Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17288 · Flight controls
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
This AD applies to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GIV-X airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 through 4271 inclusive.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GIV-X airplanes. This AD requires performing a modified system power-on self test (SPOST) of the flap/stabilizer electronic control unit (FSECU), and revising the airplane flight manual to incorporate these test procedures into the daily preflight check. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the FSECU does not detect failures of the brake feature within the horizontal stabilizer electric motor unit (HSEMU), or failures of drive solenoids for hydraulic valves within the flap hydraulic control module (FHCM) during the SPOST. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such failures, which could result in runaway horizontal stabilizer pitch trim system and consequent loss of pitch control.
Within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, perform an SPOST of the FSECU, in accordance with the applicable service information identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) For Model GIV-X (G350) airplanes: Use Gulfstream G350 Alert Customer Bulletin 11, dated December 4, 2012, excluding Service Reply Card, dated December 4, 2012, and excluding Revision 31, dated December 4, 2012, of the Gulfstream G350 Airplane Flight Manual Document GAC-AC-G350-OPS-0001.
(2) For Model GIV-X (G450) airplanes: Use Gulfstream G450 Alert Customer Bulletin 11, dated December 4, 2012, excluding Service Reply Card, dated December 4, 2012, and excluding Revision 33, dated December 4, 2012, of the Gulfstream G450 Airplane Flight Manual Document GAC-AC-G450-OPS-0001.
Before further flight after the FSECU passes the SPOST required by paragraph (g) of this AD, revise the Normal Procedures and Limitations sections of the AFM to incorporate the information identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For Model GIV-X (G350) airplanes: Incorporate the information in Section 1-27-40, “Flap/Stabilizer System Preflight Check,” and Section 2-03-20, “Before Starting Engines,” of the Gulfstream G350 Airplane Flight Manual Document GAC-AC-G350-OPS-0001, Revision 31, dated December 4, 2012. This may be accomplished by inserting into the AFM a copy of Gulfstream G350 Airplane Flight Manual Document GAC-AC-G350-OPS-0001, Revision 31, dated December 4, 2012.
(2) For Model GIV-X (G450) airplanes: Section 1-27-40, “Flap/Stabilizer System Preflight Check,” and Section 2-03-20, “Before Starting Engines,” of the Gulfstream G450 Airplane Flight Manual Document GAC-AC-G450-OPS-0001, Revision 33, dated December 4, 2012. This may be accomplished by inserting into the AFM a copy of Gulfstream G450 Airplane Flight Manual Document GAC-AC-G450-OPS-0001, Revision 33, dated December 4, 2012.
If the FSECU fails any SPOST required by this AD or as specified in the applicable AFM, repair before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
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.
Aircraft
