DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9191; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-106-AD;
Amendment 39-18796; AD 2017-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report indicating that there are design deficiencies in
the software used for monitoring the disconnect for the flight control
computer (FCC)-hosted flight controls actuation main ram linear
variable differential transducer (LVDT). This AD requires an update of
the FCC software. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 28, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 28, 2017.

ADDRESSES: 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: pubs@gulfstream.com; Internet: http://www.gulfstream.com/product_support/technical_pubs/pubs/index.htm. You
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9191.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9191; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Myles Jalalian, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: 404-474-5572; fax: 404-474-5606; email:
Myles.Jalalian@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on November 15, 2016 (81 FR 80009). The NPRM was
prompted by a report indicating that there are design deficiencies in
the software used for monitoring the disconnect for the FCC-hosted
flight controls actuation main ram LVDT. The NPRM proposed to require
an update of the FCC software. We are issuing this AD to prevent
undetected actuation of the main ram LVDT. Undetected actuation of the
main ram LVDT, if not corrected, could result in mechanical failure of
the flight control surface actuator mechanism under force fight (the
actuator is working against the intended load forces), causing primary
surface hardover, spoiler hardover, and loss of control of the
airplane.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Gulfstream G650 Aircraft Service Change Number 037,
Revision A, dated June 28, 2016; and Gulfstream G650ER Aircraft Service
Change Number 037, Revision A, dated June 28, 2016. The service
information describes procedures for doing an update of the FCC
software. This service information is distinct because it applies to
different airplanes. 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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 90 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.

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

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

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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):