Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model 2000, 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 900 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36561-36563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-17061]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-63-AD; Amendment 39-11218; AD 99-14-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model 2000, 900EX, and Mystere 
Falcon 900 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes; and 
certain Dassault Model 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, 
that requires repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry 
detection system to verify proper functioning, and repair, if 
necessary; repetitive replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with 
new jackscrews; repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play to detect 
discrepancies; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent jamming of the flap jackscrews, which 
could result in the inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap 
condition, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 11, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this amendment may be obtained 
from or examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 
series airplanes; and certain Dassault Model 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 
900 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 
1999 (64 FR 23552). That action proposed to require repetitive 
operational tests of the flap asymmetry detection system to verify 
proper functioning, and repair, if necessary; repetitive replacement of 
the inboard flap jackscrews with new jackscrews; repetitive measurement 
of the screw/nut play to detect discrepancies; and corrective action, 
if necessary.

Explanation of Changes Made to This Final Rule

    In the applicability paragraph of the proposed rule, the FAA 
inadvertently transposed the serial numbers for Falcon 900EX and 
Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes. Therefore, the applicability 
paragraph of the final rule has been revised to read, ``All Model 
Falcon 2000 series airplanes; Falcon 900EX series airplanes, serial 
numbers 04 and subsequent; and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, 
serial numbers 161 and subsequent; certificated in any category.''
    For clarification purposes, the FAA also has revised ``NOTE 2'' of 
the final rule by changing all references to the ``Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM)'' to correctly reference the ``Airplane Maintenance Manual 
(AMM).''

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. 
The FAA has

[[Page 36562]]

determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden 
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will 
positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this 
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may 
consider additional rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 159 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required operational test, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the operational test required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $9,540, or $60 per airplane, per test cycle.
    It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required flap jackscrew replacement, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $21,200 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,447,120, or 
$21,680 per airplane, per replacement cycle.
    It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required measurement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the measurement 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $76,320, or 
$480 per airplane, per measurement cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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.
    Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is 
determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism 
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-14-07   Dassault Aviation [Formerly Avions Marcel Dassault-
Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA)]: Amendment 39-11218. Docket 99-NM-63-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes; Falcon 
900EX series airplanes, serial numbers 04 and subsequent; and 
Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, serial numbers 161 and 
subsequent; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent jamming of the flap jackscrews, which could result in 
inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap condition, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Repetitive Operational Test

    (a) Within 5 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform an operational test of the flap asymmetry detection system 
to ensure that the system is functioning correctly, in accordance 
with the procedures specified in Falcon 2000 Airplane Maintenance 
Manual (AMM) 27-502, dated November 1995; Falcon 900 AMM 27-502, 
dated January 1995; or Falcon 900EX AMM 27-502, dated September 
1996, as applicable. Prior to further flight, repair any discrepancy 
detected in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated 
agent). Repeat the operational test thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first.

Repetitive Replacement

    (b) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the inboard flap jackscrews, or within 25 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the 
inboard flap jackscrews with new jackscrews in accordance with the 
procedures specified in Falcon 2000 AMM 27-510, dated November 1995; 
Falcon 900 AMM 27-521, dated December 1998; or Falcon 900EX AMM 27-
510, dated September 1996, as applicable. Repeat the replacement 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles.

Repetitive Inspection

    (c) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the outboard and center flap jackscrews, or within 25 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Measure 
the screw/nut play of the outboard and center flap jackscrews to 
detect discrepancies, in accordance with the procedures specified in 
Falcon 2000 AMM, Temporary Revision (TR) 27-504, dated October 1998; 
Falcon 900 AMM, TR 27-514, dated February 1999; or Falcon 900EX AMM, 
TR 27-514, dated February 1999, as applicable.

    Note 2: The AMM revisions required by paragraph (c) of this AD 
may be accomplished by inserting a copy of the TR's into the 
applicable AMM. When these TR's have been incorporated into the 
general revisions of the AMM, the general revisions may be inserted 
into the AMM, provided that the information contained in the general 
revisions is identical to that specified in the TR's.

    (1) If the measurement is greater than 0.014 inch, prior to 
further flight, replace the discrepant flap jackscrew with a new 
jackscrew in accordance with the procedures specified in Falcon 2000 
AMM 27-510, dated November 1995; Falcon 900 AMM 27-521, dated 
December 1998; or Falcon 900EX AMM 27-510, dated September 1996, as 
applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first.
    (2) If the measurement is less than or equal to 0.014 inch, 
repeat the measurement

[[Page 36563]]

thereafter at intervals not to exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, 
whichever occurs first.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 1999-038-008(B), dated January 27, 1999 
(for Falcon 2000 series airplanes); and 1999-082-024(B) dated 
February 24, 1999 (for Falcon 900 and Mystere Falcon 900EX series 
airplanes).

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 11, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-17061 Filed 7-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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