82 FR 737 - Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 2 (January 4, 2017)

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-17- 01, which applies to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP airplanes and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-01 currently requires, an inspection for sealant applied to the exterior of the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), and a revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM), as applicable. Since we issued AD 2009-17-01, we received a report indicating that the type design sealant applied to the APU enclosure is flammable and failed certain tests. This proposed AD would require revising the AFM, and revising the applicability to include additional airplanes. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 737-739]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31362]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9522; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-144-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: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-17-
01, which applies to certain Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP 
airplanes and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-01 currently requires, an 
inspection for sealant applied to the exterior of the auxiliary power 
unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), and a revision of the airplane flight 
manual (AFM), as applicable. Since we issued AD 2009-17-01, we received 
a report indicating that the type design sealant applied to the APU 
enclosure is flammable and failed certain tests. This proposed AD would 
require revising the AFM, and revising the applicability to include 
additional airplanes. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 21, 
2017.

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, Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206, 
Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone 800-810-4853; fax 912-965-3520; 
email [email protected]; Internet http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9522; 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 proposed 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: Ky Phan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO) 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5536; 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-2016-9522; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-144-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 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

    On July 31, 2009, we issued AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 
FR 40061, August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01''), for certain Gulfstream 
Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP airplanes, and Model GV airplanes. AD 2009-17-
01 requires, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection for sealant 
applied to the exterior of the APU enclosure, and for airplanes with 
the subject sealant and certain other airplanes, a revision of the AFM 
to prohibit operation of the APU during certain ground and flight 
operations. AD 2009-17-01 resulted from notification by the airplane 
manufacturer that an improper, flammable sealant was used on the 
interior and exterior of the APU enclosure. We issued AD 2009-17-01 to 
prevent this flammable sealant from igniting the exterior surfaces of 
the APU enclosure under certain anomalous conditions, such as an APU 
failure/APU compartment fire, which could result in propagation of an 
uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2009-17-01 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2009-17-01, the manufacturer has notified us 
that the type design sealant (AMS 3374) applied to the APU enclosure is 
flammable and failed a certification test and a company

[[Page 738]]

test. Paragraph (g) of AD 2009-17-01 required an inspection to 
determine if GMS 4107 sealant (i.e., not type design sealant) or AMS 
3374 sealant was applied to the APU enclosure. If the inspections 
revealed the application of GMS 4107 sealant, operators were required 
by paragraph (h) of AD 2009-17-01 to revise the applicable AFM to 
include the applicable AFM supplement (AFMS). The AFMS provided 
limitations that prohibited operation of the APU during certain ground 
and flight operations. At the time AD 2009-17-01 was issued, the type 
design sealant was AMS 3374 sealant, which was thought to be fireproof. 
If the inspection required by paragraph (g) of AD 2009-17-01 revealed 
that AMS 3374 sealant was used, the applicable AFM did not have to be 
revised. With the discovery that AMS 3374 sealant is flammable, we have 
determined that AD 2009-17-01 does not address the identified unsafe 
condition.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the Gulfstream AFM supplements (AFMSs) identified 
below. The AFMSs provide operating limitations on the use of the APU 
during certain ground and flight operations. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
    (1) Gulfstream Aerospace GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01, 
dated July 27, 2016, to the GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the G300 
AFM, dated January 15, 2003; and the G400 AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
    (2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July 
27, 2016, to the G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the G350 AFM, 
dated October 28, 2004.
    (3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27, 2016, 
to the GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
    (4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July 
27, 2016, to the G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the G500 AFM, 
dated December 5, 2003.
    (5) Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated July 
27, 2016, to the GVI (G650) AFM dated, September 7, 2012.
    (6) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated 
July 27, 2016, to the GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2, 2014.
    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.

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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require a revision of the AFM to prohibit 
operation of the APU during certain ground and flight operation and 
would add additional airplanes to the applicability.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. If final action is 
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,220 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85         $103,700
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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) 
2009-17-01, Amendment 39-15991 (74 FR 40061, August 11, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2016-9522; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-144-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 21, 
2017.

[[Page 739]]

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2009-17-01, Amendment 39 15991 (74 FR 40061, 
August 11, 2009) (``AD 2009-17-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
    (1) Model G-IV airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 and 
subsequent.
    (2) Model GIV-X airplanes, having S/Ns 4001 and subsequent.
    (3) Model GV airplanes, having S/Ns 501 and subsequent.
    (4) Model GV-SP airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 and subsequent.
    (5) Model GVI airplanes, having S/Ns 6001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49, Airborne 
Auxiliary Power; and 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the type design 
sealant is flammable and failed a certification test and a company 
test. We are issuing this AD to provide the flight crew with 
operating procedures for airplanes that have flammable sealant 
compound applied to the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure 
(firewall). Under certain anomalous conditions such as an APU 
failure/APU compartment fire, flammable sealant could ignite the 
exterior surfaces of the APU enclosure and result in propagation of 
an uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
Limitations Section of the applicable Gulfstream AFM specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD to include the 
information in the applicable Gulfstream AFM supplement (AFMS) 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. These AFM 
supplements (AFMSs) introduce operating limitations on the use of 
the APU during certain ground and flight operations.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: This AFM revision may be 
done by inserting a copy of the applicable AFMS into the applicable 
AFM specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD. When 
the AFMS has been included in the general revision of the AFM, the 
general revision may be inserted into the AFM, provided the relevant 
information in the general revision is identical to that in the 
applicable AFMS specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of 
this AD.

(h) AFMSs

    For the AFM revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
insert the applicable AFMS into the applicable Gulfstream AFM 
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(6) of this AD.
    (1) Gulfstream GIV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement GIV-2016-01, dated 
July 27, 2016, to the GIV AFM, dated April 22, 1987; the G300 AFM, 
dated January 15, 2003; and the G400 AFM, dated November 18, 2002.
    (2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2016-01, dated July 
27, 2016, to the G450 AFM, dated August 12, 2004; and the G350 AFM, 
dated October 28, 2004.
    (3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2016-01, dated July 27, 
2016, to the GV AFM, dated April 11, 1997.
    (4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2016-01, dated July 
27, 2016, to the G550 AFM, dated August 14, 2003; and the G500 AFM, 
dated December 5, 2003.
    (5) Gulfstream GVI (G650) AFM Supplement G650-2016-01, dated 
July 27, 2016, to the GVI (G650) AFM dated, September 7, 2012.
    (6) Gulfstream GVI (G650ER) AFM Supplement G650ER-2016-03, dated 
July 27, 2016, to the GVI (G650ER) AFM, dated October 2, 2014.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the action required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD. This 
service information was incorporated by reference in AD 2009-17-01.
    (1) Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, 
Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009.
    (2) Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, Revision 
1, dated June 25, 2009.
    (3) Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2009-03, Revision 1, dated 
June 25, 2009.
    (4) Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, Revision 
1, dated June 25, 2009.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (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 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) AMOCs approved previously for paragraph (h) of AD 2009-17-01 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph 
(g) of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ky Phan, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA, 
Atlanta ACO 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 
404-474-5536; fax: 404-474-5606; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, 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 http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 16, 2016.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31362 Filed 1-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P