[Federal Register: October 5, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 193)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 58755-58758]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05oc06-11]
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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.
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[[Page 58755]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25988; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-113-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50 and
900 Airplanes and Falcon 900EX Airplanes, and Model Falcon 2000 and
Falcon 2000EX Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50 and 900 airplanes and
Falcon 900EX airplanes, and Model Falcon 2000 and Falcon 2000EX
airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the
identification plates of the outboard slats to determine the type of
identification plates and the P/Ns. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would also require a revision to the Limitations and Normal
Procedures sections of the airplane flight manual to provide procedures
for operation in icing conditions; and replacement of the anti-icing
manifold with an anti-icing manifold of the correct type design if
necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This
proposed AD results from a finding that the outboard slats for Model
Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes have been erroneously authorized, in
limited cases, as interchangeable for use on Model Mystere-Falcon 900
airplanes and Falcon 900EX airplanes, and Model Falcon 2000 and Falcon
2000EX airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the
anti-icing manifold of the outboard slats, which could result in loss
of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 6,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New
Jersey 07606, for service information identified in this proposed AD.
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 submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
25988; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-113-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
airworthiness authority for the European Union, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50
and 900 airplanes and Falcon 900EX airplanes, and Model Falcon 2000 and
Falcon 2000EX airplanes. The EASA advises that the outboard slats for
Model Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes have been erroneously authorized, in
limited cases, as interchangeable for use on Model Mystere-Falcon 900
airplanes and Falcon 900EX airplanes, and on Model Falcon 2000 and
Falcon 2000EX airplanes. The outboard slats for all five of these
airplane models are aerodynamically identical on many points; they have
the same external shape and are mechanically interchangeable. However,
the hot air anti-icing systems of the outboard slats on the Model
Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes are different from those on the other four
airplane models. Therefore, the outboard slats of the Model Mystere-
Falcon 50 airplanes are not functionally equivalent. Exchange of
outboard slats among the five affected models could have occurred after
airplane delivery, resulting in installation of outboard slats having
anti-icing manifolds of the incorrect type design. Repairs also could
[[Page 58756]]
have led to installation of anti-icing manifolds of the incorrect type
design. Failure of the anti-icing manifolds of the outboard slats, if
not corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Dassault has issued the service bulletins identified in the
following table.
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Dassault Service Bulletin-- Dated-- For model--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F2000-331........................... January 30, 2006...... Falcon 2000 airplanes.
F2000EX-91.......................... January 30, 2006...... Falcon 2000EX airplanes.
F50-475............................. January 30, 2006...... Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes.
F50-478............................. January 30, 2006...... Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes.
F900-370............................ January 30, 2006...... Mystere-Falcon 900 airplanes.
F900EX-273.......................... January 30, 2006...... Falcon 900EX airplanes.
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Dassault Service Bulletin F50-475 describes the following
procedures:
Checking the airplane logbook to determine if any outboard
slat has been replaced.
If one or more outboard slats has been replaced after June
1986 or if the airplane records are incomplete, the service bulletin
specifies inspecting the identification plates of the outboard slats to
determine the type of identification plates installed and the inscribed
P/Ns.
If a ``type 3'' identification plate is installed and
mentions ``REP,'' ``WILMINGTON,'' ``LITTLE ROCK,'' or any other repair
station, or if all plates found raise any doubt as to whether the slat
is in conformity with the airplane's type design, the service bulletin
specifies performing a ``go-no-go'' diameter check of the air
distribution holes of the manifold using a 0.08-inch (2-mm) drill bit
shank.
If the drill bit shank can be inserted through the air
distribution holes of the manifold, if a ``type 1'' identification
plate is installed and inscribed with P/Ns FGFB134XX or FGFB144XX, or
if a slat has multiple identification plates and the vertical field of
the most recent plate is inscribed with ``F900'' or ``MF900,'' the
service bulletin specifies accomplishing Dassault Service Bulletin F50-
478 within 1,530 flight hours; and, before further flight,
incorporating Dassault Temporary Change (TC) 61, dated January 27,
2006, into the Dassault Mystere-Falcon 50 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM),
DTM 813, or incorporating Dassault TC 75, dated January 27, 2006, into
the Dassault Mystere-Falcon 50EX AFM, FM813EX, as applicable.
Recording compliance with applicable part of the service
bulletin and reporting certain information to airplane manufacturer.
Dassault Service Bulletin F50-478 describes procedures for
replacing the anti-icing manifold with an anti-icing manifold of the
correct type design.
Dassault TC 61, dated January 27, 2006, to the Dassault Mystere-
Falcon 50 AFM, DTM 813; and Dassault TC 75, dated January 27, 2006, to
the Dassault Mystere-Falcon 50EX AFM, FM813EX, provide procedures for
operation in icing conditions.
Dassault Service Bulletins F900-370, F900EX-273, F2000-331, and
F2000EX-91 describe procedures for checking the airplane logbook to
determine if any outboard slat has been replaced. If one or more
outboard slats has been replaced or if the airplane records are
incomplete, the service bulletins also describe procedures for
inspecting the identification plates of the outboard slats to determine
the type of identification plates installed and the inscribed P/Ns and,
if necessary, accomplishing related investigative and corrective
actions. The service bulletins specify accomplishing the related
investigative action if a ``type 3'' identification plate is installed
and mentions ``REP,'' ``WILMINGTON,'' ``LITTLE ROCK,'' or any other
repair station, or if all plates found raise any doubt as whether the
slat is in conformity with the airplane's type design. The related
investigative action includes performing a ``go-no-go'' diameter check
of the air distribution holes of the manifold using a 0.08-inch (2-mm)
drill bit shank. The service bulletins specify accomplishing the
corrective action if the drill bit shank cannot be inserted through the
air distribution holes of the manifold, if a ``type 1'' identification
plate is installed and inscribed with P/Ns F50B134XX or F50B144XX, or
if a slat has multiple identification plates and the vertical field of
the most recent plate is inscribed with ``F50B'' or ``MF50.'' The
corrective action includes modifying the manifold by enlarging all 80
air distribution holes. If certain types of identification plates are
installed and inscribed with certain P/Ns, or after the corrective
action is accomplished, the service bulletins also specify recording
compliance with the service bulletin and reporting certain information
to airplane manufacturer.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated
the service information and issued airworthiness directive 2006-0037,
dated February 1, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in the European Union.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. As described in FAA
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,''
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the EASA's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Difference Between
the Proposed AD and Service Bulletins.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletins
Dassault Service Bulletins F50-475, F900-370, F900EX-273, F2000-
331, and F2000EX-91 recommend first checking the airplane logbook to
determine if any outboard slat has been replaced and then, if
necessary, inspecting the identification plates of the outboard slats
to determine the type of identification plates installed and the
inscribed P/Ns. Instead, this proposed AD would first require the
inspection of the identification plates of the outboard
[[Page 58757]]
slats. However, this proposed AD would also allow a review of the
airplane maintenance records in lieu of this inspection if the type of
identification plate and the P/Ns of the outboard slats can be
determined conclusively from that review.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 637 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed inspection would take about 2 work hours per airplane, at
an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $101,920, or
$160 per airplane.
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 have 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 that the 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. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2006-25988; Directorate Identifier
2006-NM-113-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November
6, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in Table 1 of
this AD, certificated in any category.
Table 1.--Applicability
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Dassault model-- Serial Nos.--
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Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes............ 2 through 344 inclusive.
Mystere-Falcon 900 airplanes........... 1 through 202 inclusive.
Falcon 900EX airplanes................. 1 through 96 inclusive and 98
through 154 inclusive.
Falcon 2000 airplanes.................. 1 through 223 inclusive.
Falcon 2000EX airplanes................ 1 through 69 inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a finding that the outboard slats for
Model Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes have been erroneously authorized,
in limited cases, as interchangeable for use on Model Mystere-Falcon
900 airplanes and Falcon 900EX airplanes, and Model Falcon 2000 and
Falcon 2000EX airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the anti-icing manifold of the outboard slats, which could result
in loss of control of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins identified in
Table 2 of this AD, as applicable. Although the service bulletins
referenced in Table 2 of this AD specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Table 2.--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dassault Service Bulletin-- Dated-- For model-- For the actions specified in--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F50-475........................ January 30, 2006.. Mystere-Falcon 50 Paragraph (g) of this AD.
airplanes.
F50-478........................ January 30, 2006.. Mystere-Falcon 50 Paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
airplanes.
F900-370....................... January 30, 2006.. Mystere-Falcon 900 Paragraph (h) of this AD.
airplanes.
F900EX-273..................... January 30, 2006.. Falcon 900EX Paragraph (h) of this AD.
airplanes.
F2000-331...................... January 30, 2006.. Falcon 2000 Paragraph (h) of this AD.
airplanes.
F2000EX-91..................... January 30, 2006.. Falcon 2000EX Paragraph (h) of this AD.
airplanes.
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[[Page 58758]]
Inspection and Corrective Actions for Model Mystere-Falcon 50 Airplanes
(g) For Model Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes: Within 330 flight
hours or 7 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, inspect the identification plates of the outboard
slats to determine the type of identification plates and the part
numbers (P/Ns), in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of
the inspection if the type of identification plate and the P/Ns of
the outboard slats can be determined conclusively from that review.
If a ``type 3'' identification plate is installed and mentions
``REP,'' ``WILMINGTON,'' ``LITTLE ROCK,'' or any other repair
station, or if the conformity of the slat with the airplane's type
design cannot be positively confirmed, before further flight, do a
``go-no-go'' diameter check of the air distribution holes of the
manifold using a drill bit shank, in accordance with the applicable
service bulletin. If the drill bit shank can be inserted through the
air distribution holes of the manifold, or if a ``type 1''
identification plate is installed and inscribed with P/N FGFB134XX
or P/N FGFB144XX, or if a slat has multiple identification plates
and the vertical field of the most recent plate is inscribed with
``F900'' or ``MF900,'' do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1)
and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Before further flight after the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD: Revise the Limitations and Normal
Procedures sections of the Dassault Mystere-Falcon 50 Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM), DTM 813, to include the information in Dassault
Temporary Change (TC) 61, dated January 27, 2006, as specified in
the TC; or revise the Limitations and Normal Procedures sections of
the Dassault Mystere-Falcon 50EX AFM, FM813EX, to include the
information in Dassault TC 75, dated January 27, 2006, as specified
in the TC; as applicable. These TCs introduce procedures for
operation in icing conditions. Operate the airplane according to the
limitations and procedures in the applicable TC.
Note 1: This may be done by inserting a copy of TC 61 or TC 75
in the AFM, as applicable. When the TC has been included in the
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted
in the AFM, provided that the relevant information in the general
revision is identical to that in TC 61 or TC 75, as applicable.
(2) Within 1,530 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Replace the anti-icing
manifold with an anti-icing manifold of the correct type design, by
accomplishing all of the actions specified in the applicable service
bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (f) of this AD.
Accomplishing the replacement terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. After the replacement has been done,
the AFM limitation required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be
removed from the AFM.
Inspection and Replacement for Certain Airplanes
(h) For Model Mystere-Falcon 900 airplanes and Falcon 900EX
airplanes, and Model Falcon 2000 and Falcon 2000EX airplanes: Within
330 flight hours or 7 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, inspect the identification plates of the
outboard slats to determine the type of identification plates and
the P/Ns, and do all related investigative and corrective actions,
by accomplishing all of the actions specified in the service
bulletin, as applicable, except as provided by paragraph (f) of this
AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of the inspection if the type of identification
plate and the P/Ns of the outboard slats can be determined
conclusively from that review.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(j) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness
directive 2006-0037, dated February 1, 2006, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-16452 Filed 10-4-06; 8:45 am]
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