Document ID: FAA-2012-0494-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Posted Date: 2012-05-29T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 29, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31483-31486]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13034]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 103 / Tuesday, May 29, 2012 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 31483]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0494; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-088-AD; 
Amendment 39-17069; AD 2012-11-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159, G-1159A, and G-1159B 
airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, a measurement to 
determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the 
doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and 
repair if necessary. This AD also requires, for certain other 
airplanes, determining if a certain aircraft service change has been 
incorporated, and for affected airplanes, a measurement to determine 
the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and 
clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and repair if 
necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of an improper structural 
modification that had excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment 
fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive gaps 
in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage attachment and 
consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective May 29, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 29, 2012.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 13, 2012.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, 
Savannah, Georgia 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 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 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: Michael Cann, Senior Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 
474-5548; fax (404) 474-5606; email: michael.cann@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We received a report of an improper structural modification that 
resulted in excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings 
on a number of airplanes. The modification specified in Gulfstream 
Model G-1159A (also known as (aka) G-III) and G-1159B (aka G-IIB) 
Aircraft Service Change (ASC) 229 and G-1159 (aka G-II) ASC 426 
installs a new three-piece box fitting on the left and right side wing-
to-fuselage installations, including new part number 1159SB30175-11/-12 
doublers.
    During a routine corrosion inspection on a Model G-1159A (G-III) 
airplane, it was observed that the aft wing-to-fuselage attach fitting 
had an assembly gap exceeding the gap allowed by type design. This 
condition results in a transfer of wing loads through a different load 
path resulting in negative margins of safety in the upper bolt and 
lower bolt in bearing.
    A records review revealed that this condition was the result of an 
improper structural modification. This records search also revealed 
that six other Model G-1159 (G-II) and G-1159A (G-III) airplanes 
incorporated the modification. All seven airplanes have been inspected, 
and four airplanes were found not to be in conformity with the type 
design, two are in conformity to the type design, and no data are 
available on the other. A further search has revealed that a similar 
nonconforming condition was found on a total of six airplanes. Of 
those, one airplane does not conform to type design, and no further 
information is available for the other five airplanes. Based on this 
information, it is possible that other Model G-1159 (G-II), G-1159B (G-
IIB), and G-1159A (G-III) airplanes could potentially exhibit the same 
condition.
    The excessive clearance between the structural members results in a 
change in load path and reduced structural strength of the assembly 
below certified limits. This condition, if not corrected, could result 
in reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage attachment and 
consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.

[[Page 31484]]

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 21, including 
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); 
and Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 36, including Service 
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B 
airplanes). This service information describes procedures for a 
measurement to determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded 
portion of the doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage 
attachment, and contacting Gulfstream if necessary.
    We have also reviewed Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, 
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A 
airplanes); and Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including 
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B 
airplanes). This service information describes procedures for 
determining if a certain airplane service change has been incorporated, 
and, for affected airplanes, a measurement to determine the clearance 
(gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and clothespin 
fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and contacting Gulfstream 
if necessary.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.'' The AD also 
requires sending the measurement results to Gulfstream.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    Although the service information specifies that operators may 
contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, 
this AD requires operators to repair those conditions in accordance 
with a method approved by the FAA.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification intended to address the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, 
and available, we might consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of 
the discovery of an improper structural modification that had excessive 
gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage 
attachment fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity 
at the wing-to-fuselage attachment. Therefore, we find that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2012-0494 and 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-088-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 223 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Cost per       Number of  U.S.    Cost on U.S.
                Action                                 Labor cost                    Parts cost          product          operators         operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Records Review........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85........                $0               $85               210           $17,850
Measurement...........................  4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340......                 0               340                13             4,420
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary measurements 
and repairs that would be required based on the results of the 
measurement. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measurement...................................  4 work-hours....................              $0            $340
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition repair specified in this 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.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII,

[[Page 31485]]

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

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-11-06 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-17069; 
Docket No. FAA-2012-0494; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-088-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 29, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-
1159, G-1159A, and G-1159B airplanes; certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings; and 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an improper structural 
modification that had excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage 
attachment fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage 
attachment and consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Measurement and Repair

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD: Before further flight, measure to determine the clearance (gap) 
of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and clothespin fitting 
at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, in accordance with Gulfstream 
III Alert Customer Bulletin 21, including Service Reply Card, dated 
May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB 
Alert Customer Bulletin 36, including Service Reply Card, dated May 
18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B airplanes). If the clearance 
exceeds the limit specified in Gulfstream III Alert Customer 
Bulletin 21, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for 
Model G-1159A airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer 
Bulletin 36, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for 
Model G-1159 and G-1159B airplanes); before further flight, repair 
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be 
approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, 
the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
    (1) Model G-1159, and G-1159B airplanes, having serial numbers 
(S/N) 083, 084, 096, 130, 176, 202, 238, 239, and 240.
    (2) Model G-1159A airplanes, having S/N 346, 355, 385, and 486.

(h) Records Review, Measurement, and Repair

    For all airplanes except those identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD: Within 10 flight hours or 60 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a review of airplane 
maintenance records to determine if the aircraft service change 
specified in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including 
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A 
airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, 
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 
and G-1159B airplanes); has been incorporated.
    (1) For airplanes on which the aircraft service change specified 
in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including Service 
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); or 
Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including Service 
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B 
airplanes); has not been incorporated: No more work is required by 
this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the aircraft service change specified 
in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including Service 
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A airplanes); or 
Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including Service 
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 and G-1159B 
airplanes); has been incorporated: Within 10 flight hours or 60 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, measure 
to determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of 
the doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage 
attachment, in accordance with Gulfstream III Alert Customer 
Bulletin 22, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for 
Model G-1159A airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer 
Bulletin 37, including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for 
Model G-1159 and G-1159B airplanes). If the clearance exceeds the 
limit specified in Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, 
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159A 
airplanes); or Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, 
including Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012 (for Model G-1159 
and G-1159B airplanes); before further flight, repair in accordance 
with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA. For a 
repair method to be approved by the Manager, Atlanta, ACO, as 
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(i) Reporting

    Submit a report of the findings of any measurement required by 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD to Gulfstream, at the applicable 
time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, using the 
Service Reply Card of the applicable customer bulletin specified in 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD. The report must include the 
measurement results, a description of any discrepancies found, the 
airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours 
on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
has approved the information collection requirements contained in 
this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) If the measurement was done on or after the effective date 
of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the measurement.
    (2) If the measurement was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the

[[Page 31486]]

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not 
allowed.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Michael Cann, Senior 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: (404) 474-5548; fax (404) 474-5606; email: 
michael.cann@faa.gov.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (2) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (i) Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 21, including Service 
Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
    (ii) Gulfstream III Alert Customer Bulletin 22, including 
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
    (iii) Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 36, including 
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
    (iv) Gulfstream II/IIB Alert Customer Bulletin 37, including 
Service Reply Card, dated May 18, 2012.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. 
Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 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.
    (4) You may review copies of the 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.
    (5) You may also review copies of the 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 Renton, Washington, on May 22, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-13034 Filed 5-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P