Gulfstream IV / G350 / G450
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
During climb between FL410 & FL430 we had ECIAS message 'STAB/FLAP Fail' flicker off/on several times. At level off at FL430 the 'FLAP/STAB Fail' message stayed ON with stab indication of 1 - 2 degrees; not Zero. Confirmed flap handle in zero position. We took photo of Stab-Flap indicator.  We called dispatch for diversion airport with reasonable weather; dry runway and a long enough runway for a No Flap landing; according to requirements of Abnormal Landing Field Length Table for Flaps zero. The agreed decision was to divert and requested descent to FL200 as a precaution for better elevator control in the event of any serious un-commanded movement of the stabilizer and began our diversion.  We accomplished QRC 'STAB-FLAP Fail' and 'Failure of Stabilizer / Flap Interconnect' with consideration for paragraph # 4 as precaution for a zero flap landing. We felt that if there was any failure in the Stab transmission jacket system that we did not want to [worsen] the control of the aircraft by moving the Flap handle.While descending below FL200; the 'STAB/FLAP Fail' indication extinguished and Stab-Flap indicator indicated zero Stab position and did not re-illuminate. We agreed to continue with the plan in the event the ECIAS warning returned.We notified approach control that for traffic planning purposes we would have a minimum approach speed of 160 KIAS and would not require any ground equipment.  The weather was 900 feet overcast; 9 SM; wind 130 at 8 knots. We elected the longest runway completed QRC and completed zero flap approach to landing ILS approach without incident. After shutdown the Stab indicated zero and the ECIAS message was still NOT displayed. We have no suggestions as we do not know if the problem was an indication or mechanical event. Both the First Officer and I were very concerned about the stabilizer control due to the accident and loss of the aircraft of the MD-80 off the coast of southern California. We felt that if there was any possibility of a mechanical failure in the stab jack transmission system that we did not want to disturb it by commanding any flap movement. Nor did we want to stay in the air any longer than necessary.
Gulfstream IV Captain experiences a 'STAB/FLAP Fail' ECIAS message at FL430. The crew elects to divert to the nearest suitable airport and execute a no flap landing to avoid disturbing the stabilizer through the flap inter connect. Passing FL200 the indication disappears and an uneventful no flap landing ensues.