AD 2018-20-04
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation | GVI | Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Loss of bi-directional (Transmit/Receive) BD429 communication between the REU and the FCC due to wire/connector failures, which can result in the display of a cyan ``FCS MAINTENANCE REQUIRED'' advisory message on the crew alerting system (CAS).
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Revising the Normal and Abnormal Procedures sections of the airplane flight manual (AFM) by adding instructions and warnings for the pilot if a cyan ``FCS MAINTENANCE REQUIRED'' CAS message displays with the airplane on the ground or in flight.
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Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. This AD requires revising the Normal and Abnormal Procedures sections of the airplane flight manual (AFM). This AD was prompted by potential failure of the bi-directional data bus that sends and receives critical signals between the flight control computer (FCC) and the flight control surfaces. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
Document Text
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[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 189 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48918-48920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21103]
[[Page 48918]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0870; Product Identifier 2018-CE-047-AD; Amendment
39-19438; AD 2018-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVI airplanes. This
AD requires revising the Normal and Abnormal Procedures sections of the
airplane flight manual (AFM). This AD was prompted by potential failure
of the bi-directional data bus that sends and receives critical signals
between the flight control computer (FCC) and the flight control
surfaces. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 15, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 15,
2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 13, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Technical Publications Dept., P.O.
Box 2206, Savannah, GA 31402-2206; telephone: 800-810-4853; fax: 912-
965-3520; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9bebeef9e8dbfceef7fde8efe9fefaf6b5f8f4f6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2a2a7b0a192b5a7beb4a1a6a0b7b3bffcb1bdbf">[email protected]</span></a>; internet: <a href="http://www.gulfstream.com/product-support/technical-publications">http://www.gulfstream.com/product-support/technical-publications</a>. You may view
this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division,
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is
also available on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0870.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0870; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone:
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Myles Jalalian, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, AIR-7A3, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5572; fax: 404-
474-5606; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#490430252c3a670328252825202827092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="470a3e2b2234690d262b262b2e26290721262669202831">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On Gulfstream Model GVI airplanes, the FCC and the remote
electronics unit (REU) communicate with each other by means of bi-
directional data buses, referred to as BD429. Gulfstream notified us
that loss of bi-directional (Transmit/Receive) BD429 communication, due
to wire/connector failures, between the REU and the FCC would result in
the display of a cyan ``FCS MAINTENANCE REQUIRED'' advisory message on
the crew alerting system (CAS). Because this cyan advisory message does
not directly indicate that BD429 communication has failed, the aircraft
can be dispatched with this advisory message. The Model GVI system
depends on the BD429 bus to assure signal transmission to address a
linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) disconnect monitor and/
or surface oscillatory monitor event.
During recent developmental testing, Gulfstream discovered that
certain BD429 failures prevent the shutdown of a flight control surface
that would normally occur during an oscillatory or LVDT disconnect
event. The only indication of the failure is a cyan ``FCS MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED'' advisory message on the CAS.
If the FCC cannot receive information from the REU that a
particular flight control surface had an event, then the FCC cannot
issue a command to place that particular flight control surface into
standby/damped bypass mode. The REU will still receive flight control
commands from the FCC via the secondary (receive only) bus; however,
because the secondary bus is receive-only for certain REUs, the FCC
will no longer receive REU data needed for the LVDT disconnect monitor
and/or surface oscillatory monitor for the impacted flight control
surface.
This condition (results in a cyan CAS message, but does not
indicate the exact reason) can remain latent for up to one year. To
date, there have been no known events or failures of the BD429
communications bus wiring or connectors in the field. However, the
Gulfstream GVI fleet has experienced multiple in-flight flight control
events requiring a standby command sent over the BD429 bus to keep the
airplane safe. Since the GVI system uses these monitors to mitigate
potentially unsafe failure modes, dispatch with their loss leaves the
aircraft one failure away from a potential loss of control event.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in the FCC's
inability to identify when a problematic flight control surface needs
to be damped, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Gulfstream Aerospace G650 AFM Supplement No. G650-2018-
01, dated August 14, 2018; and Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER AFM
Supplement No. G650ER-2018-01, dated August 14, 2018. For each
applicable airplane configuration, the AFM supplement provides
instructions and warnings to the Normal Procedures and Abnormal
Procedures section of the AFM for the pilot to follow if a cyan ``FCS
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED'' CAS message displays with the airplane on the
ground or in flight. This service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
[[Page 48919]]
AD Requirements
This AD requires revising the Normal and Abnormal Procedures
sections of the AFM by adding instructions and warnings for the pilot
if a cyan ``FCS MAINTENANCE REQUIRED'' CAS message displays with the
airplane on the ground or in flight.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. Gulfstream is analyzing the
failures and working to develop a terminating action that will address
the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this action is
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional
rulemaking.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the inability of the FCC to send a standby command when the
BD429 bus is in a failed state could leave the airplane with only one
level of protection from a catastrophic flight control failure.
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated
above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0870 and Product Identifier 2018-CE-047-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
final rule because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 213 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise Gulfstream AFM............. 1 work-hour x $85 per Not applicable....... $85 $18,105
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders,
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation
Division.
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.
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):
2018-20-04 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-19438;
Docket No. FAA-2018-0870; Product Identifier 2018-CE-047-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 15, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.
[[Page 48920]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the potential for an un-annunciated
failure of the bi-directional data bus that sends critical signals
from the flight control computer to the flight controls. This unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in the flight control
computer's inability to identify when a problematic flight control
surface needs to be damped, which could result in loss of control of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual Revisions
Within 30 days after October 15, 2018 (the effective date of
this AD), revise the Normal Procedures and Abnormal Procedures
sections of the airplane flight manual by adding the information in
Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual Supplement No.
G650-2018-01, dated August 14, 2018; or Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER
Airplane Flight Manual Supplement No. G650ER-2018-01, dated August
14, 2018; as applicable to the model configuration of your airplane.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Myles Jalalian,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, AIR-7A3, Atlanta
ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
phone: 404-474-5572; fax: 404-474-5606; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#763b0f1a1305583c171a171a1f17183610171758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="296450454c5a076348454845404847694f4848074e465f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) 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 Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual, Supplement
No. G650-2018-01, dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight Manual,
Supplement No. G650ER-2018-01, dated August 14, 2018.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e4e4b5c4d7e594b52584d4a4c5b5f53105d5153"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="deaeabbcad9eb9abb2b8adaaacbbbfb3f0bdb1b3">[email protected]</span></a>; internet: <a href="http://www.gulfstream.com/product-support/technical-publications">http://www.gulfstream.com/product-support/technical-publications</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Policy and
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148.
(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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 20, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-21103 Filed 9-27-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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