Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15991 · Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, and GV-SP Series Airplanes and Model GV Airplanes
Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, and GV-SP Series Airplanes and Model GV Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2017-20-08. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the Gulfstream airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model G-IV series airplanes, having serial numbers (S/Ns) 1000 and subsequent.
(2) Model GIV-X series airplanes, having S/Ns 4001 through 4146 inclusive, and S/Ns 4148 through 4150 inclusive.
(3) Model GV airplanes, having S/Ns 501 and subsequent.
(4) Model GV-SP series airplanes, having S/Ns 5001 through 5204 inclusive, S/Ns 5206 through 5217 inclusive, and S/N 5219.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV-SP series airplanes and Model GV airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, a one-time inspection for sealant applied to the exterior of the auxiliary power unit (APU) enclosure (firewall), and, for airplanes with the subject sealant and certain other airplanes, a revision of the airplane flight manual to prohibit operation of the APU during certain ground and flight operations. This AD results from notification from the airplane manufacturer that an improper, flammable sealant was used on the interior and exterior of the APU enclosure (firewall). We are issuing this AD to prevent this flammable sealant from igniting the exterior surfaces of the APU enclosure (firewall) under certain anomalous conditions such as an APU failure/APU compartment fire, which could result in propagation of an uncontained fire to other critical areas of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For Model G-IV series airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, and Model GV airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD: Within 21 days after the effective date of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the exterior of the APU enclosure (firewall) to detect overcoat application of sealant on rivets or fillet seals on panel joints, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Gulfstream alert customer bulletin specified in Table 1 of this AD.
| For model— | Use— | Which includes— | To the— |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-IV (G300) series airplanes | Gulfstream G300 Alert Customer Bulletin 40A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G300 AFM. |
| G-IV (G400) series airplanes | Gulfstream G400 Alert Customer Bulletin 40A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G400 AFM. |
| G-IV series airplanes | Gulfstream IV Alert Customer Bulletin 40A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G-IV AFM. |
| GIV-X (G350) series airplanes | Gulfstream G350 Alert Customer Bulletin 8A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G350 AFM. |
| GIV-X (G450) series airplanes | Gulfstream G450 Alert Customer Bulletin 8A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G450 AFM. |
| GV airplanes | Gulfstream V Alert Customer Bulletin 29A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2009-03, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream GV AFM. |
| GV-SP (G500) series airplanes | Gulfstream G500 Alert Customer Bulletin 9A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G500 AFM. |
| GV-SP (G550) series airplanes | Gulfstream G550 Alert Customer Bulletin 9A, dated June 30, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2009 | Gulfstream G550 AFM. |
(1) If no exterior sealant is found applied during the inspection done in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD: No further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If exterior sealant is found applied during the inspection done in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Note 1: 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.”
Note 2: A statement in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Gulfstream alert customer bulletins specified in Table 1 of this AD instructs operators to contact Gulfstream if technical assistance is needed in accomplishing the alert customer bulletin. However, any deviation from the instructions provided in the applicable alert customer bulletin must be approved as an alternative method of compliance under paragraph (l) of this AD.
For Model GIV-X series airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, Model GV-SP series airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(4) of this AD, and Model G-IV series airplanes and Model GV airplanes with flammable sealant on the exterior of the APU enclosure (firewall) identified during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the applicable Gulfstream AFM specified in Table 1 of this AD to include the information in the applicable Gulfstream AFM supplement specified in Table 1 of this AD. These AFM supplements introduce limitations on the use of the APU during certain ground and flight operations.
Note 3: This AFM revision may be done by inserting a copy of the applicable AFM supplement into the applicable AFM specified in Table 1 of this AD. When the supplement has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the relevant information in the general revision is identical to that in the applicable AFM supplement specified in Table 1 of this AD.
(1) For Model G-IV series airplanes and Model GV airplanes with flammable sealant on the exterior of the APU enclosure (firewall) identified during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Prior to further flight following the inspection done in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) For Model GIV-X series airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, and Model GV-SP series airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(4) of this AD: Within 21 days after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Inspecting for flammable sealant and revising the AFM before the effective date of this AD using the applicable alert customer bulletin and AFM supplement specified in Table 2 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
| For model— | Use— | Which includes— | To the— |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-IV (G300) series airplanes | Gulfstream G300 Alert Customer Bulletin 40, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G300 AFM. |
| G-IV (G400) series airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 40, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G400 AFM. |
| G-IV series airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 40, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream G-IV/G300/G400 AFM Supplement G-IV-2009-02, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G-IV AFM. |
| GIV-X (G350) series airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 8, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G350 AFM. |
| GIV-X (G450) series airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 8, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G450/G350 AFM Supplement G450-2009-03, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G450 AFM. |
| GV airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 29, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card, Parts I and II | Gulfstream GV AFM Supplement GV-2009-03, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream GV AFM. |
| GV-SP (G500) series airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 9, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G500 AFM. |
| GV-SP (G550) series airplanes | Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletin 9, dated May 21, 2009, including Service Reply Card | Gulfstream G550/G500 AFM Supplement G550-2009-03, dated May 19, 2009 | Gulfstream G550 AFM. |
Although the Gulfstream alert customer bulletins specified in Table 1 of this AD specify to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include this requirement.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an APU enclosure (firewall) that contains flammable sealant (GMS 4107) in the construction, on any airplane.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
