Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the outboard doors of the main landing gear (MLG) for evidence of impact with the surrounding structure, and for damage to the door seals and seal channels; measurements for adequate gaps and clearances; and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent damage to or breakage of the MLG outboard doors, which could result in the loss of a door during flight, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on the ground. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective August 5, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 5, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2004 (69 FR 24103). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection of the outboard doors of the main landing gear (MLG) for evidence of impact with the surrounding structure, and for damage to the door seals and seal channels; measurements for adequate gaps and clearances; and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 125 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 16 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $130,000, or $1,040 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2004-13-18 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-13700. Docket 2003-NM-204-AD.

Applicability: Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Astra SPX, and Westwind Astra 1125 series airplanes; and Model Gulfstream 100 airplanes; as listed in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent damage to or breakage of the main landing gear (MLG) outboard doors, which could result in the loss of a door during flight, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on the ground, accomplish the following:

Inspections and Measurements

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do general visual inspections of the MLG outboard doors for evidence of impact with the surrounding structure, measure door gap clearances, and do any related investigative and corrective actions, as applicable, by accomplishing all of the actions per Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003. Do the applicable related investigative and corrective actions prior to further flight following the inspections.

Note 1:

For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

Repair of Cracks or Delamination, If Necessary

(b) If any evidence of cracking or delamination is found on any MLG door during the inspection for delamination or cracking required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI) (or its delegated agent).

No Reply Requirement

(c) Although the service bulletin describes procedures for completion and submission of a service reply card, this AD would not require those actions.

Actions Accomplished Per a Previous Release of the Service Bulletin

(d) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 1, dated May 22, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 100-32-223, Revision 2, dated June 2, 2003. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html .

Note 2:

The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli airworthiness directive 32-03-03-04 R3, dated June 24, 2003.

Effective Date

(g) This amendment becomes effective on August 5, 2004.