Document ID: FAA-2010-1164-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 Airplanes
Posted Date: 2010-12-08T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76317-76319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30762]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 8, 2010 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 76317]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1164; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-057-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model 
Astra SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 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 the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Sponge rubber padding used to provide separation between wheel 
well fuel lines and electrical harnesses was discovered during fleet 
maintenance. Use of this type of padding for this purpose is not 
approved as it is liable to cause corrosion of the fuel lines. 
Unless steps are taken to remove this padding and install approved 
separation means, fuel lines may be damaged by corrosion and/or 
chafing resulting in an unsafe condition due to fuel leakage[, which 
could result in a fire] in the wheel well area.

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 24, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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, 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, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-25, 
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; 
e-mail 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 Operations office 
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 Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1164; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-057-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 based on 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

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
aviation authority for Israel, has issued Israeli Airworthiness 
Directive 28-10-02-01, dated February 22, 2010 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Sponge rubber padding used to provide separation between wheel 
well fuel lines and electrical harnesses was discovered during fleet 
maintenance. Use of this type of padding for this purpose is not 
approved as it is liable to cause corrosion of the fuel lines. 
Unless steps are taken to remove this padding and install approved 
separation means, fuel lines may be damaged by corrosion and/or 
chafing resulting in an unsafe condition due to fuel leakage[, which 
could result in a fire] in the wheel well area.

    Corrective actions include installing loop clamps to correct 
improper separation and removing sponge rubber padding, and repair or 
replacement of any corroded or chafed fuel lines found after sponge 
rubber padding removal. You may obtain further information by examining 
the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Service Bulletin 100-28-297, 
dated January 21, 2010. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this

[[Page 76318]]

AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 130 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 25 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $100 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $289,250, or $2,225 per product.\

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 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); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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

    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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Docket No. FAA-2010-1164; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NM-057-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by January 24, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate 
previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra 
SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 airplanes, serial 
numbers 002 through 158 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Sponge rubber padding used to provide separation between wheel 
well fuel lines and electrical harnesses was discovered during fleet 
maintenance. Use of this type of padding for this purpose is not 
approved as it is liable to cause corrosion of the fuel lines. 
Unless steps are taken to remove this padding and install approved 
separation means, fuel lines may be damaged by corrosion and/or 
chafing resulting in an unsafe condition due to fuel leakage[, which 
could result in a fire] in the wheel well area.

Corrective actions include installing loop clamps to correct 
improper separation, removing sponge rubber padding, and repair or 
replacement of any corroded or chafed fuel lines found after sponge 
rubber padding removal.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Actions

    (g) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect for the presence of sponge rubber padding on the fuel lines 
in the wheel well area and inspect the fuel lines and electrical 
harnesses in the wheel well area for proper separation, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 2010.
    (1) If any sponge rubber padding is found, before further 
flight, remove all sponge rubber padding from the fuel lines, 
inspect the fuel lines that were covered with the rubber padding for 
any corrosion and repair or replace as applicable any corroded or 
chafed fuel lines, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated 
January 21, 2010.
    (2) If any fuel lines and electrical harnesses are found to not 
have proper separation, before further flight, install loop clamps 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream 
Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 2010.
    (3) If proper separation is found, and no sponge rubber padding 
is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) Where Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 
21, 2010, specifies to submit a photo of any sponge rubber padding 
that is found to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that 
action.
    (2) Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, dated January 21, 
2010, instructs

[[Page 76319]]

operators to contact Gulfstream if technical assistance is required. 
However, any deviation from the instructions provided in that 
service bulletin must be approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) under the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Mike 
Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, 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 and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI Israeli Airworthiness Directive 28-10-02-01, 
dated February 22, 2010; and Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-28-297, 
dated January 21, 2010; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 1, 2010.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-30762 Filed 12-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P