Document ID: FAA-2018-0104-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-06-18T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28151-28153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12892]

 ========================================================================
 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
 
 The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 28151]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0104; Product Identifier 2017-CE-036-AD; Amendment 
39-19311; AD 2018-12-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-24-06 for 
certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. AD 2015-
24-06 required repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the 
main landing gear (MLG) brake inlet self-sealing couplings and 
inserting a dispatch and takeoff limitation to the limitations section 
of the airplane flight manual. This AD requires modifying the MLG and 
brake assembly. This AD was prompted by reports of the self-sealing 
couplings on the MLG brake inlet fitting backing out of the fully 
seated position. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 23, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 23, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, 
Georgia 31404-2206; telephone: (912) 965-3000; fax: (912) 965-3520; 
email: [email protected]; internet: www.gulfstream.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is 
also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0104.

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-2018-
0104; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gideon Jose, Aerospace Engineer, 
Altanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 
30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2015-24-06, Amendment 39-18338 (80 FR 75788, 
December 4, 2015) (``AD 2015-24-06''). AD 2015-24-06 applied to certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes and 
required repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the main 
landing gear (MLG) brake inlet self-sealing couplings and inserting a 
dispatch and takeoff limitation to the limitations section of the 
airplane flight manual.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 
FR 5958). AD 2015-24-06 was prompted by reports of the self-sealing 
couplings on the MLG brake inlet fitting backing out of the fully 
seated position. The NPRM was prompted by the development of 
modifications that when incorporated would terminate the need for 
repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the brake inlet 
self-sealing couplings.
    The NPRM proposed to require modifying the MLG with new tube 
assemblies without self-sealing couplings and adding lock wire. The 
NPRM also proposed to require inspecting and modifying the brake 
assembly. The NPRM proposed to not retain any of the requirements of AD 
2015-24-06.
    We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products, which if not addressed could result in loss of braking 
capability on one or multiple brakes and lead to runway overrun or 
asymmetrical braking that could result in lateral runway excursion.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this 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 for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated 
July 26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 155B, 
dated July 26, 2017. For the applicable model designations, this 
service information describes procedures to modify the MLG and brake 
assemblies. This service information is reasonably available because 
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 162 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 28152]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of brake hose assemblies,   65.5 work-hours x $85            $14,776      $20,343.50      $3,295,647
 inspection of brake assembly            per hour = $5,567.50.
 attachment bolts, and modification of
 the brake assembly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-24-06, Amendment 39-18338 (80 FR 75788, December 4, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-12-07 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19311; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0104; Product Identifier 2017-CE-36-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-24-06, Amendment 39-18338 (80 FR 75788, 
December 4, 2015) (``AD 2015-24-06'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI 
airplanes, serial numbers 6001 and 6003 through 6163, certificated 
in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:  Model GVI airplanes are 
also referred to by the marketing designations G650 and G650ER.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    AD 2015-24-06 was prompted by reports of the main landing gear 
(MLG) self-sealing couplings on the MLG brake inlet fitting backing 
out of the fully seated position. This AD was prompted by the 
development of modifications that when incorporated would terminate 
the need for repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the 
brake inlet self-sealing couplings. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of braking capability on one or multiple brakes. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to runway overrun or 
asymmetrical braking that could result in lateral runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification of the MLG and MLG Brake Assemblies

    (1) Within 6 months after July 23, 2018 (the effective date of 
this AD), modify the MLG and brake assemblies following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin 
Number 155B, dated July 26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer 
Bulletin Number 155B, dated July 26, 2017.
    (2) Although Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, 
dated July 26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 
155B, dated July 26, 2017, both contain reporting requirements and 
return of certain parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include those requirements.
    (3) AD 2015-24-06 required a dispatch and takeoff limitation in 
the airplane flight manual. Although we did not retain that 
requirement in this AD, if not already removed, this limitation 
should be removed after the modification in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD is done.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    If done before July 23, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), 
this AD allows credit for the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD 
following Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin 155, dated July 29, 
2016; Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin 155, dated July 29, 2016; 
Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin 155A, dated August 19, 2016; or 
Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin 155A, dated August 19, 2016, as 
applicable.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs

[[Page 28153]]

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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j) 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.
    (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(i)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Gideon Jose, 
Aerospace Engineer, Altanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; 
email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated July 
26, 2017.
    (ii) Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated July 
26, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 
31404-2206; telephone: (912) 965-3000; fax: (912) 965-3520; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.gulfstream.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this 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 Kansas City, Missouri, on June 1, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-12892 Filed 6-15-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P