Discussion
On February 14, 2006, we issued AD 2006-04-13, amendment 39-14495 (71 FR 9436, February 24, 2006). That AD applies to certain Gulfstream Model GIV-X and GV-SP series airplanes. That AD requires revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) by incorporating new procedures to follow in the event that the cockpit displays go blank or malfunction. That AD resulted from a report that all four of the cockpit flight panel display units simultaneously went blank during flight. The actions specified in that AD are intended to ensure that the flightcrew is advised of the appropriate procedures to follow in the event that the cockpit displays go blank or malfunction, which could result in a reduction of the flightcrew's situational awareness and possible loss of control of the airplane.
Actions Since AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2006-04-13, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) informed us that the informationcontained in the Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) Gulfstream AFM revisions is considered acceptable for airplanes operated under and in accordance with the JAA and EASA regulations, supervision, and oversight, and should be added to the AD. We inadvertently omitted that information from AD 2006-04-13; therefore, we have added a new Note 2 to this AD to give credit for those revisions.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the revisions to the Limitations section of Gulfstream G350, G450, G500, and G550 AFMs, as listed in the table below:
Gulfstream AFM Revisions
Affected airplane models
AFM
Revision level
Revision date
Model GIV X
Gulfstream G350
GAC AC JAA G350 OPS 0001
3
January 25, 2006.
Model GIV X
Gulfstream G450
GAC AC JAA G450 OPS 0001
3
January 25, 2006.
Model GV SP
Gulfstream G500
GAC AC JAA G500 OPS 0001
3
January 25, 2006.
Model GV SP
Gulfstream G550
GAC AC JAA G550 OPS 0001
5
January 25, 2006.
The revisions describe procedures to follow in the event that all four cockpit flight panel display units simultaneously go blank or malfunction. The procedures include identifying the malfunctioning components and taking appropriate corrective action to return certain displays to a functional condition. The procedures also include weather minimums designed to mitigate the effects of display blanking events during takeoff or landing.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we are issuing this AD to revise AD 2006-04-13. This new AD retains the requirements of the existing AD. This AD also provides for accomplishing the actions specified in the AFM revisions described previously for a certain subset of the existing applicability.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently developinga software modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD, which will constitute terminating action for the AFM revisions required by this AD action. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we may consider additional rulemaking. However, the planned compliance time for the modification will allow enough time to provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the modification.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2006- 24438; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-061-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Dockets
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov , or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647- 5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.
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 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 the 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 FR11034, 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by removing amendment 39-14495 (71 FR 9436, February 24, 2006) and adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):