this proposed AD. In developing
the compliance time, we considered not only the degree of urgency
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the
manufacturer's recommendation for an appropriate compliance time, the
availability of required parts, and the practical aspect of doing the
actions within an interval of time that corresponds to the typical
scheduled maintenance for the majority of affected operators. This
difference has been coordinated with Gulfstream.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 357 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 to determine if a 1 work-hour X $85 per hour $0 $85 $30,345
certain part number is installed. = $85.
Maintenance program revision....... 1 work-hour X $85 per hour $0 $85 $30,345
= $85.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement.................................. 24 work-hours X $85 per hour = $7,600 $9,640
$2,040.
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[[Page 75910]]
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-2012-1313;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-080-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 11, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GV
and GV-SP airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2822, Fuel boost pump.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted reports of two failures of the fuel boost
pump and over-heat damage found on the internal components and
external housing. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leakage
into the dry cavity of the boost pump and outside of the fuel pump,
and to prevent capacitor clearance issues in the dry cavity, which
together could result in an uncontrolled fire in the wheel well.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection to Determine the Part Number (P/N)
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the fuel boost pumps to determine whether P/N 1159SCP500-5 is
installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Gulfstream V Service Bulletin 197, dated April 11, 2012 (for Model
GV airplanes); or Gulfstream G550 Service Bulletin 122, dated April
11, 2012 (for Model GV-SP airplanes); including the service
information specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. A
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the part number of the fuel boost pumps can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(1) Triumph Service Bulletin SB-TAGV/GVSP-28-JG0162, dated
August 30, 2011.
(2) GE Service Bulletin 31760-28-100, dated February 15, 2011.
(h) Replacement
If the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD reveals a
fuel boost pump with P/N 1159SCP500-5: Before further flight,
replace the fuel boost pump with a serviceable pump having P/N
1159SCP500-7, in accordance with Gulfstream V Service Bulletin 197,
dated April 11, 2012 (for Model GV airplanes); or Gulfstream G550
Service Bulletin 122, dated April 11, 2012 (for Model GV-SP
airplanes); including the service information specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Triumph Service Bulletin SB-TAGV/GVSP-28-JG0162, dated
August 30, 2011.
(2) GE Service Bulletin 31760-28-100, dated February 15, 2011.
(i) Maintenance Program Revision
Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
revise the airplane maintenance program to include Gulfstream
Document GV-GER-0003, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Fuel
Boost Pump with Leak Check Port, dated November 24, 2010.
(1) For airplanes on which fuel boost pump P/N 1159SCP500-5 has
been replaced in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD: The
initial compliance time for the inspection is within 500 flight
hours after doing the replacement specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(g) of this AD reveals that a fuel boost pump with P/N 1159SCP500-7
has been installed: After revising the airplane maintenance program,
as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, the initial inspection is
required before further flight after doing the inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (i) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
fuel boost pump having P/N 1159SCP500-5 on any airplane.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Darby Mirocha,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA,
Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone
(404) 474-5573; fax (404) 474-5606; email: [email protected].
(2) For Gulfstream, Triumph Aerostructures, and GE Aviation
service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah,
[[Page 75911]]
GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; email
[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 December 17, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-31036 Filed 12-21-12; 4:15 pm]
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