Document ID: FAA-2022-0887-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-07-21T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43459-43462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15554]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0887; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00051-T]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing 
debonding and corrosion were discovered at certain areas of the lower 
skin on both wings. This proposed AD requires an inspection for 
corrosion in certain areas of the wing skin fairings, additional 
inspections if necessary, resealing the fairings with new fillet seal, 
and applicable corrective actions, as specified in the Civil Aviation 
Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by 
reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
6, 2022.

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 https://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 NPRM, contact Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, Savannah, GA 
31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; email 
[email protected]; internet https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products

[[Page 43460]]

Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0887; 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 NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large 
Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0887; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00051-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Dan 
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The CAAI, which is the aviation authority for Israel, has issued AD 
ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3) 
(also referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain 
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes.
    This proposed AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing 
debonding and corrosion were discovered at the lower skin of rib 3 and 
rib 11 on both wings. The FAA is proposing this AD to address flap 
fairing debonding and moisture intrusion that might lead to lower wing 
skin corrosion and cracking on both wings, and reduced structural 
integrity of the wings. See the MCAI for additional background 
information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated January 1, 2022, describes 
procedures for an inspection for corrosion in the area of the wing skin 
(or doubler if installed) under the rib 3 and rib 11 fairings, a 
penetration or eddy current inspection for cracks if corrosion was 
found, a measurement of the thickness of remaining wing skin (or 
doubler) if no cracks were found, resealing of rib 3 and rib 11 
fairings with new fillet seal, and applicable corrective actions. 
Corrective actions include cleaning and removing corrosion, crack 
repair, and repair of fairing installation locations with a certain 
thickness reduction. 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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in 
CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 described previously, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 87 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                 Labor cost                               Parts cost                  product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,465.......  Minimal...........................          $2,465        $214,455
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

[[Page 43461]]

                Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Labor cost              Parts cost        Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 10 work-hours x $85 per               $0  Up to $850.
 hour = $850.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
  estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Docket No. FAA-2022-0887; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2022-00051-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by September 6, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G150 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in The Civil 
Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated 
January 1, 2022 (CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that wing flap fairing debonding 
and corrosion were discovered at lower skin of rib 3 and rib 11 on 
both wings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address flap fairing 
debonding and moisture intrusion that might lead to lower wing skin 
corrosion and cracking on both wings, and reduced structural 
integrity of the wings.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where the Compliance paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 
requires compliance at a certain time, replace the text ``at the 
next suitable planned maintenance inspection within the next 24 
months from the effective date of this AD'' with ``within 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD.''
    (3) Where the Action paragraph of CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3 
refers to certain service information, replace the text ``Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin No.150-57-197, dated January 01, 2022, or later 
approved revision,'' with ``Gulfstream Service Bulletin No. 150-57-
197, Revision 1, dated June 16, 2022, or later approved revision.''
    (4) Where the service information specified in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-3 specifies to report to Gulfstream if ``cracks were 
discovered'' and ``for any fairing installation location with one or 
more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10%,'' 
for this AD, cracks and fairing installation locations with one or 
more grid squares with thickness reduction of greater than 10% must 
be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the 
Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
FAA; or CAAI; or CAAI's authorized Designee. If approved by the 
authorized Designee, the approval must include the Designee's 
authorized signature.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in CAAI AD ISR I-57-
2021-12-3 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight 
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft 
Section,

[[Page 43462]]

International Validation Branch, FAA; or the Civil Aviation 
Authority of Israel (CAAI); or the CAAI's authorized Designee. If 
approved by the CAAI Designee, the approval must include the 
Designee's authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For CAAI AD ISR I-57-2021-12-3, dated January 01, 2022, 
contact Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), P.O. Box 1101, 
Golan Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972-3-9774665; 
fax 972-3-9774592; email [email protected]. You may find this CAAI AD 
on the CAAI website at https://www.caa.gov.il. You may view this 
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. 
This material may be found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2022-0887.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

    Issued on July 15, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15554 Filed 7-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P