The manufacturer has notified the FAA that a fire occurred in the pilot's overhead circuit breaker panel on a Gulfstream Model G-V series airplane while it was undergoing a landing gear cycling test. Investigation revealed that the P45-12 wire had been pinched between the circuit breaker panel and its attach bracket. The current wire routing within the pilot's circuit breaker panel allows the P45-12 wire to become pinched or damaged upon closing of the circuit breaker panel, which may arc to the metal attaching bracket during vibration. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in smoke and/or fire in the pilot's circuit breaker panel.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin No. 19, including Drawing 1159SB59301, dated September 26, 2002, including attachment, which describes procedures for a one-time general visual inspection of the pilot's overhead circuit breaker panelfor discrepancies (e.g., wire damage). The inspection involves paying special attention to the P45-12 wire that runs from circuit breaker F10 to G5. The alert customer bulletin also describes procedures for rerouting wire P45-12 inside the standoff on the front of the panel, and contacting the manufacturer if discrepancies are found. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert customer bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Gulfstream Model G-V series airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent circuit breaker wiring from becoming pinched or damaged, causing arcing between the wire and attaching bracket, which could result in smoke and fire in the pilot's circuit breaker panel. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection of the pilot's overhead circuit breaker panel wiring for discrepancies; rerouting the P45-12 wire; and repair, if necessary. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert customer bulletin described previously; except as discussed below.
Differences Between This AD and the Alert Customer Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the alert customer bulletin specifies that the manufacturer be contacted for disposition of discrepant conditions, this AD requires repair of those conditions to be accomplished per a method approved by the FAA.
The alert customer bulletin also recommends that the actions be accomplished before further flight for airplanes located at a maintenance facility; or, for airplanes not located at a facility where the inspection can be performed, it allows a one-time flight to a maintenance facility where it can be performed. However, this AD requires that the one-time inspection be accomplished within 5 days after the effective date of this AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, and the average utilization of the affected fleet. In light of these factors, we find a 5-day compliance time for completing the required actions to be warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.
Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced alert customer bulletin describe procedures for completing a Service Reply Card for reporting compliance with the alert customer bulletin, this AD does not require that action. The FAA does not need this information from operators.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Submit comments using the following format:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2002-NM-255-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT RegulatoryPolicies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: