Discussion
The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises that, while troubleshooting a fuel quantity indication condition on a Model Gulfstream 200 airplane, technicians found evidence of overheating on the feeder wires splice of the left fuel standby feed pump 3Q1. Subsequent investigation revealed a similar condition in the wiring of the left and right fuel standby feed pumps of four other Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in an ignition source in an area where fuel vapor may be present, and a consequent fire or explosion.
The subject fuel standby feed pump wiring on Model Galaxy airplanes is identical to that on the affected Model Gulfstream 200 airplanes. Therefore, both of these models may be subject tothe same unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
Gulfstream Aerospace LP has issued Alert Service Bulletin 200-28A- 261, dated June 7, 2005. The alert service bulletin describes procedures for performing a visual inspection of the wiring, splice, connector, and pins for the left (3Q1) and right (4Q1) fuel standby feed pumps for damage, and for replacing any damaged wiring, splice, connector, or pin with a new wire, splice, connector, or pin, as applicable. Damage includes evidence of overheating and worn or chafed insulation. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for replacing the power and ground wires for the fuel standby feed pumps with 12-American-Wire-Gauge (AWG) wires. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
The CAAI mandated the alert service bulletin and issued Israeli airworthiness directive 28-05-06-08, dated July 3, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness ofthese airplanes in Israel.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAAI's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct any damaged wiring, splice, connector, or pin for the fuel standby feed pumps, which could result in an ignition source in an area where fuel vapor may be present, and a consequent fire or explosion. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under "Differences Between the AD and Alert Service Bulletin".
Clarification of Inspection in the Israeli Airworthiness Directive
The Israeli airworthiness directive states only to "inspect" the wiring; it does not define what type of inspection should be done. We have determined that the inspection in the Israeli airworthiness directive should be described as a "general visual inspection." Note 1 has been included in this AD to define this type of inspection.
Differences Between the AD and Alert Service Bulletin
The Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 200-28A-261, dated June 7, 2005, instruct operators to inspect the wiring for worn or chafed insulation; however, it gives no repair instructions if any worn or chafed insulation is found. This AD requires operators to replace any wiring found with worn or chafed insulation with new wiring. This difference has been coordinated with the CAAI.The Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Alert Service Bulletin 200-28A-261, dated June 7, 2005, instruct operators to complete and return a Service Reply Card to Gulfstream Aerospace LP. This AD does not include that requirement.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment before the AD is issued is impracticable, and 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 the address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA- 2005-22073; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-140-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 Docket
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 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):