Discussion
We have received a report indicating that all four of the cockpit flight panel display units simultaneously went blank during flight on a Gulfstream Model GV-SP airplane. The displays did not recover until the flightcrew pulled circuit breakers associated with the displays; subsequently, three of the four displays returned to normal. Initial investigation revealed discrepancies with the reversion logic of the advanced graphic modules. Similar display failures occurred during ground test operations. Such conditions, if not corrected, could result in a reduction of the flightcrew's situational awareness and possible loss of control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Gulfstream has issued revisions to the Limitations section of Gulfstream G350, G450, G500, and G550 airplane flight manuals (AFMs), as listed in the table below:
Gulfstream AFM Revisions
Affected airplane models
AFM
Revision level
Revision dateModel GIV X
Gulfstream G350, GAC AC G350 OPS 0001
6
January 24, 2006.
Model GIV X
Gulfstream G450, GAC AC G450 OPS 0001
7
January 24, 2006.
Model GV SP
Gulfstream G500, GAC AC G500 OPS 0001
13
January 24, 2006.
Model GV SP
Gulfstream G550, GAC AC G550 OPS 0001
15
January 24, 2006.
The revisions describe new 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 ensure that the flightcrew is advised of 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. This AD requires revising the AFM to include the revisions described previously.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently developing a software modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we may consider additional rulemaking.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.
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- 23966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-024-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 areissuing 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 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.
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 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):