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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17005-17007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07301]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0677; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-244-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
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 all 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of corrosion on in-service air non-return 
valves. This proposed AD would require a revision to the Emergency 
Procedures section of the airplane flight manual (AFM). This proposed 
AD would also require a revision to the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations for 
the high pressure (HP) Stage 5 air non-return valves. We are proposing 
this AD to ensure the flightcrew is provided with procedures to 
mitigate the risks associated with failure of the HP Stage 5 air non-
return valve. Failure of the HP Stage 5 air non-return valve in the 
open position could result in engine instability and uncommanded in-
flight shutdown.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 15, 2015.

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 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 pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0677; 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: Eric Potter, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5583;

[[Page 17006]]

fax: 404-474-5606; email: eric.potter@faa.gov.

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-2015-0677; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-244-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 received a report of multiple instances of corrosion on in-
service air non-return valves on Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model 
GIV-X airplanes. This corrosion has resulted in failure of air non-
return valves.
    The same part number air non-return valve is installed on the 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes, but it serves a 
different purpose in that application, where it functions as an HP 
Stage 5 air non-return valve.
    Failure of the HP Stage 5 air non-return valve in the open position 
on the Model GVI airplanes could supply high-stage pressure to the low-
stage port, resulting in engine instability and uncommanded in-flight 
shutdown. This condition could also have an adverse effect on 
subsequent in-flight engine re-start efforts if the flightcrew follows 
the current AFM procedures.
    In light of this information, the FAA has determined that certain 
procedures should be included in the FAA-approved AFM for Model GVI 
airplanes to ensure the flightcrew is provided with procedures to 
mitigate the risks associated with failure of the HP Stage 5 air non-
return valve. We have also determined that the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, should be revised to incorporate an 
airworthiness limitation for the HP Stage 5 air non-return valves.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Section 04-08-20, Normal Airstart-Automatic; Section 
04-08-30, Manual Airstart-Starter Assist; and Section 04-08-40, Manual 
Airstart-Windmilling; of Chapter 04, Emergency Procedures, of the 
Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM, Document Number GAC-AC-G650-OPS-0001, 
Revision 5, dated August 12, 2013. This service information describes 
revised procedures for in-flight engine restart and operating 
procedures.
    In addition, we reviewed Section 05-10-10, Airworthiness 
Limitations, of Chapter 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the 
Gulfstream GVI (G650) Maintenance Manual (MM), Revision 4, dated 
September 30, 2013. This service information adds an airworthiness 
limitation for the HP Stage 5 air non-return valve.
    This service information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for 
ways to access this service information.

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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this AD, the operator may not be able to 
accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, 
to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for 
an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j) of this 
AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required 
inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the 
airplane.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a modification that will positively 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 52 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85          $4,420
                                      = $85.
MM revision........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour                0              85           4,420
                                      = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 17007]]

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

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2015-0677; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-244-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 15, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model 
GVI airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 36, Pneumatic.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on in-service air 
non-return valves. We are issuing this AD to ensure the flightcrew 
is provided with procedures to mitigate the risks associated with 
failure of the high pressure (HP) Stage 5 air non-return valve. 
Failure of the HP Stage 5 air non-return valve in the open position 
could result in engine instability and uncommanded in-flight 
shutdown.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
Emergency Procedures section of the AFM by inserting Section 04-08-
20, Normal Airstart-Automatic; Section 04-08-30, Manual Airstart-
Starter Assist; and Section 04-08-40, Manual Airstart-Windmilling; 
of Chapter 04, Emergency Procedures; of the Gulfstream GVI (G650) 
AFM, Document Number GAC-AC-G650-OPS-0001, Revision 5, dated August 
12, 2013.

(h) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
airplane maintenance manual or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating the requirement for the HP Stage 5 air non-return 
valve from Section 05-10-10, Airworthiness Limitations, of Chapter 
05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the Gulfstream GVI (G650) 
Maintenance Manual (MM), Revision 4, dated September 30, 2013. The 
initial compliance time for replacement of the HP Stage 5 air non-
return valve is at the applicable time specified in Section 05-10-
10, Airworthiness Limitations, of Chapter 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks, of the Gulfstream GVI (G650) MM, Revision 4, 
dated September 30, 2013, or within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised, as 
required by paragraph (h) 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 in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(j) 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 paragraph (k)(1) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Potter, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA, 
Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 
404-474-5583; fax: 404-474-5606; email: eric.potter@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this 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 pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. 
You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-07301 Filed 3-30-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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