2023-08-03: Flight Controls

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-08-03 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-22418; Docket No. FAA-2022-1486; Project Identifier AD-2022-01026-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 20, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model G-1159A airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 385, 387, 388, and 390 through 498 inclusive. (2) Model G-1159B airplanes having S/Ns 009, 016, 042, 048, 054, 064, 086, 088, 095, 098, 102, 119, 123, 125, 131, 140, 151, 154, 155, 156, 165, 166, 189, 198, 199, 207, 219, 237, 245, 254, 255, and 257. (3) Model G-IV airplanes, all serial numbers. (4) Model GIV-X airplanes, all serial numbers. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Some Model G-IV airplanes are also referred to by the marketing designations G300, G400, and GIV-SP. Note 2 to paragraph (c): Some Model GIV-X airplanes are also referred to by the marketing designations G350 and G450. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that a Gulfstream Model G-IV airplane was involved in a fatal accident on December 15, 2021, after spoilers deployed in an asymmetrical manner. The asymmetrical spoiler deployment resulted in in-flight loss of control of the airplane. The fatal flight was the first flight after maintenance actions where the spoiler hydraulic lines were improperly connected (reversed) to the ground spoiler actuator. The ground spoiler actuator configuration does not preclude improper hydraulic line connections that could result in unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent incorrect connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in unintended asymmetrical spoiler deployment leading to loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions: Model G-1159A, G-1159B, G-IV For Model G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, incorporate corrective actions (includes replacing a ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hose and associated fittings) that physically prevent improper connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable service information in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. (1) Gulfstream G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 2022. (2) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 2022. (3) Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated November 9, 2022. (4) Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 9, 2022. (5) Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 2022. (h) Required Actions: Model GIV-X For Model GIV-X airplanes: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, incorporate corrective actions (includes replacing a ground spoiler actuator hydraulic hose and associated fittings) that physically prevent improper connection of the hydraulic lines to the ground spoiler actuator, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA. (i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Belete, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5580; email: 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@faa.gov. (k) 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 G300 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 2022. (ii) Gulfstream G400 Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 2022. (iii) Gulfstream GII-GIIB Customer Bulletin No. 471, dated November 9, 2022. (iv) Gulfstream GIII Customer Bulletin No. 189, dated November 9, 2022. (v) Gulfstream GIV Customer Bulletin No. 250, dated November 9, 2022. (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; email pubs@gulfstream.com; website gulfstream.com/en/customer-support/. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (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, fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on April 14, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-10328 Filed 5-15-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P