AD 2004-21-03 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV Series Airplanes

Models named: G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, G-IV series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Gulfstream Model G-1159, G-1159A, G-1159B, and G-IV series airplanes; certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Note 1: This AD refers to certain portions of Gulfstream alert customer bulletins for applicability and inspection information. In addition, this AD specifies inspection requirements beyond those included in the alert customer bulletins. Where the AD and the alert customer bulletins differ, the AD prevails. Service Information References (f) The term “alert customer bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the Gulfstream alert customer bulletins, as applicable, specified in Table 1 of this AD. Although the applicable alert customer bulletin recommends completing and submitting the Service Reply Card or reporting compliance with the applicable alert customer bulletin, those actions are not required by this AD. Table 1.—Applicable Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletins For model— Alert customer bulletin— Revision— Dated— G-1159 and G-1159B series airplanes Gulfstream GII/GIIB Alert Customer Bulletin 29A A August 23, 2004. G-1159A series airplanes Gulfstream GIII Alert Customer Bulletin 15A A August 23, 2004. G-IV series airplanes Gulfstream G300 Alert Customer Bulletin 32A A August 23, 2004. G-IV series airplanes Gulfstream G400 Alert Customer Bulletin 32A A August 23, 2004. G-IV series airplanes Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin 32A A August 23, 2004. Inspection To Determine Actuator Part and Serial Numbers (g) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection of the left and right aileron and elevator actuators to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of each actuator, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 ensure visual access to all 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.” Initial and Repetitive Actuator Inspections and Corrective Action (h) For any actuator identified during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD with a P/N and S/N listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin, and for actuators for which the P/N and/or S/N were missing or unreadable: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of each identified actuator to detect a broken damper shaft, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin. Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” (1) If no damper shaft is found broken: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first. (2) If any damper shaft is found broken: Before further flight, do the action specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable alert customer bulletin. (i) Replace the actuator with a new or serviceable actuator having a P/N and S/N listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin, provided the new or serviceable actuator has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first. (ii) Replace the actuator with a new or serviceable actuator having a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin. This replacement terminates the requirements of this AD for that actuator only. Optional Terminating Action (i) Replacement of all suspect actuators with new or serviceable actuators having a P/N and/or S/N not listed in the applicable alert customer bulletin terminates the requirements of this AD. Reporting Requirement (j) Submit a report of any broken damper shafts to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; fax (770) 703-6097. The report must be done at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection date, the airplane model and S/N, the actuator position (left or right aileron or elevator), and the actuator P/N and S/N. Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. Parts Installation (k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an aileron or elevator actuator having a P/N and S/N specified in the applicable alert customer bulletin, on any airplane, unless the actuator has been inspected according to paragraph (h) of this AD. Special Flight Permit (l) Special flight permits (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) are not allowed. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (m) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use the service information that is specified in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. Table 2.—Material Incorporated by Reference Alert customer bulletin— Revision— Dated— Gulfstream GII/GIIB Alert Customer Bulletin 29A A August 23, 2004. Gulfstream GIII Alert Customer Bulletin 15A A August 23, 2004. Gulfstream GIV Alert Customer Bulletin 32A A August 23, 2004. Gulfstream G300 Alert Customer Bulletin 32A A August 23, 2004. Gulfstream G400 Alert Customer Bulletin 32A A August 23, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of those documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. You can review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; or 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 http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 4, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-23027 Filed 10-15-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD is prompted by reports of broken or cracked damper shafts within the aileron and elevator actuator assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct broken damper shafts, which could result in locking of an aileron or elevator actuator (hard-over condition), subsequent loss of aileron or elevator control, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.