Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX Airplanes and Model Falcon 900EX Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34608-34611]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13275]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0364; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-281-AD; 
Amendment 39-15562; AD 2008-12-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX Airplanes 
and Model Falcon 900EX Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    During a flight test performed on an EASy aircraft, subsequently 
to an air data probe failure, the crew realized that the Flight path 
vectors and the Vertical speeds that were displayed on pilot's and 
co-pilot's PDU (primary display unit) were identically wrong.
    A review of the EASy architecture reveals that * * * One single 
ADS (air data system) unflagged air data error may lead to the

[[Page 34609]]

computation and display on both pilot's and co-pilot's display units 
of unnoticed and misleading flight information.
    At take-off or during go-around this situation might 
considerably reduce flight safety.

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 23, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 23, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2008 (73 
FR 16787). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a flight test performed on an EASy aircraft, subsequently 
to an air data probe failure, the crew realized that the Flight path 
vectors and the Vertical speeds that were displayed on pilot's and 
co-pilot's PDU (primary display unit) were identically wrong.
    A review of the EASy architecture reveals that the current 
wiring of Air Data System (ADS) and IRS (inertial reference system) 
units is not compliant with the certified safety objectives. All IRS 
primary inputs are wired to the same General Purpose (GP) Bus and 
thus basic requirements for ADS segregation are not met. One single 
ADS unflagged air data error may lead to the computation and display 
on both pilot's and co-pilot's display units of unnoticed and 
misleading flight information.
    At take-off or during go-around this situation might 
considerably reduce flight safety.
    This AD mandates a wiring modification of IRS [no.] 2 and a test 
of General Purpose bus IRS entry per application of SB-F2000EX-89 on 
Falcon 2000EX EASy and per application of SB-F900EX-274 on Falcon 
900EX EASy.
    Furthermore in order to maintain ADS parameter segregation 
against possible failures, this AD also requires F2000EX EASy and 
F900EX EASy operators to comply with the modifications made to the 
respective Chapter 5.40 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manuals that 
contain an additional periodic functional test of the IRS GP Bus I/O 
(input/output).
    Dispatch conditions under MMEL (master minimum equipment list) 
in case of an IRS2 failure are modified after implementation of the 
wiring change.

    The corrective actions involve checking the integrity of the GP bus 
and IRS2, and repairing them as applicable. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 62 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost a negligible 
amount per product. Where the service information lists required parts 
costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will 
be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage 
for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than 
estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD 
to the U.S. operators to be $14,880, or $240 per product.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that 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 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

[[Page 34610]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2008-12-18 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-15562. Docket No. FAA-
2008-0364; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-281-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 23, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes, 
serial number (S/N) 6, and S/N 28 and subsequent; and Model Falcon 
900EX airplanes, S/N 97, and S/N 120 and subsequent; certificated in 
any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34: 
Navigation.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    During a flight test performed on an EASy aircraft, subsequently 
to an air data probe failure, the crew realized that the Flight path 
vectors and the Vertical speeds that were displayed on pilot's and 
co-pilot's PDU (primary display unit) were identically wrong.
    A review of the EASy architecture reveals that the current 
wiring of Air Data System (ADS) and IRS (inertial reference system) 
units is not compliant with the certified safety objectives. All IRS 
primary inputs are wired to the same General Purpose (GP) Bus and 
thus basic requirements for ADS segregation are not met. One single 
ADS unflagged air data error may lead to the computation and display 
on both pilot's and co-pilot's display units of unnoticed and 
misleading flight information.
    At take-off or during go-around this situation might 
considerably reduce flight safety.
    This AD mandates a wiring modification of IRS [no.] 2 and a test 
of General Purpose bus IRS entry per application of SB-F2000EX-89 on 
Falcon 2000EX EASy and per application of SB-F900EX-274 on Falcon 
900EX EASy.
    Furthermore in order to maintain ADS parameter segregation 
against possible failures, this AD also requires F2000EX EASy and 
F900EX EASy operators to comply with the modifications made to the 
respective Chapter 5.40 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manuals that 
contain an additional periodic functional test of the IRS GP Bus I/O 
(input/output).
    Dispatch conditions under MMEL (master minimum equipment list) 
in case of an IRS2 failure are modified after implementation of the 
wiring change.

The corrective actions involve checking the integrity of the GP bus 
and IRS2, and repairing them as applicable.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes without Dassault 
Modification M2758 and Model Falcon 900EX airplanes without Dassault 
Modification M5143 in the applicability range: Within 3 months after 
the effective date of this AD, do the IRS2 wiring modification and 
test the GP (general purpose) bus IRS entry. Do all actions in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service 
Bulletin F2000EX-89, dated March 17, 2006; or Dassault Service 
Bulletin F900EX-274, dated March 17, 2006; as applicable. Repeat the 
test at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight hours. If the GP bus 
IRS entry fails any test, before further flight, do all applicable 
corrective actions in accordance with the procedures in Section 34-
209, dated March 2007, of the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy/900DX 
Maintenance Manual; or Section 34-209, dated May 2007, of the 
Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy Maintenance Manual; as applicable.
    (2) For Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes with Dassault Modification 
M2758 and Model Falcon 900EX airplanes with Dassault Modification 
M5143 in the applicability range: Within 5,000 flight hours after 
the date of issuance of the original French standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original French export 
certificate of airworthiness, or within 3 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a test of the GP bus IRS 
entry in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault 
Service Bulletin F2000EX-89, dated March 17, 2006; or Dassault 
Service Bulletin F900EX-274, dated March 17, 2006; as applicable. 
Repeat the test at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight hours. If 
the GP bus IRS entry fails any test, before further flight, do the 
corrective actions in accordance with the procedures in Section 34-
209, dated March 2007, of the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy/900DX 
Maintenance Manual; or Section 34-209, dated May 2007, of the 
Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy Maintenance Manual; as applicable.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information 
as follows:

    (1) Where the MCAI specifies to do a test of the GP bus IRS 
entry in accordance with Chapter 5.40 of the applicable Dassault 
Maintenance Manual and does not specify a corrective action, we 
require those corrective actions to be done in accordance with 
Section 34-209, dated March 2007, of the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy/
900DX Maintenance Manual; or Section 34-209, dated May 2007, of the 
Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy Maintenance Manual; as applicable.
    (2) The MCAI specified to revise the applicable Dassault MMEL by 
incorporating Dassault Temporary Change 4, dated June 15, 2006, to 
the Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy MMEL (for Model F2000EX EASy 
airplanes); and Dassault Temporary Change 3, dated June 15, 2006, to 
the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy MMEL (for Model F900EX EASy 
airplanes); as applicable. However, the FAA-approved MMEL (which is 
required to be used by operators) has been revised to include the 
information specified in the Dassault temporary changes. Therefore, 
we have not included a requirement for this revision in this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0157, dated June 7, 2006; Section 34-
209, dated March 2007, of the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASY/900DX 
Maintenance Manual; Section 34-209, dated May 2007, of the Dassault 
Falcon 2000EX EASy Maintenance Manual; and Dassault Service 
Bulletins F2000EX-89 and F900EX-274, both dated March 17, 2006; for 
related information.

[[Page 34611]]

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 
07606.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.

              Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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          Service information                          Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy Maintenance  May 2007.
 Manual, Section 34-209.
Dassault Falcon 900EX EASY/900DX         March 2007.
 Maintenance Manual, Section 34-209.
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-89...  March 17, 2006.
Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-274...  March 17, 2006.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 2008.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-13275 Filed 6-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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