2016-00629. Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-23-20, for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX and MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes. AD 2002-23-20 required repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry detection system to verify proper functioning, and repair if necessary; repetitive replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with new or reconditioned jackscrews; and repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the jackscrews on the inboard and outboard flaps to detect discrepancies, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2002-23-20 also required a revision of the airplane flight manual. Since we issued AD 2002-23-20, the maintenance manual has been revised. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include the maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the airplane maintenance manual. This AD also removes the Model FALCON 900EX airplanes from the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective February 25, 2016.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 25, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/​#!docketDetail;​015-2967; or in person at the 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.

For service information identified in this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone [phone]; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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-2015-2967.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2002-23-20, Amendment 39-12964 (67 FR 71098, November 29, 2002); corrected May 4, 2010 (75 FR 23579). AD 2002-23-20 applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX and MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2015 (80 FR 45902). The NPRM was prompted by a revision to the maintenance manual. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include the maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the airplane maintenance manual. The NPRM also proposed to remove the Model FALCON 900EX airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity 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 Airworthiness Directive 2013-0053, dated March 4, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes. The MCAI states:

The airworthiness limitations and maintenance requirements for the Mystère -Falcon 900 type design are included in Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) chapter 5-40 and are approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA issued AD 2008-0221 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/​blob/​easa_​ad_​2008_​0221_​Corrected.pdf/​AD_​2008-0221_​1] to require accomplishment of the maintenance tasks, and implementation of the airworthiness limitations, as specified in Dassault Aviation F900 AMM chapter 5-40 referenced DGT 113873 at revision 16.

Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Dassault Aviation issued revision 20 of F900 AMM chapter 5-40 which contains new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations and introduces, among others, the following changes:

—Tasks renumbering;

—Introduction of a Corrosion Prevention Control Program (CPCP);

—Upgrade of screwjack of flap actuators from the older to the latest -3 version;

—Revised Time Between Overhaul for screwjack of flap actuators -3 version;

—Revised interval for checking the screw/nut play on screwjack of flap actuators -3 version;

—Removal of calendar limit for checking the screw/nut play on screwjack of external flap actuators -1 and -2 versions;

—Removal of service life limit for screwjack of flap actuators;

—Test of flap asymmetry protection system. Compliance with this test is required by [a certain AD] * * *, but F900 AMM chapter 5-40 at revision 20 introduces an extended inspection interval;

—Inspection procedures of fuselage and wings;

—Check of overpressure tightness on pressurization control regulating valves. Compliance with this check is required by EASA AD 2008-0072 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/​blob/​easa_​ad_​2008_​0072.pdf/​AD_​2008-0072_​1] [which corresponds to FAA AD 2010-26-05, Amendment 39-16544 (75 FR 79952, December 21, 2010], but F900 AMM chapter 5-40 at revision 20 introduces an extended inspection interval;

—Check of overpressure relief valve vacuum supply lines.

The maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations, as specified in the F900 AMM chapter 5-40, have been identified as mandatory actions for continued airworthiness of the F900 type design. Failure to comply with AMM chapter 5-40 at revision 20 may result in an unsafe condition [reduced structural integrity of the airplane].

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the implementation of the maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations, as specified in the Dassault Aviation F900 AMM chapter 5-40 DGT 113873 at revision 20.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/​#!documentDetail;​D=​FAA-2015-2967-0002.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 45902, August 3, 2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD 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 (80 FR 45902, August 3, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 45902, August 3, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Dassault Aviation issued Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated October 2012, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 900 Maintenance Manual. This service information describes procedures, maintenance tasks, and airworthiness limitations specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the AMM. 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 112 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $9,520, or $85 per product.

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.

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.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/​#!docketDetail;​D=​FAA-2015-2967; 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 Operations office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section.

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

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

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

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-23-20, Amendment 39-12964 ( 67 FR 71098, November 29, 2002); corrected May 4, 2010 (75 FR 23579); and adding the following new AD:

2016-01-16 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-18376. Docket No. FAA-2015-2967; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-072-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective February 25, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2002-23-20, Amendment 39-12964 (67 FR 71098, November 29, 2002); corrected May 4, 2010 (75 FR 23579). This AD also affects AD 2010-26-05, Amendment 39-16544 (75 FR 79952, December 21, 2010).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by our determination of the need for a revision to the airplane airworthiness limitations to introduce a corrosion prevention control program, among other changes, to the maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated October 2012, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 900 Maintenance Manual. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated October 2012, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 900 Maintenance Manual, is within the applicable times specified in the maintenance manual or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, except as provided by paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.

(1) The term “LDG” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information means total airplane landings.

(2) The term “FH” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information means total flight hours.

(3) The term “FC” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information means total flight cycles.

(4) The term “M” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information means months.

(h) Terminating Action

Accomplishing paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2010-26-05, Amendment 39-16544 (75 FR 79952, December 21, 2010), for DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes.

(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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

Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0053, dated March 4, 2013, 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-2015-2967.

(l) 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) Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated October 2012, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 900 Maintenance Manual.

(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 [phone]; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 January 6, 2016.

Victor Wicklund,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.