[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5958-5960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02612]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0104; Product Identifier 2017-CE-036-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-24-
06, which applies to certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI 
airplanes. AD 2015-24-06 requires repetitive breakaway torque checks 
and torqueing of the main landing gear (MLG) brake inlet self-sealing 
couplings and inserting a dispatch and takeoff limitation to the 
Limitations section of the airplane flight manual. Since we issued AD 
2015-24-06, a modification of the MLG and brake assembly has been 
developed that when incorporated would terminate the need for the 
repetitive actions of AD 2015-24-06. This proposed AD would require 
modifying the MLG and brake assembly. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 29, 2018.

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: 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, Savannah, Georgia 31404-2206; 
telephone: (912) 965-3000; fax: (912) 965-3520; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.gulfstream.com. 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0104; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gideon Jose, Aerospace Engineer, 
Altanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 
30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
[email protected].

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-2018-0104; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-036-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2015-24-06, Amendment 39-18338 (80 FR 75788, December 
4, 2015) (``AD 2015-24-06''), for certain Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. AD 2015-24-06 requires 
repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the MLG brake inlet 
self-sealing couplings. AD 2015-24-06 also requires inserting a 
dispatch and takeoff limitation to the Limitations section of the 
airplane flight manual to include procedures to follow if certain 
display indications occur. AD 2015-24-06 resulted from reports of the 
self-sealing couplings on the MLG brake inlet fitting backing out of 
the fully seated position. This unsafe condition could lead to loss of 
hydraulic pressure to the affected brake. We issued AD 2015-24-06 to 
detect and correct inadequate torque on the self-sealing couplings and 
prevent loss of braking capability on one or multiple brakes, which 
could lead to runway overrun or asymmetrical braking that could result 
in lateral runway excursion.

Actions Since AD 2015-24-06 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2015-24-06, a modification for the MLG and brake 
assembly has been developed that eliminates the self-sealing coupling 
and uses a permanent hose design. This modification when incorporated 
would terminate the need for the repetitive breakaway torque checks and 
torqueing of the brake inlet self-sealing couplings.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated 
July 26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 155B, 
dated July 26, 2017. For the applicable model designations, this 
service information describes procedures to modify the MLG and brake 
assemblies. 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.

[[Page 5959]]

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing 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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2015-
24-06. This proposed AD would require modifying the MLG with new tube 
assemblies without self-sealing couplings and add lock wire. This 
proposed AD would also require inspecting and modifying the brake 
assembly.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Although Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated July 
26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated 
July 26, 2017, both contain reporting requirements and return of 
certain parts to the manufacturer, this proposed AD does not include 
those requirements.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 162 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of brake hose            65.5 work-hours x $85 per           $14,776       $20,343.5      $3,295,647
 assemblies, inspection of brake      hour = $5,567.50.
 assembly attachment bolts, and
 modification of the brake assembly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our 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.
    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.
    This 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

    We have 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 that the 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),
    (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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-24-06, Amendment 39-18338 (80 FR 75788, December 4, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2018-0104; Product 
Identifier 2017-CE-36-AD.

 (a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by March 29, 
2018.

 (b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-24-06, Amendment 39-18338 (80 FR 75788, 
December 4, 2015) (``AD 2015-24-06'').

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI 
airplanes, serial numbers 6001 and 6003 through 6163, certificated 
in any category.
    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 32, Landing Gear.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    AD 2015-24-06 was prompted by reports of the main landing gear 
(MLG) self-sealing couplings on the MLG brake inlet fitting backing 
out of the fully seated position. This AD was prompted by the 
development of modifications that when incorporated would terminate 
the need for repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the 
brake

[[Page 5960]]

inlet self-sealing couplings. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss 
of braking capability on one or multiple brakes. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could lead to runway overrun or 
asymmetrical braking that could result in lateral runway excursion.

 (f) Compliance

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

 (g) Modification of the MLG and MLG Brake Assemblies

    (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the MLG and brake assemblies following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, dated 
July 26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 155B, 
dated July 26, 2017.
    (2) Although Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin Number 155B, 
dated July 26, 2017; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin Number 
155B, dated July 26, 2017, both contain reporting requirements and 
return of certain parts to the manufacturer, this proposed AD does 
not include those requirements.
    (3) AD 2015-24-06 required a dispatch and takeoff limitation in 
the airplane flight manual. Although we did not retain that 
requirement in this AD, if not already removed, this limitation 
should be removed after the modification in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD is done.

 (h) Credit for Previous Actions

    If done before the effective date of this AD, this AD allows 
credit for the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD following 
Gulfstream G650 Customer Bulletin 155, dated July 29, 2016; and 
Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin 155, dated July 29, 2016.

 (i) 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 (k)(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 
(j)(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.

 (j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gideon Jose, 
Aerospace Engineer, Altanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: 404-474-5569; fax: 404-474-5606; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia 
31404-2206; telephone: (912) 965-3000; fax: (912) 965-3520; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.gulfstream.com. You may view 
copies of the 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 in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 5, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02612 Filed 2-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


