[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-15381]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 27, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-82-AD; Amendment 39-8950; AD 94-13-09]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Model Mystere Falcon 
900 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all Dassault Aviation Model Mystere Falcon 900 series 
airplanes. This action requires either pressure checks and charging, if 
necessary, of the low pressure chamber of the nose gear shock absorber, 
or torque checks of the nose wheel steering to determine if the 
charging operation is within specified limits; recharging of the shock 
absorber, if necessary; and installation of a relay in the electrical 
rack. This amendment is prompted by reports of failure of the nose 
landing gear (NLG) to extend fully. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to prevent malfunction of the NLG during extension due to 
recompression of the nose gear shock absorber.

DATES: Effective July 12, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 12, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 26, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-82-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Dassault International, Inc., P.O. Box 624, Paramus, New Jersey 07653-
9925. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Slotte, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2797; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Dassault 
Aviation Model Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes. The DGAC advises 
that it has received reports of recompression of the nose landing gear 
(NLG) shock absorber due to the relative wind upon retraction. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the NLG to 
extend fully using the normal hydraulic mode, the emergency hydraulic 
mode, or the emergency mechanical mode.
    Dassault Aviation issued Service Bulletin F900-A149 (F900-A32-11), 
dated April 13, 1994, which describes procedures for pressure checks of 
the low pressure chamber of the nose gear shock absorber or a torque 
check of the nose wheel steering to determine if the charging operation 
is within specified limits; and recharging of the shock absorber, if 
necessary. Dassault Aviation also issued Service Bulletin F900-150 
(F900-32-12), dated May 9, 1994, which describes procedures to install 
a relay in the right side of the electrical rack. The purpose of this 
relay is to interrupt the NLG retraction cycle if the NLG shock 
absorber is not fully expanded. This will prevent a lock-up of the NLG 
and a subsequent inability to deploy the NLG when necessary. The DGAC 
classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French 
Airworthiness Directive 94-098-014(B)R1, dated May 11, 1994, in order 
to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    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.
    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, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the 
NLG to extend (deploy) using the normal hydraulic mode, the emergency 
hydraulic mode, or the emergency mechanical mode. This AD requires 
either repetitive pressure checks and charging, if necessary, of the 
low pressure chamber of the nose gear shock absorber, or torque checks 
of the nose wheel steering to determine if the charging operation is 
within specified limits; and recharging of the shock absorber, if 
necessary. This AD also requires installation of a relay in the right 
side of the electrical rack. Installation of the relay terminates the 
repetitive pressure and torque checks. These actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described 
previously.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-NM-82-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:


94-13-09 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-8950. Docket 94-NM-82-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent inability of the nose landing gear (NLG) to extend 
(deploy) fully due to recompression of the NLG shock absorber, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD in 
accordance with Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F900-A149 (F900-
A32-11), dated April 13, 1994:
    (1) Perform a pressure check of the low pressure chamber of the 
NLG shock absorber to determine if its charging operation is within 
the limits specified in the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM). 
Perform the pressure check in accordance with procedures described 
in the service bulletin.
    (i) If the charging operation is within the limits specified in 
the AMM, repeat the pressure check at intervals not to exceed 7 
days, until the installation required by paragraph (b) of this AD is 
accomplished.
    (ii) If the charging operation is outside the limits specified 
in the AMM, prior to further flight, recharge the shock absorber in 
accordance with procedures described in the AMM. Thereafter, repeat 
the pressure check at intervals not to exceed 7 days, until the 
installation required by paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished.
    (2) Perform a torque check of the nose wheel steering to 
determine if the charging operation of the NLG shock absorber is 
within the limits specified in the service bulletin. Perform the 
torque check in accordance with procedures described in the service 
bulletin.
    (i) If the average load computed is greater than or equal to 130 
ft. lbs. (18 mdaN), repeat the torque check at intervals not to 
exceed 7 days, until the installation required by paragraph (b) of 
this AD is accomplished.
    (ii) If the average load computed is greater than 87 ft. lbs., 
but less than 130 ft. lbs., (12 to 18 mdaN), within 3 landings or 7 
days after performing the torque check, whichever occurs later, 
recharge the shock absorber in accordance with the service bulletin. 
Flights on which the landing gear will be retracted are authorized. 
Thereafter, repeat the torque check at intervals not to exceed 7 
days, until the installation required by paragraph (b) of this AD is 
accomplished.
    (iii) If the average load computed is less than or equal to 87 
ft. lbs. (12 mdaN), prior to further flight, recharge the shock 
absorber in accordance with service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the 
torque check at intervals not to exceed 7 days, until the 
installation required by paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished.
    (b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, install 
a relay in the right side of the electrical rack in accordance with 
Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F900-150 (F900-32-12), dated May 
9, 1994. Accomplishment of this installation constitutes terminating 
action for both the pressure checks and the torque checks required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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.
    (d) The checks and recharging shall be done in accordance with 
Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F900-A149 (F900-A32-11), dated 
April 13, 1994. The installation shall be done in accordance with 
Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin F900-150 (F900-32-12), dated May 
9, 1994. The incorporation by reference of these documents were 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Dassault International, Inc., P. O. Box 624, Paramus, New Jersey 
07653-9925. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 12, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 20, 1994.
Robert C. McCracken,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-15381 Filed 6-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U