Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Falcon 2000EX Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5159-5162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-824]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-23716; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-14466; AD 2006-03-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Falcon 
2000EX Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Falcon 2000EX airplanes. For all 
airplanes, this AD requires, among other actions, doing an inspection 
for damage of the feeder cables, and corrective actions if necessary; 
and installing a protective plate on the feeder cables. For certain 
airplanes, this AD also requires re-routing the wiring on the cockpit 
protector; drilling holes in the cockpit protector; and clamping the 
feeder cables; as applicable. This AD results from a drawing review and 
further associated inspections that highlighted a potential chafing 
risk between the third crew member's oxygen mask box and feeder cables 
routed in the area. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing between 
the subject oxygen mask box and the adjacent feeder cables, which could 
generate smoke or fire in the cockpit that could be fanned by oxygen 
leakage from the oxygen mask box.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 16, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 16, 
2006.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 3, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.

[[Page 5160]]

    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New 
Jersey 07606, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and 
Falcon 2000EX airplanes. The EASA advises that a drawing review and 
further associated inspections have highlighted a potential chafing 
risk between the third crew member's oxygen mask box, which is 
optional, installed in the cockpit ceiling, and feeder cables routed in 
the area. This condition, if not corrected, could generate smoke or 
fire in the cockpit that could be fanned by oxygen leakage from the 
oxygen mask box.

Relevant Service Information

    Dassault has issued the service bulletins in the following table:

                                            Table.--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Dassault service bulletin--                  Dated--                           For model--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F2000EX-92.............................  December 22, 2005.........  Falcon 2000EX airplanes.
F2000-332..............................  December 22, 2005.........  Falcon 2000 airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Both service bulletins describe the following procedures for both 
airplane models, except as indicated:
    <bullet> Coating nuts and rivets with epoxy resin if necessary.
    <bullet> Doing a general visual inspection for damage of the feeder 
cables coming from the essential and A1 buses, and applicable 
corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include 
repairing any damaged feeder cable having a damaged conductor, and 
wrapping with Roundit sheath any damaged feeder cable that does not 
affect the conductor; as applicable.
    <bullet> Re-routing the wiring on the cockpit protector, and 
bonding the applicable supports with epoxy resin (for all Model Falcon 
2000 airplanes and for certain Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes).
    <bullet> Installing a protective plate on the feeder cables.
    For certain airplanes, Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-92 also 
describes procedures for drilling holes in the cockpit protector 
located between the headline and the skin, and clamping the feeder 
cables coming from the essential, A1, and A2 buses.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated 
the service bulletins and issued emergency airworthiness directive 
2006-0003, dated January 5, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in the European Union.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to FAA Order 
8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European Community 
on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,'' dated 
August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the situation 
described above. We have examined the EASA's findings, evaluated all 
pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for 
products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the 
United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent chafing between the 
third crew member's oxygen mask box and feeder cables routed in the 
area, which could generate smoke or fire in the cockpit that could be 
fanned by oxygen leakage from the oxygen mask box. This AD requires 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously.

Difference Between the EASA's Emergency Airworthiness Directive and 
This AD

    The applicability of the EASA's emergency airworthiness directive 
2006-0003 excludes airplanes on which Dassault Modification M2738 
(reference Dassault Service Bulletins F2000EX-92 and F2000-332) was 
done. However, we have not excluded those airplanes in the 
applicability of this AD; rather, this AD includes a requirement to 
accomplish the actions specified in those service bulletins, as 
applicable. This requirement will ensure that the actions specified in 
the applicable service bulletin and required by this AD are done on all 
affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in 
the configuration required by this AD unless an alternative method of 
compliance is approved. This difference has been coordinated with the 
EASA.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued, is impracticable, and good cause exists to 
make this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
23716; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-008-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000

[[Page 5161]]

(65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 have 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 the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-03-02 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-14466. Docket No. FAA-
2006-23716; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-008-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective February 16, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Dassault airplanes in Table 1 of this 
AD, certificated in any category; equipped with a third crew member 
passenger-type oxygen mask on the cockpit ceiling; excluding those 
airplanes on which Dassault Modification M2739 has been done in 
production.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Falcon 2000 airplanes.................  1 through 226 inclusive.
(2) Falcon 2000EX airplanes...............  1 through 64 inclusive
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a drawing review and further associated 
inspections that highlighted a potential chafing risk between the 
third crew member's oxygen mask box and feeder cables routed in the 
area. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing between the subject 
oxygen mask box and the adjacent feeder cables, which could generate 
smoke or fire in the cockpit that could be fanned by oxygen leakage 
from the oxygen mask box.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletins

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin in 
Table 2 of this AD.

                                          Table 2.-- Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Dassault service bulletin--                  Dated--                           For model--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) F2000-332..........................  December 22, 2005.........  Falcon 2000 airplanes.
(2) F2000EX-92.........................  December 22, 2005.........  Falcon 2000EX airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apply Epoxy Resin, Inspect for Damaged Feeder Cables, Re-Route Wiring, 
and Install of a Protective Plate

    (g) Within 30 days or 30 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the applicable actions in 
Table 3 of this AD in accordance with the service bulletin.

                       Table 3.--Required Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 For--                           Required actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) All airplanes......................  Coat nuts and rivets with epoxy
                                          resin.
(2) All airplanes......................  Do a general visual inspection
                                          for damage of the feeder
                                          cables coming from the
                                          essential and A1 buses.

[[Page 5162]]

 
(3) Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes,       Drill holes in the cockpit
 serial number 6 and 28 through 64        protector located between the
 inclusive.                               headline and the skin, and
                                          clamp the feeder cables coming
                                          from the essential, A1, and A2
                                          buses.
(4) All Model Falcon 2000 airplanes and  Re-route the wiring on the
 for Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes,       cockpit protector, and bond
 serial numbers 1 through 5 inclusive     the applicable supports with
 and 7 through 27 inclusive.              epoxy resin.
(5) All airplanes......................  Install a protective plate on
                                          the feeder cables.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Corrective Actions

    (h) If any damaged feeder cable is detected during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the applicable corrective actions in accordance with the 
service bulletin.

No Reporting

    (i) Although the service bulletins referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (k) The European Aviation Safety Agency's emergency 
airworthiness directive 2006-0003, dated January 5, 2006, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use the applicable service bulletin in Table 4 of 
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Dassault 
Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606, for a 
copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

              Table 4.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Dassault service bulletin--                    Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) F2000-332.............................  December 22, 2005.
(2) F2000EX-92............................  December 22, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 23, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-824 Filed 1-31-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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