AD 2002-10-09 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 Airplanes

Models named: Galaxy. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model Galaxy airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 056 inclusive; and Gulfstream 200 airplanes, having serial numbers 057 through 061 inclusive; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fuel accumulation inside of the aft service compartment, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with ignition sources and consequent fire, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections/Follow-On Actions (a) Within 5 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect evidence of fuel accumulation inside of the aft service compartment, per the Accomplishment Instructions of GALAXY (Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-28A-130, dated March 22, 2002. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (1) If no evidence of fuel accumulation is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 5 flight cycles until the modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD has been accomplished. Accomplishment of the modification terminates the requirements of this AD. (2) If any evidence of fuel accumulation is found, before further flight, accomplish the leak test per paragraph 5.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. (i) If no fuel leak is found, before further flight, accomplish the modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD. Accomplishment of the modification terminates the requirements of this AD. (ii) If a fuel leak is found, before further flight, repair the leak per paragraph 5. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 5 flight cycles until the modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD has been accomplished. Accomplishment of the modification terminates the requirements of this AD. Optional Terminating Modification (b) Accomplishment of the modification of the aft fuselage area (includes ensuring that certain drain holes are present and are 8 millimeters in diameter; installing a diverter around the access door of the aft service compartment; installing grommets on fuselage drain holes, installing an extension to the existing APU diverter, drilling fastener holes), per the Accomplishment Instructions of Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-53-127, dated May 2, 2002, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided the actions listed in paragraph 6. of the Accomplishment Instructions of GALAXY (Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-28A-130, dated March 22, 2002, have been accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD, shall be done in accordance with GALAXY (Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation) Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-28A-130, dated March 22, 2002. The modification provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, if accomplished, shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200-53-127, dated May 2, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli airworthiness directive 28-02-03-15, dated March 26, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 13, 2002. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-12516 Filed 5-21-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P