Airworthiness Directives: Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX Airplanes and Model Falcon 900EX Airplanes
Federal Register: March 31, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 62)
Proposed Rules
Page 16787-16789
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
DOCID:fr31mr08-25
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
Docket No. FAA-2008-0364; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-281-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX Airplanes and Model Falcon 900EX Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed 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 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.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 30, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the
Page 16788
ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0364; Directorate
Identifier 2006-NM-281-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed
AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0157, dated June 7, 2006 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), 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.
Relevant Service Information
Dassault has issued Service Bulletins F2000EX-89, dated March 17, 2006, and F900EX-274, dated March 17, 2006. Dassault has also issued
Section 34-209, dated March 2007, of the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASY/ 900DX Maintenance Manual; and section 34-209, dated May 2007, of the
Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy Maintenance Manual. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
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 proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 62 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would 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 costs. 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 the proposed AD on 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 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. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator,
Page 16789
the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2008-0364; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-281-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by April 30, 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, 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 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 21, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
FR Doc. E8-6521 Filed 3-28-08; 8:45 am
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