[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 248 (Friday, December 27, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71333-71335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27716]
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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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 248 / Friday, December 27, 2019 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 71333]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1060; Product Identifier 2018-CE-020-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model G-IV
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of un-commanded
nose wheel steering turns. This proposed AD would require replacing the
nose wheel steering servo valve manifold, incorporating revised
operating procedures into the airplane flight manual (AFM), doing a
records inspection for any incidents of un-commanded nose wheel
steering turns, and reporting the results to the FAA. 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 February
10, 2020.
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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, Georgia 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,
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.
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-
1060; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alex Armas, Aerospace Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia
30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-5605; 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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-1060;
Product Identifier 2018-CE-020-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Discussion
The FAA received reports of numerous incidents of un-commanded nose
wheel steering turns on Gulfstream Model G-IV airplanes. An
investigation revealed the supplier compromised the seals during
assembly of the electro-hydraulic servo valves, which allows moisture
to enter the valve. During cold soak conditions, the moisture forms ice
crystals in the servo valve armature air gaps, which may cause the
valve armature to displace to a non-neutral position. This condition,
if not addressed, could result in an un-commanded nose wheel position
once power is applied to the nose wheel servo and subsequent lateral
runway departure.
To address this condition, the supplier improved their production
quality control process to reduce the risk of compromised seals in the
nose wheel steering servo valve. Gulfstream also revised the normal,
abnormal, and emergency procedures in the AFMs related to nose wheel
steering un-commanded turns.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 244, dated
March 12, 2018; Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12,
2018; and Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12, 2018.
For the applicable airplane configuration, each customer bulletin
describes procedures for replacing the nose wheel steering servo valve
manifold assembly.
The FAA also reviewed Gulfstream IV Airplane Flight Manual,
Gulfstream Aerospace Document Number GAC-AC-GIV-OPS-0001, Revision 52,
dated October 30, 2017; Gulfstream G300 Airplane Flight Manual,
Gulfstream Aerospace Document Number GAC-AC-G300-OPS-0001, Revision 20,
dated October 30, 2017; and Gulfstream G400 Airplane Flight Manual,
Gulfstream Aerospace Document Number GAC-AC-G400-OPS-0001, Revision 20,
dated October 30, 2017. For the applicable airplane configuration, each
AFM document provides revisions to the AFM with instructions for flight
crew to follow if un-commanded nose wheel steering turns occur.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal
[[Page 71334]]
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require revising the AFM and replacing the
nose wheel steering servo valve manifold. This proposed AD would also
require a records inspection for any incidents of un-commanded nose
wheel steering turns and reporting the results to the FAA.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The Gulfstream customer bulletins require reporting compliance with
the bulletins to Gulfstream. This proposed AD does not contain that
requirement; however, this proposed AD would require reporting any
known occurrences of un-commanded nose wheel steering turns to the FAA.
The Gulfstream customer bulletins include a compliance time of 48
months beginning on March 12, 2018. The compliance time for this
proposed AD is 36 months after the effective date of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 425 airplanes
of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Incorporate AFM revisions..... 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable............... $85 $36,125
per hour = $85.
Replace nose wheel steering 7 work-hours x $63,624...................... 64,219 27,293,075
servo valve. $85 per hour =
$595.
Records review and reporting 2 work-hours x Not applicable............... 170 72,250
of the review results. $85 per hour =
$170.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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 currently 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 2 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory as required by this AD; the nature and extent of
confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send comments regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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.
This proposed 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
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) 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.
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.
[[Page 71335]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2019-1060; Product
Identifier 2018-CE-020-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by February 10, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-IV
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of un-commanded nose wheel
steering turns. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent moisture from
entering the nose steering wheel servo valve, which could freeze and
cause an un-commanded nose wheel steering position during touchdown.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a lateral
runway departure.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual Revisions
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise your
airplane flight manual (AFM) by incorporating the revision
applicable to your airplane configuration as listed in paragraphs
(g)(1) through (3) of this AD:
(1) Gulfstream IV Airplane Flight Manual, Gulfstream Aerospace
Document Number GAC-AC-GIV-OPS-0001, Revision 52, dated October 30,
2017;
(2) Gulfstream G300 Airplane Flight Manual, Gulfstream Aerospace
Document Number GAC-AC-G300-OPS-0001, Revision 20, dated October 30,
2017; or
(3) Gulfstream G400 Airplane Flight Manual, Gulfstream Aerospace
Document Number FAC-AC-G400-OPS-0001, Revision 20, dated October 30,
2017.
(h) Replace the Nose Wheel Steering Servo Valve Manifold
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the nose wheel steering servo valve manifold with nose wheel
steering servo valve manifold part number 5100-11 or 5105-5 in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the customer
bulletin that applies to your airplane configuration as listed in
paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD, except you are not
required to comply with step H:
(1) Gulfstream IV Customer Bulletin Number 244, dated March 12,
2018;
(2) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12, 2018;
or
(3) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin 244, dated March 12, 2018.
(i) Records Inspection and Report of Results
(1) Between 12 months and 24 months after the replacement of the
nose wheel steering valve manifold assembly required in paragraph
(h) of this AD, inspect all aircraft records for entries of an un-
commanded nose wheel steering turn.
(2) Within 10 days after the records inspection required in
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, report the results of the inspection,
regardless of whether the inspection found any entries, to the FAA
by either email: [email protected]; or by mail: Attn:
Continued Operational Safety, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. The report must include as much
of the information listed in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) through (vii) of
this AD as is known about the event:
(i) Date of records inspection;
(ii) Date and time of all un-commanded occurrences (if any);
(iii) Airplane serial number;
(iv) Weather and runway conditions at the time of each
occurrence;
(v) Copy of the pilot's report of the occurrence (if available);
(vi) Maintenance entry of the root cause of the un-commanded
deflection (if available); and
(vii) Any other information pertinent to the occurrence.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act
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 currently 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 2 hours per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory as required by this AD; the nature and
extent of confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
(k) 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 (l)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Alex Armas,
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5538; fax: (404) 474-
5605; email: [email protected].
(2) 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: [email protected]; internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/customer-support. You may view this referenced
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.
Issued on December 18, 2019.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Aircraft Certification Service Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, AIR-690.
[FR Doc. 2019-27716 Filed 12-26-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P