Airworthiness Directives: Dassault Model Falcon 2000 Airplanes

Federal Register: April 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 77)

Rules and Regulations

Page 21225-21227

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr21ap08-4

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. FAA-2008-0116; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-257-AD;

Amendment 39-15474; AD 2008-08-20

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of

Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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:

Wing anti ice telescopic tubes (P/N [part number] 5035-400 and 5035-500) ball joints were originally designed with high temperature polymer (Kynel\TM\) sealing rings. Temperature induced cracking of these rings associated with long term wear has been encountered in a small number of cases. This degradation may lead to binding of the ball joint and high swiveling forces which may result in improper operation of the leading edge slats and also in failure of the ball joint mounting bracket with possible friction on the aileron control rod, which could lead, if combined with a failure of the aileron emergency actuator, to an aileron jamming.

The unsafe condition is a jammed aileron, which results in reduced controllability of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 27, 2008.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 27, 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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 February 5, 2008 (73

FR 6618). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

Wing anti ice telescopic tubes (P/N [part number] 5035-400 and 5035-500) ball joints were originally designed with high temperature polymer (Kynel\TM\) sealing rings. Temperature induced cracking of these rings associated with long term wear has been encountered in a small number of cases. This degradation may lead to binding of the ball joint and high swiveling forces which may result in improper operation of the leading edge slats and also in failure of the ball joint mounting bracket with possible friction on the aileron control rod, which could lead, if combined with a failure of the aileron emergency actuator, to an aileron jamming.

A replacement carbon based material has been defined by the telescopic tube manufacturer ZODIAC and can be applied per ZODIAC

Service Bulletins (SB) 5035-30-001 and 5035-30-002, resulting in P/N re-designations 5035-600 Amdt.A and 5035-700 Amdt.A, respectively.

The purpose of this Airworthiness Directive (AD), by requiring modification of the wing anti-ice telescopic tubes in accordance with the ZODIAC service bulletins, is to ensure that no old definition sealing rings remain in operation beyond a life limit of 2,400 flight hours (FH) or 2,000 flight cycles (FC).

The unsafe condition is a jammed aileron, which results in reduced controllability of the airplane. 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 159 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 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 about $1,423 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we

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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 $277,137, or $1,743 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.

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: 2008-08-20 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-15474. Docket No. FAA- 2008-0116; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-257-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 27, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Dassault Model Falcon 2000 airplanes, certificated in any category; all serial numbers; equipped with wing anti-ice telescopic tubes having part number (P/N) 5035-400 or 5035- 500.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30: Ice and rain protection.

Reason

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

Wing anti ice telescopic tubes (P/N [part number] 5035-400 and 5035-500) ball joints were originally designed with high temperature polymer (Kynel\TM\) sealing rings. Temperature induced cracking of these rings associated with long term wear has been encountered in a small number of cases. This degradation may lead to binding of the ball joint and high swiveling forces which may result in improper operation of the leading edge slats and also in failure of the ball joint mounting bracket with possible friction on the aileron control rod, which could lead, if combined with a failure of the aileron emergency actuator, to an aileron jamming.

A replacement carbon based material has been defined by the telescopic tube manufacturer Zodiac and can be applied per Zodiac

Service Bulletins (SB) 5035-30-001 and 5035-30-002, resulting in P/N redesignations 5035-600 Amdt.A and 5035-700 Amdt.A, respectively.

The purpose of this Airworthiness Directive (AD), by requiring modification of the wing anti-ice telescopic tubes in accordance with the Zodiac service bulletins, is to ensure that no old definition sealing rings remain in operation beyond a life limit of 2,400 flight hours (FH) or 2,000 flight cycles (FC).

The unsafe condition is a jammed aileron, which results in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.

(1) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs

(f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, remove and modify the affected tubes in accordance with instructions contained in Zodiac Service

Bulletins 5035-30-001 and 5035-30-002, both dated April 15, 2002.

(i) Before the telescopic tubes, P/N 5035-400 and 5035-500, exceed the limit of 2,400 flight hours, or 2,000 flight cycles, time-in-service since new, whichever occurs first.

(ii) At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs

(f)(1)(ii)(A) and (f)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD.

(A) Within 330 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

(B) Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD.

(2) As of 7 months after the effective date of this AD, no person may install an affected telescopic tube P/N 5035-400 or 5035- 500 in any aircraft as a replacement part, unless it has been modified in accordance with instructions contained in Zodiac Service

Bulletins 5035-30-001 and 5035-30-002, both dated April 15, 2002.

FAA AD Differences

Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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,

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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

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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 2006-0276, dated September 6, 2006; and

Zodiac Service Bulletins 5035-30-001 and 5035-30-002, both dated

April 15, 2002; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use Zodiac Service Bulletin 5035-30-001, dated

April 15, 2002; and Zodiac Service Bulletin 5035-30-002, dated April 15, 2002; to do the actions required by this AD, 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 8, 2008.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

FR Doc. E8-8253 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P