99-17061. Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model 2000, 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 900 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 36561-36563]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-17061]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 99-NM-63-AD; Amendment 39-11218; AD 99-14-07]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model 2000, 900EX, and Mystere 
    Falcon 900 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
    applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes; and 
    certain Dassault Model 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, 
    that requires 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 jackscrews; repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play to detect 
    discrepancies; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is 
    prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
    by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by 
    this AD are intended to prevent jamming of the flap jackscrews, which 
    could result in the inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap 
    condition, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: August 11, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this amendment may be obtained 
    from or examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
    Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 
    series airplanes; and certain Dassault Model 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 
    900 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 
    1999 (64 FR 23552). That action proposed to require 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 jackscrews; repetitive measurement 
    of the screw/nut play to detect discrepancies; and corrective action, 
    if necessary.
    
    Explanation of Changes Made to This Final Rule
    
        In the applicability paragraph of the proposed rule, the FAA 
    inadvertently transposed the serial numbers for Falcon 900EX and 
    Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes. Therefore, the applicability 
    paragraph of the final rule has been revised to read, ``All Model 
    Falcon 2000 series airplanes; Falcon 900EX series airplanes, serial 
    numbers 04 and subsequent; and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, 
    serial numbers 161 and subsequent; certificated in any category.''
        For clarification purposes, the FAA also has revised ``NOTE 2'' of 
    the final rule by changing all references to the ``Airplane Flight 
    Manual (AFM)'' to correctly reference the ``Airplane Maintenance Manual 
    (AMM).''
    
    Conclusion
    
        The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
    require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. 
    The FAA has
    
    [[Page 36562]]
    
    determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden 
    on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
    
    Interim Action
    
        This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
    advised that it currently is developing a modification that will 
    positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this 
    modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may 
    consider additional rulemaking.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 159 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
    affected by this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per 
    airplane to accomplish the required operational test, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the operational test required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $9,540, or $60 per airplane, per test cycle.
        It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
    the required flap jackscrew replacement, at an average labor rate of 
    $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $21,200 per 
    airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement 
    required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,447,120, or 
    $21,680 per airplane, per replacement cycle.
        It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
    the required measurement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
    hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the measurement 
    required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $76,320, or 
    $480 per airplane, per measurement cycle.
        The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
    that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism 
    implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
    not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
    (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
    Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
    and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
    from 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.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 adding the following new 
    airworthiness directive:
    
    99-14-07   Dassault Aviation [Formerly Avions Marcel Dassault-
    Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA)]: Amendment 39-11218. Docket 99-NM-63-AD.
    
        Applicability: All Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes; Falcon 
    900EX series airplanes, serial numbers 04 and subsequent; and 
    Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, serial numbers 161 and 
    subsequent; certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    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 jamming of the flap jackscrews, which could result in 
    inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap condition, and 
    consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
    following:
    
    Repetitive Operational Test
    
        (a) Within 5 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: 
    Perform an operational test of the flap asymmetry detection system 
    to ensure that the system is functioning correctly, in accordance 
    with the procedures specified in Falcon 2000 Airplane Maintenance 
    Manual (AMM) 27-502, dated November 1995; Falcon 900 AMM 27-502, 
    dated January 1995; or Falcon 900EX AMM 27-502, dated September 
    1996, as applicable. Prior to further flight, repair any discrepancy 
    detected in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
    International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
    or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated 
    agent). Repeat the operational test thereafter at intervals not to 
    exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first.
    
    Repetitive Replacement
    
        (b) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
    the inboard flap jackscrews, or within 25 flight cycles after the 
    effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the 
    inboard flap jackscrews with new jackscrews in accordance with the 
    procedures specified in Falcon 2000 AMM 27-510, dated November 1995; 
    Falcon 900 AMM 27-521, dated December 1998; or Falcon 900EX AMM 27-
    510, dated September 1996, as applicable. Repeat the replacement 
    thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles.
    
    Repetitive Inspection
    
        (c) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
    the outboard and center flap jackscrews, or within 25 flight cycles 
    after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Measure 
    the screw/nut play of the outboard and center flap jackscrews to 
    detect discrepancies, in accordance with the procedures specified in 
    Falcon 2000 AMM, Temporary Revision (TR) 27-504, dated October 1998; 
    Falcon 900 AMM, TR 27-514, dated February 1999; or Falcon 900EX AMM, 
    TR 27-514, dated February 1999, as applicable.
    
        Note 2: The AMM revisions required by paragraph (c) of this AD 
    may be accomplished by inserting a copy of the TR's into the 
    applicable AMM. When these TR's have been incorporated into the 
    general revisions of the AMM, the general revisions may be inserted 
    into the AMM, provided that the information contained in the general 
    revisions is identical to that specified in the TR's.
    
        (1) If the measurement is greater than 0.014 inch, prior to 
    further flight, replace the discrepant flap jackscrew with a new 
    jackscrew in accordance with the procedures specified in Falcon 2000 
    AMM 27-510, dated November 1995; Falcon 900 AMM 27-521, dated 
    December 1998; or Falcon 900EX AMM 27-510, dated September 1996, as 
    applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
    exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first.
        (2) If the measurement is less than or equal to 0.014 inch, 
    repeat the measurement
    
    [[Page 36563]]
    
    thereafter at intervals not to exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, 
    whichever occurs first.
    
    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. 
    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 directives 1999-038-008(B), dated January 27, 1999 
    (for Falcon 2000 series airplanes); and 1999-082-024(B) dated 
    February 24, 1999 (for Falcon 900 and Mystere Falcon 900EX series 
    airplanes).
    
        (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 11, 1999.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 1999.
    D.L. Riggin,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-17061 Filed 7-6-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
8/11/1999
Published:
07/07/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-17061
Dates:
August 11, 1999.
Pages:
36561-36563 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99-NM-63-AD, Amendment 39-11218, AD 99-14-07
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-17061.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13