Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 174 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72966-72968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20163]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0457; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01207-T; 
Amendment 39-22790; AD 2024-14-09]
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) 2022-02-
10, which applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, FALCON 
900EX, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. AD 2022-02-10 required replacement 
of certain titanium screws. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-02-10, 
affected parts have been found in other areas of certain Falcon 7X 
airplanes as well as in additional Falcon 7X airplanes. This AD 
continues to require the actions in AD 2022-02-10, adds other locations 
for screw replacement, and revises the applicability, 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 October 15, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 15, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0457; 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 identified 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 Aviation material 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.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, 
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-2024-0457.

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 2022-02-10,

[[Page 72967]]

Amendment 39-21907 (87 FR 7025, February 8, 2022) (AD 2022-02-10). AD 
2022-02-10 applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, FALCON 
900EX, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. AD 2022-02-10 was prompted by MCAI 
originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States 
of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0047, dated February 16, 
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0047), to correct an unsafe condition. AD 2022-02-10 
required replacement of certain titanium screws. The FAA issued AD 
2022-02-10 to address failure of an affected screw installed in a 
critical location, possibly resulting in reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 6, 2024 (89 FR 
15965). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0207, dated November 21, 
2023 (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that since EASA 
issued AD 2021-0047, it was determined that affected parts have been 
installed in production in additional areas of certain Model FALCON 7X 
airplanes already included in the applicability of EASA AD 2021-0047. 
Additionally, it was determined that additional Model FALCON 7X 
airplanes were not included in the applicability of EASA AD 2021-0047.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in 
AD 2022-02-10, add other locations for screw replacement, and revise 
the applicability, as specified in EASA AD 2023-0207. 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-2024-0457.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

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, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2023-0207 specifies procedures for replacing certain 
Decomatic titanium screws (including an inspection of the bore 
dimension and corrective actions (oversizing or repair)). The EASA AD 
also restricts installation of certain Decomatic titanium screws.
    Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-467, Revision 2, dated March 20, 2023, 
specifies procedures for additional work.
    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 44 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action                  Labor cost       Parts cost      Cost per  product    Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2022-  Up to 90 work-                 $0  Up to $7,650........  Up to $336,600.
 02-10.                          hours x $85 per
                                 hour = $7,650.
New proposed requirements.....  Up to 110 work-                 0  Up to $9,350........  Up to $411,400.
                                 hours x $85 per
                                 hour = $9,350.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the cost estimate.

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:

[[Page 72968]]

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) 2022-02-10, Amendment 39-21907 
(87 FR 7025, February 8, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2024-14-09 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-22790; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0457; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01207-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 15, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-02-10, Amendment 39-21907 (87 FR 7025, 
February 8, 2022) (AD 2022-02-10).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2023-0207, dated November 21, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0207).
    (1) Model FALCON 7X airplanes.
    (2) Model FALCON 900EX airplanes.
    (3) Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 51, Standard 
Practices/Structures.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an improper heat treatment 
process applied during the manufacturing of certain Decomatic 
titanium screws, and by the determination that affected parts in 
additional areas on certain airplanes, as well as additional 
airplanes, are subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address failure of an affected screw installed in a 
critical location, possibly resulting in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0207.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0207

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0207 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0207.
    (3) Where the ``Ref Publications'' section of EASA AD 2023-0207 
specifies ``Dassault SB 7X-467 original issue dated 16 November 
2020, Rev. 1 dated 12 December 2022 or Rev. 2 dated 20 March 2023,'' 
this AD requires replacing that text with ``Dassault Service 
Bulletin 7X-467, Revision 2, dated March 20, 2023.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    For Model FALCON 7X airplanes: This paragraph provides credit 
for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-467, dated November 16, 2020, provided 
the additional work specified in Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-467, 
Revision 2, dated March 20, 2023, is accomplished within the 
applicable compliance time specified in EASA AD 2023-0207.

(j) 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 manager of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (k)(1) 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.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) 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].
    (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by 
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (l)(4) 
of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0207, 
dated November 21, 2023.
    (ii) Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-467, Revision 2, dated March 
20, 2023.
    (3) For EASA AD 2023-0207, 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.
    (4) For Dassault Aviation material 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th 
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (6) 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].

    Issued on September 3, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20163 Filed 9-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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