AD 98-09-01 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Model GV Series Airplanes

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

Model GV series airplanes, serial numbers 501 and 504 through 540 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 (d) 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 the incorrect operation of the elevator Hardover Prevention System (HOPS), which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Gulfstream Aerospace Alert Customer Bulletin No. 3, dated February 25, 1998. (1) Perform a visual inspection to verify correct wire connections to the forward and aft hydraulic deactivation valve, left- and right-hand sides, of the elevator HOPS. If any connector is connected improperly, prior to further flight, re-connect the wiring in accordance with the alert customer bulletin. And (2) Perform a functional test to ensure correct operation of the elevator HOPS. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. (b) Thereafter, repeat the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD immediately following accomplishment of any maintenance actions on the elevator HOPS, until the actions required by paragraph (c) of the AD have been accomplished. (c) Within 150 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, modify the electrical harness of the hydraulic deactivation valves of the left elevator HOPS, and install additional identification decals, in accordance with Gulfstream Aerospace GV Customer Bulletin No. 4, dated March 31, 1998. Accomplishment of the requirements of this paragraph constitutes terminating action for this AD. (d) 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, Atlanta ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (e) 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. (f) The inspection and functional test shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Aerospace Alert Customer Bulletin No. 3, dated February 25, 1998. The modification shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Aerospace GV Customer Bulletin No. 4, dated March 31, 1998. 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, M/S D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 13, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-10276 Filed 4-17-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U