Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 188 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48706-48708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20630]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0496; Product Identifier 2018-NM-031-AD; Amendment 
39-19414; AD 2018-19-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by reports of metallic debris found in the wing slat 
piccolo tubes; investigation revealed that the debris originated from 
the flow guide of the ball joint of the wing anti-ice valve. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections for metallic debris and damage of the 
flow guide of the ball joint of the wing anti-ice valve, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 1, 
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 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-2018-
0496.

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-
0496; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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 FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on June 1, 2018 (83 FR 25417). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of metallic debris found in the wing slat piccolo 
tubes; investigation revealed that the debris originated from the flow 
guide of the ball joint of the wing anti-ice valve. The NPRM proposed 
to require repetitive inspections for metallic debris and damage of the 
flow guide of the ball joint of the wing anti-ice valve, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address restricted airflow of the piccolo 
tubes, leading to insufficient wing anti-ice capability and significant 
undetected ice accretion on the wing, which could result 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 2018-0022, dated January 29, 2018 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault 
Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Occurrences were reported on Falcon 2000 and Falcon 2000EX 
aeroplanes, where metallic debris was found in slat piccolo tubes. 
The technical investigation revealed that debris originated from the 
flow guide of the ball joint located downstream of the wing anti-ice 
valve. It was also determined that small debris gathers at the end 
of the piccolo tube, but larger pieces of debris may stop before, in 
the distribution piping, restricting the airflow and potentially 
leading to undetected insufficient wing anti-ice capability.
    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.

[[Page 48707]]

    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault Aviation 
issued Service Bulletin (SB) F2000EX-413 for Falcon 2000EX and SB 
F2000-441 for Falcon 2000, providing applicable instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive [detailed] inspections [for discrepancies including 
cracks and loss of material] of the affected ball joint and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable [related 
investigative and] corrective actions * * *.

    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-
0496.

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 final rule 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 addressing 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 Bulletins F2000-441, dated 
June 20, 2017; and F2000EX-413, dated July 10, 2017. This service 
information describes procedures for repetitive inspections for 
metallic debris and damage of the flow guide of the ball joint located 
downstream of the wing anti-ice valve. This service information also 
describes procedures for replacing the ball joint and pipe, and 
performing borescope inspections of damaged wing anti-ice pipes and 
removal of any debris from the flow guide. 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 for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510...........................              $0             $510         $177,480
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that enables 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2018-19-14 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19414; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0496; Product Identifier 2018-NM-031-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial 
numbers equipped with any anti-ice pipe having part number (P/N) 
F2MA724561A1 or P/N F2MA724561A2, except airplanes on which Dassault 
Modification (mod) M5000 or Dassault mod M5001 has been embodied in 
production.

[[Page 48708]]

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of metallic debris found in the 
wing slat piccolo tubes; investigation revealed that the debris 
originated from the flow guide of the ball joint located downstream 
of the wing anti-ice valve. We are issuing this AD to address 
restricted airflow of the piccolo tubes, leading to insufficient 
wing anti-ice capability and significant undetected ice accretion on 
the wing, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Within 25 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a 
detailed inspection for discrepancies of the flow guide of the ball 
joint located downstream of the wing anti-ice valve, and do all 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Aviation 
Service Bulletin F2000-441, dated June 20, 2017; or Dassault 
Aviation Service Bulletin F2000EX-413, dated July 10, 2017; as 
applicable. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 25 months. Do all applicable corrective actions before 
further flight.

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

(i) 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 (j)(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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0022, dated January 29, 2018, 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-2018-0496.
    (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.

(k) 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 Aviation Service Bulletin F2000-441, dated June 20, 
2017.
    (ii) Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F2000EX-413, dated July 
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 Des Moines, Washington, on September 7, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20630 Filed 9-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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