[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 116 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37480-37481]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-15188]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-56-AD; Amendment 39-11793; AD 2000-12-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000, Mystere-
Falcon 900, Falcon 900EX, Fan Jet Falcon, Mystere-Falcon 50, Mystere-
Falcon 20, Mystere-Falcon 200, and Falcon 10 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000, Mystere-Falcon 900, 
Falcon 900EX, Fan Jet Falcon, Mystere-Falcon 50, Mystere-Falcon 20, 
Mystere-Falcon 200, and Falcon 10 series airplanes, that requires 
repetitive tests and inspections to detect discrepancies of the 
overwing emergency exit; and corrective action, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the overwing 
emergency exits to open, and consequent injury to passengers or crew 
members during an emergency evacuation.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 20, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this amendment may be examined at 
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000, 
Mystere-Falcon 900, Falcon 900EX, Fan Jet Falcon, Mystere-Falcon 50, 
Mystere-Falcon 20, Mystere-Falcon 200, and Falcon 10 series airplanes 
was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2000 (65 FR 21679). 
That action proposed to require repetitive tests and inspections to 
detect discrepancies of the overwing emergency exit; and corrective 
action, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 767 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $46,020, or $60 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 adopted herein 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

[[Page 37481]]

levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule 
does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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, 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

2000-12-15  Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-11793. Docket 2000-NM-
56-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Falcon 2000, Mystere-Falcon 900, Falcon 
900EX, Fan Jet Falcon, Mystere-Falcon 50, Mystere-Falcon 20, 
Mystere-Falcon 200, and Falcon 10 series airplanes; 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 (b) 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 failure of the overwing emergency exits to open, and 
consequent injury to passengers or crew members during an emergency 
evacuation, accomplish the following:

Operational Test and Inspection

    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an operational test and detailed visual inspection of the overwing 
emergency exit from inside the cabin to detect discrepancies 
(including separation, tearing, wearing, arcing, cracking) in the 
areas and components listed in Chapter 5 (ATA Code 52) of the 
applicable airplane maintenance manual (AMM). Accomplish the actions 
in accordance with the applicable AMM. If any discrepancy is 
detected during any test or inspection required by this paragraph, 
prior to further flight, repair in accordance with Chapter 5 (ATA 
Code 52) of the applicable AMM. Repeat the operational test and 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13 months.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. 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

    (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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 1999-213-025(B), 1999-212-024(B), 1999-211-
023(B), and 1999-210-009(B); all dated May 19, 1999.

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on July 20, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 9, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-15188 Filed 6-14-00; 8:45 am]
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