2018-04150. Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-07, which applies to all Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. AD 2017-01-07 requires a functional test or check of the main entry door closure and warning system, and applicable door closing inspections, adjustments, operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2017-01-07, we have determined that the required actions must be repetitively performed to ensure continued safety. This proposed AD would require repetitive door closing inspections, adjustments, operational tests, and corrective actions 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 April 16, 2018.

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: [phone].
• 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: [phone]; internet: http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced 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.

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-2018-0117; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone: [phone]) 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, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2018-0117; Product Identifier 2017-NM-104-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

We issued AD 2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 (82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017) (“AD 2017-01-07”), for all Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. AD 2017-01-07 requires a functional test or check of the main entry door closure and warning system, and applicable door closing inspections, adjustments, operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2017-01-07 resulted from a report that, during approach for landing, the main entry door detached from an airplane. We issued AD 2017-01-07 to detect and correct defective crew/passenger doors. Such a condition could result in the in-flight opening or detachment of the crew/passenger door, which could result in loss of control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.

Actions Since AD 2017-01-07 Was Issued

Since we issued AD 2017-01-07, we have determined that repetitive door closing inspections, adjustments, operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary, must be repetitively performed to ensure continued safety.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0123, dated July 20, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. The MCAI states:

During approach for landing, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, a MF20-D5 lost the main entry door (MED). The flight crew maintained control of the aeroplane to land uneventfully. The results of the preliminary technical investigations concluded that the cause of this event could be either a broken cable, or an unlocked safety catch, associated with one or two deficient micro switches.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-flight opening and/or detachment of the MED, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane, and/or injury to persons on the ground.

To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault issued Service Bulletin (SB) F20-789, SB F200-133 and SB MF50-531, providing instructions for inspection/adjustment, and an operational test of the MED closure. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0007 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017-01-07] to require a one-time accomplishment of a functional test/check of the MED closure/warning system. It also required [a general visual] inspection and operational test of the MED [including the control and latching mechanisms] and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

Since that [EASA] AD was issued, EASA determined that the inspection and operational test of the MED must be repeated to ensure continued safety.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2015-0007, which is superseded, and additionally requires repetitive inspections and operational tests of the MED.

Corrective actions include adjusting the telescopic rod bolts on the door until the clearance between the lower part of the door and the fuselage is within the specified tolerances. The corrective actions for the control and latching mechanisms include adjusting components and replacing damaged components (including pull latches, microswitches, pulleys, and cables). Signs of damage include cracks, corrosion, wear, and distortion. 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-2018-0117.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Dassault Aviation has issued the following service information.

• Dassault Service Bulletin F20-789, also referred to as 789, dated December 9, 2014.
• Dassault Service Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 531, dated December 9, 2014.
• Dassault Service Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 133, dated December 9, 2014.

This service information describes procedures for inspections, adjustments, and operational tests of certain doors and corrective actions. These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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.

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 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 392 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Inspections/adjustments/operational tests (retained actions from AD 2017-01-07)	4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340	$0	$340	$133,280.
Inspections/adjustments/operational tests (new proposed action)	4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 per inspection cycle	0	$340 per inspection cycle	$133,280 per inspection cycle.

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

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) 2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 ( 82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017), and adding the following new AD:

Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2018-0117; Product Identifier 2017-NM-104-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by April 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 (82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017) (“AD 2017-01-07”).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(1) Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.

(2) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes.

(3) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes.

(4) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that during approach for landing, the main entry door detached from an airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defective crew/passenger doors. Such a condition could result in the in-flight opening or detachment of the crew/passenger door, which could result in loss of control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Main Entry/Passenger/Crew Door Closing Inspections, Adjustments, and Operational Tests and Corrective Actions, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2017-01-07, with no changes. Within 330 flight hours or 13 months, whichever occurs first after February 10, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-01-07), unless already done: Do the applicable door closing inspections, adjustments, and operational tests, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(1) For Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes: Dassault Service Bulletin F20-789, also referred to as 789, dated December 9, 2014.

(2) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes: Dassault Service Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 133, dated December 9, 2014.

(3) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes: Dassault Service Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 531, dated December 9, 2014.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Repetitive Main Entry/Passenger/Crew Door Closing Inspections, Adjustments, and Operational Tests and Corrective Actions

Within 72 months after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months, repeat the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

(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: [e-mail].

(i) 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.

(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 (82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, 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 AD 2017-0123, dated July 20, 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-2018-0117.

(2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

(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. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2018.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.