82 FR 49149 - Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 204 (October 24, 2017)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a loose screw on certain slat mechanical stop assemblies, and punctures in certain fuel caps. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection, and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49149-49151]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0909; Product Identifier 2017-NM-081-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, 
FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by reports of a loose screw on certain slat mechanical stop assemblies, 
and punctures in certain fuel caps. This proposed AD would require a 
one-time inspection, and corrective action if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 8, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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.

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-
0909; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0909; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-081-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0106, dated June 19, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault 
Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI states:

    On some aeroplanes in-service, the screw of the slat mechanical 
stop assembly on slat tracks #6, #7 and #8 was found loose. In some 
cases, a puncture was found in the fuel cap. The results of the 
technical investigations concluded that the most probable reason for 
these events was improper installation of the lock washers on the 
screws during production or maintenance.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
structural damage to the wing front spar, and consequent fuel 
leakage, possibly resulting in an uncontrolled fire.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault issued 
[Service Bulletin] SB F900-460 Revision 1, SB F900EX-508 Revision 3, 
SB F2000-433 Revision 1, and SB F2000EX-386 Revision 3 (hereafter 
collectively referred as `the applicable SB' in this [EASA] AD), as 
applicable to aeroplane type/model, to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general visual] inspection of the slat tracks #6, #7 and #8 to 
verify the tightening torque of the screw and proper lock washer 
installation and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s).

    Applicable corrective actions include replacement, if necessary. 
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-
0909.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Dassault Aviation has issued the following service information.

 Dassault Service Bulletin F900-460, Revision 1, dated February 
10, 2017
 Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-508, Revision 3, dated 
February 10, 2017
 Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-433, Revision 1, dated 
February 10, 2017
 Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-386, Revision 3, dated 
February 10, 2017

    This service information describes procedures for doing a one-time 
general visual inspection of the screw on the affected slat tracks, and 
replacement if necessary. These documents are distinct since they apply 
to different airplane models. The 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified

[[Page 49150]]

of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information 
referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 65 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................  4 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $340         $22,100
                                         hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  6 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $15            $525
                                                 $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2017-0909; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-081-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 8, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation airplanes, certificated in 
any category, and identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of 
this AD.
    (1) MYSTERE-FALCON 900, serial numbers as specified in Dassault 
Service Bulletin F900-460, Revision 1, dated February 10, 2017.
    (2) FALCON 900EX, serial numbers as specified in Dassault 
Service Bulletin F900EX-508, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2017.
    (3) FALCON 2000, serial numbers as specified in Dassault Service 
Bulletin F2000-433, Revision 1, dated February 10, 2017.
    (4) FALCON 2000EX, serial numbers as specified in Dassault 
Service Bulletin F2000EX-386, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of a loose screw on certain slat 
mechanical stop assemblies, and punctures in certain fuel caps. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose screws that could 
lead to structural damage to the wing front spar, and consequent 
fuel leakage, possibly resulting in an uncontrolled fire.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 49151]]

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 9 months or 440 flight hours, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection 
of slat tracks #6, #7, and #8 for proper screw and lockwasher 
installation, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(4) of this AD.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, the tightening torque of the screw and/or the lockwasher 
installation is incorrect, before further flight, accomplish the 
applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD.

(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 F900EX-508, dated 
January 5, 2016, as applicable; or Dassault Service Bulletin 
F2000EX-386, dated January 5, 2016, as applicable.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(4) of this AD specifies to submit certain information to 
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) 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 (k)(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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0106, dated June 19, 2017, 
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-2017-0909.
    (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) 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. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 17, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23006 Filed 10-23-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P