[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 895-897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-271]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-236-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX 
and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Model Astra SPX and 1125 
Westwind Astra series airplanes. This proposal would require detailed 
inspections and resistance measurements of the starter generator 
electrical cables of both engines to detect damage, and replacement of 
the electrical cable and cable support if any damage is found. This 
proposal would also require eventual replacement of the cable support. 
This action is necessary to prevent chafing of the starter generator 
cable, which could result in electrical arcing in the vicinity of a 
fuel line, and possible fire or explosion. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 6, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-236-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d54400c030040031d1f000e0200000803192d0b0c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a03175b545717544a4857595557575f544e7a5c5b5b145d554c">[email protected]</span></a>. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-236-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail 
Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined 
at the FAA, Transport

[[Page 896]]

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NM-236-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2002-NM-236-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Israel, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX 
and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes. The CAAI advises that there 
has been a report of electrical failure on one airplane. Investigation 
revealed that the starter generator electrical cable was chafed in the 
area of the firewall support, and that the cable shorted to the 
structure. This condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical 
arcing in the vicinity of a fuel line, and possible fire or explosion.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-
54-252, dated April 24, 2002, which describes procedures for repetitive 
detailed inspections of the starter generator electrical cables of both 
engines to detect damage. If no damage is found, the service bulletin 
describes procedures for measuring the insulation resistance between 
the cable and the support. If any damage is found or if the insulation 
resistance is less than 20 megaohms, the service bulletin describes 
procedures for replacement of the electrical cables and cable support 
prior to further flight. If no damage is found, and the insulation 
resistance is more than 20 megaohms, the service bulletin describes 
procedures for repetitive inspection and eventual replacement of the 
cable support at the next engine removal. Replacement of the cable 
support and the cable, as necessary, is considered terminating action 
for repetitive inspections. Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. The CAAI classified this service bulletin as 
mandatory and issued Israeli airworthiness directive 54-02-06-12, dated 
July 4, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin

    While the service bulletin gives a compliance time of ``at the next 
engine removal'' for replacement of the cable support if no damage is 
found, this proposed AD gives a compliance time for the replacements of 
``within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, or at the next 
engine removal, whichever occurs first.'' This difference has been 
coordinated with the CAAI.
    Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this proposed AD does not include such 
a requirement.

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Israeli AD

    While the Israeli AD does not require repetitive inspections until 
replacement, the proposed AD would require, and the service bulletin 
recommends repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 250 flight 
hours until the applicable replacement is accomplished.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 55 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD; that it would take approximately 2 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection and 
measurement; 4 hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
replacement of the cable support if no damage is found; and 12 hours 
per airplane to accomplish the proposed replacement of the cable and 
cable support if any damage is found. The average labor rate is $65 per 
work hour. All necessary parts will be provided by the manufacturer 
free of charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
inspection and measurement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,150, 
or $130 per airplane, per inspection cycle. For airplanes on which no 
damage is found, the cost impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be

[[Page 897]]

$14,300, or $260 per airplane. For airplanes on which damage is found, 
the cost impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $42,900, or $780 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): 
Docket 2002-NM-236-AD.
    Applicability: Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra series 
airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 141 inclusive; certificated in 
any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the starter generator cable, which could 
result in electrical arcing in the vicinity of a fuel line, and 
possible fire or explosion, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin Reference

    (a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin 
referenced in this AD:
    (1) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-54-
252, dated April 24, 2002.
    (2) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include such a requirement.

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (b) Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed inspection of the starter generator electrical 
cables of both engines to detect damage, per the service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Follow-on Action if No Damage Is Found

    (c) If no damage is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, measure the 
insulation resistance between the starter generator cable and 
firewall support in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (1) If the measured resistance is less than 20 Megaohms: Before 
further flight, replace the electrical cables and cable support per 
paragraph (d) of this AD.
    (2) If the measured resistance is greater than or equal to 20 
Megaohms, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD 
at intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours, including the follow-on 
measurement in paragraph (c), as applicable, until the applicable 
replacement required by paragraph (d) or (e) of this AD is 
accomplished.

Replacement if Any Damage Is Found

    (d) If any damage is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b), or if the insulation resistance as required to be 
measured by paragraph (c) of this AD is less than 20 megaohms: 
Before further flight, replace the electrical cables and cable 
support per Part C of the service bulletin. This replacement 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) and 
the measurement required by paragraph (c) of this AD, for that 
affected engine.

Replacement if No Damage is Found

    (e) If no damage is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) or if the insulation resistance as required to be 
measured by paragraph (c) of this AD is greater than or equal to 20 
megaohms: Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, or at 
the next engine removal, whichever comes first, replace the cable 
support per Part B of the service bulletin. This replacement 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) and 
the measurement required by paragraph (c) of this AD, for that 
affected engine.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 54-02-06-12, dated July 4, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 2003.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-271 Filed 1-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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