Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80567-80570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25497]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1705; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00480-T; 
Amendment 39-22594; AD 2023-22-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-
13, which applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, 
FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes. AD 2020-02-13 
required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues 
to require certain actions in AD 2020-02-13 and requires revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 26, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 26, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 
12, 2020 (85 FR 6744, February 6, 2020).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1705; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material incorporated by reference in this AD, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone 
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> For Dassault service information incorporated by reference 
in this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, 
P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; 
website dassaultfalcon.com.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety 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 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1705.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone: 206-231-3226; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-02-13, Amendment 39-19827 (85 FR 6744, 
February 6, 2020) (AD 2020-02-13). AD 2020-02-13 applied to certain 
Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, 
F, and G. AD 2020-02-13 required revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2020-02-
13 to address, among other things, fatigue cracking and damage in 
principal structural elements; such

[[Page 80568]]

fatigue cracking and damage could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2023 (88 
FR 54500). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023-0059, dated March 16, 2023 
(EASA AD 2023-0059) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, 
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European 
Union. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations have been developed.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require certain 
actions in AD 2020-02-13 and to require revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 
2023-0059. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1705.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Additional Changes Made to This AD

    The FAA has added paragraph (l) of this AD to clarify that this AD 
terminates the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2010-26-05, 
Amendment 39-16544 (75 FR 79952, December 21, 2010) (AD 2010-26-05), 
for Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, 
E, F, and G airplanes on which the supplemental structural inspection 
program (SSIP) has been incorporated into the airplane's maintenance 
program only. The FAA has also redesignated subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly. The FAA also added paragraph (b)(2) of this AD to specify 
that AD 2010-26-05 is affected by this AD. AD 2020-02-13 included this 
terminating action, but the FAA inadvertently omitted it from the 
proposed AD.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined 
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 
Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described 
previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0059. This service information 
specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for 
airplane structures and safe life limits.
    This AD also requires Chapter 5-40-01, Airworthiness Limitations, 
Revision 10, effective January 1, 2019, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 
20 Maintenance Manual, which the Director of the Federal Register 
approved for incorporation by reference as of March 12, 2020 (85 FR 
6744, February 6, 2020).
    This material 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 61 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2020-02-13 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate.
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions 
to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-13, Amendment 39-19827 
(85 FR 6744, February 6, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2023-22-10 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-22594; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1705; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00480-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26, 
2023.

[[Page 80569]]

(b) Affected ADs

    (1) This AD replaces AD 2020-02-13, Amendment 39-19827 (85 FR 
6744, February 6, 2020) (AD 2020-02-13).
    (2) This AD affects AD 2010-26-05, Amendment 39-16544 (75 FR 
79952, December 21, 2010) (AD 2010-26-05).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN 
JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2023-0059, dated March 16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0059).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue cracking and 
damage in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2020-02-13, with no changes. Within 90 days after March 12, 2020 
(the effective date of AD 2020-02-13), revise the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Chapter 5-40-01, Airworthiness Limitations, 
Revision 10, effective January 1, 2019, of the Dassault Aviation 
Falcon 20 Maintenance Manual. The initial compliance time for doing 
the tasks is at the time specified in Chapter 5-40-01, Airworthiness 
Limitations, Revision 10, effective January 1, 2019, of the Dassault 
Aviation Falcon 20 Maintenance Manual, or within 90 days after March 
12, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-02-13), whichever occurs 
later. Where the threshold column in the table in paragraph B, 
Mandatory Maintenance Operations, of Chapter 5-40-01, Airworthiness 
Limitations, Revision 10, effective January 1, 2019, of the Dassault 
Aviation Falcon 20 Maintenance Manual specifies a compliance time in 
years, those compliance times start from the date of issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the 
original export certificate of airworthiness.

(h) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals With No 
Change

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2020-02-13, with no changes. Except as required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has 
been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions or intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.

(i) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0059. Accomplishing the revision of 
the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this 
paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0059

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023-0059.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0059 specifies revising ``the 
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this 
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0059 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0059, or within 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in 
paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2023-0059.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0059.

(k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they 
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. 
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2023-0059.

(l) Terminating Actions for Certain Actions in AD 2010-26-05

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) or (i) of 
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2010-
26-05, for Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes on which the supplemental 
structural inspection program (SSIP) has been incorporated into the 
airplane's maintenance program only.

(m) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified 
in paragraph (n) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(n) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 206-231-3226; email: 
[email protected].

(o) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 26, 2023.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0059, 
dated March 16, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 12, 2020 (85 FR 6744, February 6, 2020).
    (i) Chapter 5-40-01, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 10, 
effective January 1, 2019, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 20 
Maintenance Manual.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For EASA AD 2023-0059, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA 
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (6) For Dassault 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; website 
dassaultfalcon.com.
    (7) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (8) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].


[[Page 80570]]


    Issued on November 13, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-25497 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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