83 FR 64228 - Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 240 (December 14, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of chafing of a wire bundle located at the bottom of the right hand (RH) electrical cabinet. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection of the wiring bundle for damage, measurement of the clearance between the metallic plate and the wiring bundle, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 240 (Friday, December 14, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64228-64230]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26629]



[[Page 64228]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0809; Product Identifier 2018-NM-092-AD; Amendment 
39-19524; AD 2018-25-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 
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 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
a report of chafing of a wire bundle located at the bottom of the right 
hand (RH) electrical cabinet. This AD requires a one-time general 
visual inspection of the wiring bundle for damage, measurement of the 
clearance between the metallic plate and the wiring bundle, and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 18, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 18, 
2019.

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 service information at 
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0809.

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-2018-
0809; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

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 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on October 9, 2018 (83 FR 50537). The NPRM was prompted by a report of 
chafing of a wire bundle located at the bottom of the RH electrical 
cabinet. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time general visual 
inspection of the wiring bundle for damage, measurement of the 
clearance between the metallic plate and the wiring bundle, and 
corrective actions if necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address chafing of a wire bundle located 
at the bottom of the RH electrical cabinet, which may cause damage to 
wires within the bundle, and, if not detected and corrected, could lead 
to improper functioning of airplane systems (such as loss of wing anti-
icing or wing anti-icing inoperative indication, loss of normal braking 
indication, and loss of ``No take-off'' indication), which could result 
in reduced control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0114, dated May 23, 2018, (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    One Falcon 2000 aeroplane experienced some chafing of a wire 
bundle located at the bottom of the right-hand (RH) electrical 
cabinet (between Frames 4 and 5). The wire loom interfered with a 
metallic (ground) plate of terminal strip 700J and at least 12 wires 
were damaged. This wire loom includes 250 wires and in case of 
chafing, any wire may be damaged.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
improper functioning of aeroplane systems [such as loss of wing 
anti-icing or wing anti-icing inoperative indication, loss of normal 
braking indication, and loss of ``No take-off'' indication], 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault developed a 
modification M3889 to improve the clearance between the metallic 
plate and the wire loom, and published the SB [Dassault Aviation 
Service Bulletin F2000-436] to inspect and modify aeroplanes in 
service.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the wiring bundle for interference or damage, 
measurement of the clearance between the metallic plate and the 
wiring bundle, and depending on findings, modification of the 
aeroplane by cutting out the lower part of the ground plate of 
terminal strip 700J and adding an edge protection to prevent 
interference. Aeroplanes that do not have a metallic plate installed 
are not affected by this [EASA] AD.

    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-2018-
0809.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comments received. Lucas Kline 
indicated his support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing 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 F2000-436, dated 
September 28, 2017. This service information describes procedures for a 
one-time general visual inspection of the wiring bundle for damage 
(including chafing), measurement of the clearance between the metallic 
plate and the wiring bundle, and corrective actions. Corrective actions 
include modification of the airplane by cutting out the lower part of 
the ground plate of terminal strip 700J and adding an edge protection 
to prevent interference and replacement of damaged wires. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course

[[Page 64229]]

of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 195 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...........................              $0             $340          $66,300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do the necessary on-condition 
action that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                  Parts cost *       product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170....              $0             $170
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We have received no definitive data for the parts cost for the on-
  condition actions.

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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2018-25-13 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19524; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0809; Product Identifier 2018-NM-092-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 18, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 
airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturer serial numbers 
70 through 231 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of chafing of a wire bundle 
located at the bottom of the right hand (RH) electrical cabinet. We 
are issuing this AD to address such chafing, which may cause damage 
to wires within the bundle, and, if not detected and corrected, 
could lead to improper functioning of airplane systems (such as loss 
of wing anti-icing or wing anti-icing inoperative indication, loss 
of normal braking indication, and loss of ``No take-off'' 
indication), which could result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 25 months after the effective date of this AD, for 
airplanes equipped with a metallic plate at the bottom of the RH 
electrical cabinet, do the following actions as specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Perform a general visual inspection of the wiring bundle for 
damage (including chafing), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Dassault

[[Page 64230]]

Aviation Service Bulletin F2000-436, dated September 28, 2017.
    (2) Measure the clearance between the metallic plate and the 
wire bundle at the bottom of the RH electrical cabinet in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Aviation Service 
Bulletin F2000-436, dated September 28, 2017.

(h) Corrective Action

    (1) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any damage is found, before further flight, replace all 
damaged wires 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.
    (2) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, the detected clearance is less than the criteria specified 
in Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F2000-436, dated September 28, 
2017, before further flight, modify the metallic plate in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Aviation Service 
Bulletin F2000-436, dated September 28, 2017.

(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 EASA; or Dassault 
Aviation's EASA 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 AD 2018-0114, dated May 23, 2018, 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-2018-0809.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3226.

(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 F2000-436, dated September 28, 
2017.
    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on November 28, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26629 Filed 12-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P