[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59685-59687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28656]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-262-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Dassault Model
Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes, that currently requires a revision
to the Limitations section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) to include procedures to use certain values to correctly gauge
the minimum allowable N1 speed of the operative engines during
operation in icing conditions. This proposed AD would add a new
requirement for operators to adjust the thrust reverser handle stop,
install new wiring, and modify the Digital Electronic Engine Control
(DEEC) software, which would terminate the AFM revision. This proposal
is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent flightcrew use of
erroneous N1 thrust setting information displayed on the Engine
Indication Electronic Display (EIED), which could result in in-flight
shutdown of engine(s).
DATES: Comments must be received by December 3, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-262-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New
Jersey 07606. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-262-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-262-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On November 5, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-21-16, amendment 39-10202
(62
FR 60773, November 13, 1997), applicable to certain Dassault Model
Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes, to require a revision to the
Limitations section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to
include procedures to use certain values to correctly gauge the minimum
allowable N1 speed of the operative engines during operation in icing
conditions. That action was prompted by a report indicating that
erroneous minimum anti-icing N1 thrust setting indications were
displayed on the Engine Indication Electronic Display (EIED). The
erroneous minimum N1 indications do not correspond with minimums
specified in the Normal Procedures Section of the AFM for operations in
icing conditions. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent
flightcrew use of erroneous N1 thrust setting information displayed on
the EIED and consequent in-flight shutdown of engine(s).
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
In the preamble to AD 97-21-16, the FAA indicated that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD
follows from that determination.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Dassault Aviation has issued Service Bulletin F50-276, dated June
24, 1998, which describes procedures for adjustment of the thrust
reverser handle stop, installation of new wiring, and modification of
the Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) software whereby push-
lights are installed and wired to the DEEC. The software changes affect
the N1 synch, Mach hold logic, thrust reverser logic, and wing anti-ice
and takeoff schedules. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the
[[Page 59686]]
identified unsafe condition. The Direction Generale de l'Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France,
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued French
airworthiness directive 98-228-021(B), dated June 17, 1998, in order to
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
Dassault Service Bulletin F50-276 refers to Allied Signal Service
Bulletin TFE731-76-5107, dated December 24, 1997, as an additional
source of service information for accomplishment of the modification.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Secs. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would supersede AD 97-21-16 to
retain the requirement to revise the Limitations section of the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include procedures to use
certain values to correctly gauge the minimum allowable N1 speed of the
operative engines during operation in icing conditions, and add a new
requirement for adjustment of the thrust reverser handle stop,
installation of new wiring, and modification of the Digital Electronic
Engine Control (DEEC) software, which would terminate the need for the
AFM revision.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 7 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be
affected by this proposed AD.
The action that is currently required by AD 97-21-16, and retained
in this AD, takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish,
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $60 per airplane.
The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost
approximately $1,026 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $8,022, or $1,146 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10202 (62 FR
60773, November 13, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Dassault Aviation: Docket 98-NM-262-AD. Supersedes AD 97-21-16,
Amendment 39-10202.
Applicability: Model Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes, serial
numbers 251, 253, and subsequent; equipped with Allied-Signal
TFE731-40 engines; certificated in any category; except those that
have been modified in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F50-
276, dated June 24, 1998.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent in-flight shutdown of the engine(s) due to the flight
crew using erroneous N1 speed values displayed on the engine
Indication Electronic Display (EIED), accomplish the following:
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 97-21-16, Amendment 39-10202
AFM Revision
(a) Within 1 day after November 18, 1997 (the effective date of
AD 97-21-16, amendment 39-10202), revise the Limitations Section of
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to add the following.
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``Operation in Icing Conditions:
The N1 speed of the operating engines must not be less than the
minimum values specified in Normal Section 4, Sub-section 140, Page
2, of the AFM.''
New Requirements for This AD
Modification
(b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, adjust
the thrust reverser handle stop, install new ``push-light'' wiring
on the instrument panel, and modify the Digital Electronic Engine
Control (DEEC) software; in accordance with Dassault Service
Bulletin F50-276, dated June 24, 1998. Accomplishment of such
actions constitutes terminating action for the AFM revision required
by paragraph (a) of this AD. Following accomplishment of the
terminating action, the AFM revision
[[Page 59687]]
required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
Note 2: Dassault Service Bulletin F50-276 refers to Allied
Signal Service Bulletin TFE731-76-5107, dated December 24, 1997, as
an additional source of service information for accomplishment of
the modification.
Spares
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
DEEC software, part number 2118882-4002, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 98-228-021(B), dated June 17, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 27, 1999.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-28656 Filed 11-2-99; 8:45 am]
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