AD 93-01-18

93-01-18 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION: Amendment 39-8472. Docket 92-NM- 80-AD. Applicability: All Model G-1159 (GII), G-1159A (GIII), and G-1159B (GIIB) series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent progressive structural degradation at buttock line (BL) 145 wing spanwise splice and possible loss of fail-safe strength capability, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 150 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the forward and aft lower plank splice fail-safe channels and flanges and splice fittings between wing BL 135 and 156 to detect cracks, in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 400A, dated April 27, 1992 (for Model GII series airplanes); Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 403A, dated April 27, 1992 (for Model GIIB series airplanes); or Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 114A, dated April 27, 1992 (for Model GIII series airplanes); as applicable.

NOTE: Inspections of the same type as those required by paragraph (a) of this AD that were accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 400, dated March 16, 1992 (for Model GII series airplanes); Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 403, dated March 16, 1992 (for Model GIIB series airplanes); or Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 114, dated March 16, 1992 (for Model GIII series airplanes); are considered in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

(1) If no cracks are found, no further action is required.

(2) If cracks are found in the fail-safe channels or splice fittings, and the cracks meet the conditions and are within the limits specified in the applicable customer bulletin:

(i) Flight is permitted provided that repetitive inspections of the same type as the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD are accomplished at intervals not to exceed 6 months, in accordance with the applicable customer bulletin.

(ii) Repair cracked fail-safe channels and replace cracked splice fittings no later than the next regularly scheduled 18-month wing tank interior inspection, in accordance with the applicable customer bulletin.

(iii) Accomplishment of the repair and replacement procedures required by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD.

(3) If cracks are found as a result of the initial or repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) or (a)(2)(i) of this AD, and the cracks do not meet the conditions and are outside the limits specified in the applicable customer bulletin: Prior to further flight, repair cracked fail-safe channels and replace cracked splice fittings, in accordance with the applicable customer bulletin.

(4)Within 10 days after the detection of cracks as a result of the initial and repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (a) and (a)(2)(i) of this AD, submit a report of crack damage to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, M/S D-10, Savannah, Georgia 31402-9980. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation 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.

(b) 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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ACE-115A, FAA, Small 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, Atlanta ACO.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The inspections, repair, and replacement shall be done in accordance with Gulfstream Customer Bulletin No. 400A, dated April 27, 1992 (for Model GII series airplanes); Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 403A, dated April 27, 1992 (for Model GIIB series airplanes); or Gulfstream Customer Service Bulletin No. 114A, dated April 27, 1992 (for Model GIII series airplanes). (NOTE: The issue dates of those service bulletins are indicated only on the first page of each service bulletin; no other pages of those documents are dated.) 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 beobtained 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Suite 210C, 1669 Phoenix Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 10, 1993.