Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33602-33604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11216]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-2293; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00684-T; 
Amendment 39-23364; AD 2026-11-03]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report of a failed extension of the inboard slats during 
the landing phase, which the crew alerting system (CAS) did not 
indicate to the flightcrew. This AD requires modifying the maintenance 
and avionics interface computer (MAIC) software and revising the 
existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide improved procedures 
for addressing slat failures. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293; 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material 
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]. 
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <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 at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Duong, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: 516-228-7362; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA 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 7X airplanes. The NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on March 10, 2026 (91 FR 11480). The NPRM was prompted 
by EASA AD 2025-0092, dated April 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0092) (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 
Dassault Aviation has developed Dassault modification M2138 that 
introduces changes to the MAIC software to restore crew awareness about 
the inboard slat configuration in case of slat failures and published 
improved AFM procedures to cope with slat failures. EASA AD 2025-0092 
also stated that the AD is considered an interim action and further AD 
action may follow to expand the applicability to airplanes that have 
not embodied Dassault modification M1000.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the MAIC 
software and revising the existing AFM to provide improved procedures 
for addressing slat failures, as specified in EASA AD 2025-0092. The 
NPRM also specified that accomplishing the proposed actions would 
terminate the requirements of AD 2022-18-18, Amendment 39-22169 (87 FR 
54131, September 2, 2022) only for Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X 
airplanes that have embodied Dassault modification M1000. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the failed extension of inboard slats during 
landing phase without flightcrew indication. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could lead to reduced lift

[[Page 33603]]

margin during approach and landing and result in reduced control of the 
airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority 
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. 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 2025-0092 specifies procedures for the following actions:
    <bullet> Upgrading the MAIC software, which includes modifying the 
digital flight control system (DFCS) 4.1.3 standard to ensure the 
``FCS: SLAT INB EXTEND FAIL'' CAS message is properly displayed 
(Dassault modification M2138).
    <bullet> Accomplishing Dassault modification M1968 or Dassault 
modification M1655, as applicable, prior to accomplishing Dassault 
modification M2138. Dassault modification M1968 includes updating the 
MAIC software. Dassault modification M1655 includes modifying DFCS 
standard 4.1.1.
    <bullet> Amending the AFM to implement improved procedures for 
addressing slat failures.
    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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If EASA later 
determines it is necessary to expand the applicability to airplanes 
that have not embodied Dassault modification M1000, the FAA might 
consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 25 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                      Parts cost            Cost per product      Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 24 work-hours x $85 per hour =   Up to $2,860 *.........  Up to $4,900...........  Up to $122,500.
 $2,040.
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* The FAA estimates that rental of special tooling to accomplish Dassault modifications M2138, M1968, and M1655,
  as applicable, costs $929, $981, and $950 per day, respectively.

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2026-11-03 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-23364; Docket No. FAA-
2026-2293; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00684-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2022-18-18, Amendment 39-22169 (87 FR 54131, 
September 2, 2022) (AD 2022-18-18).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0092, dated April 23, 2025 
(EASA AD 2025-0092).
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Model FALCON 7X airplanes with Dassault 
modification M1000 incorporated are commonly referred

[[Page 33604]]

to as ``Model FALCON 8X'' as a marketing designation.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a failed extension of the 
inboard slats during the landing phase, which the crew alerting 
system did not indicate to the flightcrew. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the failed extension of inboard slats during landing 
phase without flightcrew indication. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could lead to reduced lift margin during approach and 
landing and result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2025-0092.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0092

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0092 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies to 
``implement the AFM-CP'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``revise the existing AFM to incorporate the procedures in ``the 
AFM-CP'' for addressing slat failures''.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies to 
``inform all flight crews, and thereafter, operate the aeroplane 
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions as those 
actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations 
(see 14 CFR 91.9, 91.505, 121.137, and 121.628(a)(2) and (5)).
    (4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies ``An 
aeroplane, the AFM of which has been amended to comply with 
paragraph (3) of this AD, or that has been amended by incorporating 
the AFM at revision 7, or later'', this AD requires replacing that 
text with ``An airplane that has been amended by incorporating the 
AFM at revision 7, or later''.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0092.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

(j) Terminating Action for AD 2022-18-18

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the 
requirements of AD 2022-18-18 only for the airplanes identified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD.

(k) 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, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email 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.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jonathan Duong, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7362; email: [email protected].

(m) 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 2025-0092, 
dated April 23, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]. You may find this material on 
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 May 21, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-11216 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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