Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 168 (Thursday, August 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41323-41326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18391]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0475; Product Identifier 2016-NM-142-AD; Amendment 
39-19017; AD 2017-18-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by reports of ice accretion on the airplane wing due to 
the failure of certain anti-ice piccolo tubes in the wing outboard 
slats. This AD requires repetitive inspections of each anti-ice piccolo 
tube and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 5, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 5, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 
2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet 
http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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-2017-0475.

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-2017-
0475; 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 Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is 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 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Dassault Aviation Model 
FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on May 22, 2017 (82 FR 23163) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM 
was prompted by reports of ice accretion on the airplane wing due to 
the failure of certain anti-ice piccolo tubes in the wing outboard 
slats. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of each 
anti-ice piccolo tube and corrective action if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct manufacturing defects in the 
anti-ice piccolo tubes in the wing outboard slats. This condition could 
lead to undetected significant ice accretion on a wing, resulting in 
loss of control 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 2016-0149, dated July 25, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation 
Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported of ice accretion on the wing, due to 
failure of the affected anti-ice piccolo tubes Part Number (P/N) 
FGFB725102. Investigation results indicated that some wing piccolo 
tubes P/N FGFB725102 could have manufacturing defects in their 
welded parts, which may have caused the rupture of the tubes, due to 
fatigue.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
undetected significant ice accretion on the wing, possibly resulting 
in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, [Dassault Aviation] 
DA issued Service Bulletin (SB) F2000-431 Revision 1 and SB F2000EX-
391 Revision 1 (hereafter referred to collectively as `the 
applicable SB' in this [EASA] AD) to provide instructions for 
endoscopic inspection of the tubes.

[[Page 41324]]

    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of each wing outboard slat piccolo tube [for 
discrepancies, i.e., manufacturing defects, cracking, and loss of 
material in the welded parts] and, depending on findings, 
replacement of the piccolo tube(s) [and the outboard slat] with a 
[new or] serviceable part.

    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-2017-
0475.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Change to NPRM

    We have added paragraph (j) to this AD to explain that although 
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; 
and Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; 
specify to submit a report of crack findings to Dassault, this AD does 
not require a report. We have redesignated subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant 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:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Dassault Aviation has issued Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 
1, dated June 6, 2016; and Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, 
dated June 6, 2016. The service information describes procedures for 
endoscopic inspections of the anti-ice piccolo tube on each wing 
outboard slat, and replacement or re-identification of affected anti-
ice piccolo tubes and outboard slats. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 348 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost     Cost per  product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................  6 work-hours x $85               $0  $510 per inspection  $177,480 per
                                    per hour = $510                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

2017-18-08 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19017; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0475; Product Identifier 2016-NM-142-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 5, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 41325]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of ice accretion on the airplane 
wing due to the failure of certain anti-ice piccolo tubes in the 
wing outboard slats. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
manufacturing defects in the anti-ice piccolo tubes in the wing 
outboard slats. This condition could lead to undetected significant 
ice accretion on a wing, resulting in loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Affected Anti-ice Piccolo Tubes

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected anti-ice piccolo 
tube meets at least one of the conditions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Has part number (P/N) FGFB725102 (left-hand side (LH)) or P/
N FGFB726102 (right-hand side (RH)).
    (ii) Is installed on a wing outboard slat having a part number 
identified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.

                Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of This AD--Affected Outboard Slats Part Numbers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      LH                                                       RH
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FGFB134......................................  FGFB144.
FGFB134A1 to FGFB134A9 inclusive.............  FGFB144A1 to FGFB144A9 inclusive.
FGFB134B1....................................  FGFB144B1.
FFGFB134C1 to FGFB134C4 inclusive............  FGFB144C1 to FGFB144C4 inclusive.
From FGFB134D1 to FGFB134D4 inclusive........  FGFB144D1 to FGFB144D4 inclusive.
FGFB135 and FGFB135M.........................  FGFB145 and FGFB145M.
FGFB135A1 to FGFB135A4 inclusive.............  FGFB145A1 to FGFB145A4 inclusive.
From FGFB135A1M to FGFB135A4M inclusive......  FGFB145A1M to FGFB145A4M inclusive.
From FGFB135B1 to FGFB135B3 inclusive........  FGFB145B1 to FGFB145B3 inclusive.
FGFB135B1M to FGFB135B3M inclusive...........  FGFB145B1M to FGFB145B3M inclusive.
F2MB135......................................  F2MB145.
F2MB135A1....................................  F2MB145A1.
F2MB135L1 to F2MB135L5 inclusive.............  F2MB145L1 to F2MB145L5 inclusive.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) If the outboard slat part number is identified in table 2 to 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, the anti-ice piccolo tube is not 
affected because the outboard slat has already been retrofitted with 
a new stiffened anti-ice piccolo tube, and no action is required by 
this AD for that piccolo tube.

                 Table 2 to Paragraph (g)(2) of This AD--Serviceable Outboard Slats Part Numbers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      LH                                                       RH
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FGFB134P.....................................  FGFB144P.
FGFB134A1P through FGFB134A9P inclusive......  FGFB144A1P through FGFB144A9P inclusive.
FGFB134B1P...................................  FGFB144B1P.
FFGFB134C1P to FGFB134C4P inclusive..........  FGFB144C1P to FGFB144C4P inclusive.
From FGFB134D1P to FGFB134D4P inclusive......  FGFB144D1P to FGFB144D4P inclusive.
FGFB135P and FGFB135MP.......................  FGFB145P and FGFB145MP.
FGFB135A1P to FGFB135A4P inclusive...........  FGFB145A1P to FGFB145A4P inclusive.
From FGFB135A1MP to FGFB135A4MP inclusive....  FGFB145A1MP to FGFB145A4MP inclusive.
From FGFB135B1P to FGFB135B3P inclusive......  FGFB145B1P to FGFB145B3P inclusive.
FGFB135B1MP to FGFB135B3MP inclusive.........  FGFB145B1MP to FGFB145B3MP inclusive.
F2MB135P.....................................  F2MB145P.
F2MB135A1P...................................  F2MB145A1P.
F2MB135L1P to F2MB135L5P inclusive...........  F2MB145L1P to F2MB145L5P inclusive.
F2MB135L6 to F2MB135L7 inclusive.............  F2MB145L6 to F2MB145L7 inclusive.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Inspections

    If an anti-ice piccolo tube has been determined to be affected, 
as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time 
specified in table 3 to paragraph (h) of this AD, do an endoscopic 
inspection for discrepancies, i.e., manufacturing defects, cracking, 
and loss of material in the welded parts of each affected anti-ice 
piccolo tube, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; 
or Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; as 
applicable. Repeat the endoscopic inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed those specified in table 3 to paragraph (h) of this 
AD, until the modification specified in paragraph (k) of this AD is 
done.

                      Table 3 to Paragraph (h) of this AD--Compliance Times for Inspections
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Airplane model                   Initial inspection             Repetitive inspection intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FALCON 2000 airplanes................  Prior to exceeding 2,000       2,000 flight cycles.
                                        flight cycles since the
                                        airplane's first flight, or
                                        within 1,000 flight cycles
                                        after the effective date of
                                        this AD, whichever occurs
                                        later.

[[Page 41326]]

 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes..............  Prior to exceeding 1,000       1,000 flight cycles.
                                        flight cycles since the
                                        airplane's first flight, or
                                        within 500 flight cycles
                                        after the effective date of
                                        this AD, whichever occurs
                                        later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Corrective Action

    If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the 
affected anti-ice piccolo tube with a new or serviceable part, and 
replace or re-identify the affected wing outboard slat as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; 
or Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; as 
applicable.

(j) Reporting Provisions

    Although Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated 
June 6, 2016; and Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated 
June 6, 2016; specify to submit a report of crack findings to 
Dassault, this AD does not require a report.

(k) Optional Terminating Action

    Modification of an airplane by installing a new or serviceable 
anti-ice piccolo tube, and replacing or re-identifying the affected 
wing outboard slat, terminates the repetitive inspections required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD, if done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, 
Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; or Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, 
Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; as applicable.

(l) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable, no person may install on any airplane an affected 
anti-ice piccolo tube or an affected outboard slat.
    (1) For an airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
an affected anti-ice piccolo tube or an affected outboard slat 
installed: After modification of that airplane as required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) For an airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, does 
not have an affected anti-ice piccolo tube or an affected outboard 
slat installed: As of the effective date of this AD.

(m) Later-Approved Parts

    Installation on an airplane of an anti-ice piccolo tube having a 
part number approved after the effective date of this AD is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (i) or 
paragraph (k) of this AD, as applicable, provided the conditions in 
paragraphs (m)(1) and (m)(2) of this AD are met.
    (1) The anti-ice piccolo tube part number must be 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).
    (2) The installation of the anti-ice piccolo tube must be 
accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Dassault Aviation's EASA DOA.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (o)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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.
    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the EASA; or Dassault 
Aviation's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0149, dated July 25, 2016, 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-2017-0475.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149.

(p) 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) Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated June 
6, 2016.
    (ii) Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated 
June 6, 2016.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, 
South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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 August 21, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18391 Filed 8-30-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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