Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 7, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9683-9685]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04260]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 7, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 9683]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0909; Product Identifier 2017-NM-081-AD; Amendment 
39-19214; AD 2018-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, 
and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of a loose 
screw on certain slat mechanical stop assemblies, and punctures in 
certain fuel caps. This AD requires a one-time inspection, and 
corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 11, 
2018.

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, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0909.

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-
0909; 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, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

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 certain Dassault Aviation 
Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 24, 
2017 (82 FR 49149) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
a loose screw on certain slat mechanical stop assemblies, and punctures 
in certain fuel caps. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time general 
visual inspection of the screw on the affected slat tracks, and 
replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
loose screws that could lead to structural damage to the wing front 
spar, and consequent fuel leakage, possibly resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0106, dated June 19, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault 
Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI states:

    On some aeroplanes in-service, the screw of the slat mechanical 
stop assembly on slat tracks #6, #7 and #8 was found loose. In some 
cases, a puncture was found in the fuel cap. The results of the 
technical investigations concluded that the most probable reason for 
these events was improper installation of the lock washers on the 
screws during production or maintenance.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
structural damage to the wing front spar, and consequent fuel 
leakage, possibly resulting in an uncontrolled fire.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault issued 
[Service Bulletin] SB F900-460 Revision 1, SB F900EX-508 Revision 3, 
SB F2000-433 Revision 1, and SB F2000EX-386 Revision 3 (hereafter 
collectively referred as `the applicable SB' in this [EASA] AD), as 
applicable to aeroplane type/model, to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general visual] inspection of the slat tracks #6, #7 and #8 to 
verify the tightening torque of the screw and proper lock washer 
installation and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s).

    Applicable corrective actions include replacement, if necessary. 
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-
0909.

Comments

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

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for 
minor 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.

[[Page 9684]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Dassault Aviation has issued the following service information.
    <bullet> Dassault Service Bulletin F900-460, Revision 1, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    <bullet> Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-508, Revision 3, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    <bullet> Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-433, Revision 1, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    <bullet> Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-386, Revision 3, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    This service information describes procedures for doing a one-time 
general visual inspection of the screw on the affected slat tracks, and 
replacement if necessary. 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 65 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................  4 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $340         $22,100
                                         hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  6 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $15            $525
                                                 $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2018-05-05 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19214; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0909; Product Identifier 2017-NM-081-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 11, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of 
this AD.
    (1) MYSTERE-FALCON 900, serial numbers as specified in Dassault 
Service Bulletin F900-460, Revision 1, dated February 10, 2017.
    (2) FALCON 900EX, serial numbers as specified in Dassault 
Service Bulletin F900EX-508, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2017.
    (3) FALCON 2000, serial numbers as specified in Dassault Service 
Bulletin F2000-433, Revision 1, dated February 10, 2017.
    (4) FALCON 2000EX, serial numbers as specified in Dassault 
Service Bulletin

[[Page 9685]]

F2000EX-386, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of a loose screw on certain slat 
mechanical stop assemblies, and punctures in certain fuel caps. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose screws that could 
lead to structural damage to the wing front spar, and consequent 
fuel leakage, possibly resulting in an uncontrolled fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 9 months or 440 flight hours, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection 
of slat tracks #6, #7, and #8 for proper screw and lockwasher 
installation, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(4) of this AD.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, the tightening torque of the screw and/or the lockwasher 
installation is incorrect, before further flight, accomplish the 
applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-508, dated 
January 5, 2016; or Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-386, dated 
January 5, 2016, as applicable.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(4) of this AD specifies to submit certain information to 
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) 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 (k)(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 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0106, dated June 19, 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-2017-0909.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

(l) 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 F900-460, Revision 1, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    (ii) Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-508, Revision 3, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    (iii) Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-433, Revision 1, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    (iv) Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-386, Revision 3, dated 
February 10, 2017.
    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 February 20, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04260 Filed 3-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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