[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 120 (Monday, June 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37333-37335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12799]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1024; Product Identifier 2019-CE-002-AD; Amendment
39-21126; AD 2020-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the primary flight
control actuation system (PFCAS) linear variable displacement
transducer (LVDT) mechanical disconnect monitor may not trigger the
disconnect of the affected control surfaces as required in the event of
a control surface failure. This AD requires updating the software of
each PFCAS remote electronics unit (REU), which includes an improvement
to the LVDT. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 27,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For the Gulfstream and Parker service information identified
in this final rule, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical
Publications Dept., P.O Box 2206, 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 Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1024.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1024; 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 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: Myles Jalalian, Aerospace Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia
30337; phone: (404) 474-5572; fax: (404) 474-5606; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2019 (84 FR 68363).
The NPRM was prompted by a report from Gulfstream that the PFCAS
LVDT mechanical disconnect monitor may not trigger the disconnect of
the affected control surfaces as required in the event of a control
surface failure. The Model GVI flight control computer actuator LVDT
disconnect monitor should disable the control surface for ailerons,
elevators, and rudder in the event that one of those control surfaces
fails. Gulfstream developed an REU software update that provides
improvements to the LVDT of the PFCAS, which addresses the LVDT
disconnect monitor problem.
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to spoiler hard-over
or loss of structural integrity due to excessive surface deflection and
result in loss of control of the airplane.
The NPRM proposed to require updating the software of each PFCAS
REU, which includes an improvement to the LVDT. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 37334]]
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 201,
dated September 28, 2017, and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin
Number 201, dated September 28, 2017; which specify incorporating
Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 069, dated September 28, 2017,
or Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 069, dated September 28,
2017. This service information differs because each document applies to
a different airplane designation.
The FAA also reviewed Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 069,
dated September 28, 2017, and Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change
069, dated September 28, 2017, which provide and reference procedures
for preparing the REU for a software update.
The FAA reviewed Parker Service Bulletin 469000-27-003, Revision 1,
dated October 11, 2017, which contains procedures for updating the
software of the REU from Label 34 to Label 35. This update includes
improved LVDT disconnect and oscillatory monitoring, force fight
mitigation, troubleshooting, and rectification of other reported
problems.
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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 161 products installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Update REU software............... 386 work-hours x $85 None................. $32,810 $5,282,410
per hour = $32,810.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this d AD may
be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this 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.
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
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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):
2020-11-01 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-21126;
Docket No. FAA-2019-1024; Product Identifier 2019-CE-002-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 27, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 6001 through
6111, 6113 through 6133, and 6135 through 6274.
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 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the primary flight control
actuation system (PFCAS) linear variable displacement transducer
(LVDT) mechanical disconnect monitor may not trigger the disconnect
of the affected control surfaces as required in the event of a
control surface failure. This condition, if not addressed, could
lead to spoiler hard-over or loss of structural integrity due to
excessive surface deflection and result in loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Software Upgrade
Within the next 24 months after July 27, 2020 (the effective
date of this AD), update
[[Page 37335]]
the software for each PFCAS remote electronics unit (REU) from Label
34 to Label 35 by following the Accomplishment Instructions in
Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 201, dated September 28,
2017, or Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 201, dated
September 28, 2017; the Modification Instructions, sections A
through C, in Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change No. 069, dated
September 28, 2017, or Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change No.
069, dated September 28, 2017; and the Accomplishment Instructions
in Parker Service Bulletin 469000-27-003, Revision 1, dated October
11, 2017; except you are not required to submit information to the
manufacturer.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO 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 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 (i)(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.
(3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(h)(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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Myles Jalalian,
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5572; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: [email protected].
(j) 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 5.
(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 201, dated
September 28, 2017. (ii) Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number
201, dated September 28, 2017.
(iii) Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 069, dated
September 28, 2017.
(iv) Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 069, dated
September 28, 2017.
(v) Parker Service Bulletin 469000-27-003, Revision 1, dated
October 11, 2017
(3) For Gulfstream and Parker service information identified in
this AD, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications
Dept., P.O Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone: (800) 810-
4853; fax: (912) 965-3520; email: [email protected]; internet:
https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. In
addition, you can access this service information on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-1024.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on May 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12799 Filed 6-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P