AD 2022-10-05 Prompted By Reports Of Two Landing Incidents In Which The Alpha Limiter Engaged In The Landing Flare

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-05-12, which applied to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes.

AD 2020-05-12 required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate revised limitations and procedures. This AD was prompted by reports of two landing incidents in which the alpha limiter engaged in the landing flare in unstable air, resulting in high rate of descent landings and damage to the airplanes. This AD retains certain requirements, and also adds and replaces certain AFM sections with more restrictive limitations and procedures. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective May 9, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued AD 2020-05-12, Amendment 39-19860 (85 FR 14562, March 13, 2020) (AD 2020-05-12), for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 and GVII-G600 airplanes. AD 2020-05-12 required revising the existing AFM to limit the maximum crosswind component for landing and increase the normal approach speeds, based on steady-state winds and wind gusts. AD 2020-05-12 was prompted by a report of a landing incident, which occurred on February 6, 2020, where the alpha (angle of attack) limiter engaged during the landing flare in unstable air, resulting in a high rate of descent landing and damage to the airplane. The FAA issued AD 2020-05-12 to address inappropriate alpha limiter engagement during the landing flare, which can limit pilot pitch authority during a critical phase of flight near the ground, and result in a high rate of descent landing with possible consequent loss of control of the airplane on landing.

FMI: www.regulations.gov