Airworthiness directives: Dassault,

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Federal Register: May 3, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 84)Proposed RulesPage 23552-23554From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr03my99-13

Proposed Rules Federal Register

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

[Page 23552]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. 99-NM-63-ADRIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new 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. This proposal would 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. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed 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.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 24, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-63-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 99-NM-63-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-63-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

Discussion

The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that several operators of these airplanes have reported jamming of the inboard flap jackscrew during extension of the flaps while the airplanes were in the approach-to-landing phase of the flight. The same inboard flap jackscrew is installed on certain Dassault Model 900EX, and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, therefore, the identified unsafe condition may also exist on these airplane models. Such jamming of the flap jackscrews, if not corrected, could result in inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap condition, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

FAA's Conclusions

This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD would require repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry detection system to verify proper functioning, and repair of any discrepancy. The proposal also would require repetitive replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with new jackscrews; and repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the outboard and center flap jackscrews to detect discrepancies, and corrective action, if necessary. The corrective action consists of replacement of any discrepant jackscrew with a new jackscrew.

The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the applicable Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000, 900EX, or Mystere Falcon 900 Airplane Maintenance Manual, and/or a

[Page 23553]method approved by the FAA or the DGAC (or its delegated agent).

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 would be affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed operational test, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the operational test proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $9,540, or $60 per airplane, per test cycle.

It would take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed flap jackscrew replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $21,200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,447,120 or $21,680 per airplane, per replacement cycle.

It would take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed measurement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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:

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

Applicability: All Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes; Falcon 900EX series airplanes, serial numbers 161 and subsequent; and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, serial numbers 04 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 AFM revisions required by paragraph (c) of this AD may be accomplished by inserting a copy of the TR's into the applicable AFM. When these TR's have been incorporated into the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, 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 23554]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).

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

FR Doc. 99-10962Filed4-30-99; 8:45 amBILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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