AD 2017-04-01

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that there are design deficiencies in the software used for monitoring the disconnect for the flight control computer (FCC)-hosted flight controls actuation main ram linear variable differential transducer (LVDT). This AD requires an update of the FCC software. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

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):

2017-04-01 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-18796; Docket No. FAA-2016-9191; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-106-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective March 28, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 6001 through 6164 inclusive.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model GVI airplanes are also referred to by marketing designations G650 and G650ER.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27; Flight controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that there are design deficiencies in the software used for monitoring the disconnect for the flight control computer (FCC)-hosted flight controls actuation main ram linear variable differential transducer (LVDT). We are issuing this AD to prevent undetected actuation of the main ram LVDT. Undetected actuation of the main ram LVDT, if not corrected, could result in mechanical failure of the flight control surface actuator mechanism under force fight (the actuator is working against the intended load forces), causing primary surface hardover, spoiler hardover, and loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Software Update for FCC

Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do an FCC software update, in accordance with the Modification Instructions of Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016; or Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016; as applicable.

(h) Reporting not Required

Although Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016; and Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

(i) 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 (j) of thisAD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager

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of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office

(j) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Myles Jalalian, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5572; fax: 404-474-5606; email: Myles.Jalalian@faa.gov.

(k) 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 51.
(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 Aircraft Service Change 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016.
(ii) Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016.
(3) 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: pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet: http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm.
(4) You may view this service information at 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.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Discussion

We 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 Model GVI airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 15, 2016 (81 FR 80009). The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that there are design deficiencies in the software used for monitoring the disconnect for the FCC-hosted flight controls actuation main ram LVDT. The NPRM proposed to require an update of the FCC software. We are issuing this AD to prevent undetected actuation of the main ram LVDT. Undetected actuation of the main ram LVDT, if not corrected, could result in mechanical failure of the flight control surface actuator mechanism under force fight (the actuator is working against the intended load forces), causing primary surface hardover, spoiler hardover, and loss of control of the airplane.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

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Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change Number 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016; and Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service Change Number 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016. The service information describes procedures for doing an update of the FCC software. This service information is distinct because it applies to different airplanes. This service information isreasonably 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

We estimate that this AD affects 90 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Software update................... 57 work-hours x $85 per $9,126 $13,971 $1,257,390
hour = $4,845. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of thisAD 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 conditionthat 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.