82 FR 45701 - Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 189 (October 2, 2017)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was prompted by a review showing that inadequate clearance may exist between certain electrical wiring and nearby structures. This AD requires an inspection of certain electrical wiring bundles and feeders, modifications, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 189 (Monday, October 2, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45701-45703]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20691]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0532; Product Identifier 2016-NM-203-AD; Amendment 
39-19060; AD 2017-20-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was prompted by a 
review showing that inadequate clearance may exist between certain 
electrical wiring and nearby structures. This AD requires an inspection 
of certain electrical wiring bundles and feeders, modifications, and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 6, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 6, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 
2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet 
http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0532.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0532; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Dassault Aviation 
Model FALCON 7X airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on June 12, 2017 (82 FR 26867) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by 
a review showing that inadequate clearance may exist between certain 
electrical wiring and nearby structures. The NPRM proposed to require 
an inspection of certain electrical wiring bundles and feeders, 
modifications, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct inadequate clearances between electrical 
wiring and nearby structures, which could lead to interference or 
contact with a structure and cause an electrical short circuit or fluid 
leakage. This could result in the loss of several functions essential 
for safe flight.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0230, dated November 21, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault 
Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A review of the wiring and tubing lay-out showed that there may 
be low clearance between electrical wiring and nearby structure. 
Although no in-service incident has been reported, the minimum 
clearances could deteriorate over time.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
interference or contact with structure, provoking an electrical 
short circuit or fluid leakage, possibly resulting in loss of 
several functions essential for safe flight.
    To initially address this potential unsafe condition, [Dassault 
Aviation] DA developed some interim modifications (mod) addressing 
the risk of short circuit and fluid leakage, and EASA issued AD 
2010-0029 (later revised) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2011-14-04, 
Amendment 39-16739 (76 FR 39256, July 6, 2011) (``AD 2011-14-04'')] 
to require embodiment of those modifications in-service.
    Since EASA AD 2010-0029R1 was issued, DA developed another set 
of modifications, available for in-service application through 
Service Bulletin (SB) F7X-056, which are considered the final 
solutions for this unsafe condition.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general visual] inspection [for worn or damaged wiring or 
connectors due to inadequate clearance between wiring and nearby 
structures] of the affected electrical wiring and, depending on 
findings, corrective action(s) and modification of the aeroplane.

    Corrective actions include modifying the clamping and routing; 
adding new brackets, clamps, and cable protections; replacing damaged 
parts; and improving connections using lock wires. You may examine the 
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0532.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial

[[Page 45702]]

changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Dassault Aviation has issued Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, 
dated July 20, 2016. This service information describes procedures for 
an inspection of certain electrical wiring (wiring bundles and 
feeders), corrective actions, and modification of the airplane. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 51 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and modifications..........  31 work-hours x $85 per           $7,660         $10,295        $525,045
                                         hour = $2,635.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-20-03 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19060; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0532; Product Identifier 2016-NM-203-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 6, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/Ns) 2 through 215 
inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 20, Standard 
Practices Airframe--Electrical Wiring.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a review showing that inadequate 
clearance may exist between certain electrical wiring and nearby 
structures. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inadequate 
clearances between electrical wiring and nearby structures, which 
could lead to interference or contact with a structure and cause an 
electrical short circuit or fluid leakage. This could result in the 
loss of several functions essential for safe flight.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection, Modification, and Corrective Actions

    Within 99 months or 4,100 flight cycles, whichever occurs first, 
since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate 
or date of issuance of the original export certificate of 
airworthiness; or within 60 days after the effective date of this 
AD; whichever occurs later: Do a general visual inspection of the 
affected electrical wiring of the airplane for worn or damaged 
wiring or connectors due to inadequate clearance between wiring and 
nearby structures, accomplish all applicable corrective actions, and 
modify the airplane, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, dated 
July 20, 2016, as specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. The 
``Dassault service bulletin 7X-056 section'' identified in table 1 
to paragraph (g) of this AD is not required for airplanes on which a 
corresponding Dassault modification has been embodied in production, 
as identified in the ``Excluded'' column in table 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

[[Page 45703]]



  Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Applicable Sections of Dassault
        Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, Dated July 20, 2016
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    Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056
                section                              Excluded
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7X-056-1...............................  Post-mod M876.
7X-056-2...............................  Post-mod M897.
7X-056-3...............................  Post-mod M900.
7X-056-4...............................  S/Ns 132 through 215 inclusive.
7X-056-5...............................  Post-mod M954.
7X-056-6...............................  Post-mod M980.
7X-056-7...............................  Post-mod M1021.
7X-056-8...............................  None.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056, issued 
October 30, 2014.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Dassault Aviation's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0230, dated November 21, 
2016, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0532.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, dated July 20, 
2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, 
South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 18, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-20691 Filed 9-29-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P