[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 32 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7093-7097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-3584]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-417-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 
2000 series airplanes, and certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX and 
Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes. That AD currently requires 
repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry detection system to 
verify proper functioning, and repair, if necessary; repetitive 
replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with new or reconditioned 
jackscrews; and repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the 
outboard and center flap jackscrews to detect discrepancies, and 
corrective action, if necessary. This action would remove Model 900EX 
and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes from the applicability of the 
AD. For the Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes, this action would also 
add certain repetitive measurements, delete certain repetitive 
measurements, and extend the interval for repetitive replacement of 
certain jackscrews. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The

[[Page 7094]]

actions proposed by this AD are intended to prevent jamming of the flap 
jackscrews during the approach to landing, which could result in 
inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap condition, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 18, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-417-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-417-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New 
Jersey 07606. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-417--AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket Number 2000-NM-417-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On June 29, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-14-07, amendment 39-11218 
(64 FR 36561, July 7, 1999), applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 
2000 series airplanes and to certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX and 
Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, to require repetitive operational 
tests of the flap asymmetry detection system to verify proper 
functioning, and repair, if necessary; repetitive replacement of the 
inboard flap jackscrews with new jackscrews; and repetitive measurement 
of the screw/nut play of the outboard and center flap jackscrews to 
detect discrepancies, and corrective action, if necessary. That action 
was prompted by information received from the Direction Geenerale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the airworthiness authority for France, that 
several operators of these airplanes had reported jamming of the 
inboard flap jackscrew during extension of the flaps while the 
airplanes were in the approach-to-landing phase of the flight. The 
requirements of that AD are intended to prevent jamming of the flap 
jackscrews, which could result in the inability to move the flaps or in 
an asymmetric flap condition, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, Dassault has received another report 
of an incident of jamming of flap jackscrews, which resulted in flap 
asymmetry during the approach to landing. The incident occurred on a 
Model Falcon 2000 airplane with only 921 flight cycles, which is less 
than the replacement interval (of 1,000 flight cycles) for inboard 
jackscrews that is specified in AD 99-14-07. The flap asymmetry damaged 
the junction between the two affected flaps and required replacement of 
the jackscrews on the left-hand and the right-hand inboard flaps. This 
additional incident has caused the DGAC to issue revised French 
airworthiness directive 1999-038-008(B) R1, dated September 20, 2000.
    The revised French airworthiness directive retains the requirements 
for repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry detection 
system, and repair, as necessary; repetitive measurement of the screw/
nut play of the outboard flap jackscrews, and corrective action, as 
necessary; and repetitive replacement of the inboard flap inboard 
jackscrews.
    The revised French airworthiness directive also adds a requirement 
for repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the inboard flap 
jackscrews, deletes the prior requirement for repetitive measurement of 
the screw/nut play of the center flap jackscrews, and increases the 
interval for repetitive replacement of the inboard flap outboard 
jackscrews.
    Finally, the revised French airworthiness directive limits the 
jackscrews subject to these requirements to those having certain part 
numbers.

Related Rulemaking

    The FAA intends to issue a separate Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NPRM) applicable to certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX and Mystere 
Falcon 900 series airplanes. That NPRM proposes requirements which are 
similar to but not identical with the requirements for Dassault Model 
Falcon 2000 series airplanes, which are proposed in this NPRM. The 
issuance of separate NPRMs will help to clarify the requirements for 
the different models.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is 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

[[Page 7095]]

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.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    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, the proposed AD would supersede AD 99-14-07 to 
continue to require the following:
     Repetitive operational tests to verify proper functioning 
of the flap asymmetry detection system, and repair, if necessary;
     Repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the 
outboard flap jackscrews to detect discrepancies, and corrective 
action, if necessary;
     Repetitive replacement of the inboard flap inboard 
jackscrews.
    The proposed AD would add a requirement for repetitive measurement 
of the screw/nut play of the inboard flap jackscrews, delete the 
requirement for repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the 
center flap jackscrews, and increase the interval for repetitive 
replacement of the inboard flap outboard jackscrews. The proposed AD 
would also limit the jackscrews subject to these requirements to those 
having certain part numbers.

Difference Between the Foreign Airworthiness Directive and the 
Proposed AD

    The French airworthiness directive establishes a three-tiered 
schedule for measurement of nut/screw play of each inboard flap 
outboard jackscrew, whereas this AD proposes a simpler two-tiered 
schedule. Both documents specify that the first measurement of nut/
screw play is to be made prior to the accumulation of 750 total flight 
cycles on the inboard flap outboard jackscrew or within 25 flight 
cycles after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later. The 
French airworthiness directive requires that the second measurement be 
made prior to the accumulation of 1,000 flight cycles and that 
subsequent repetitive measurements be made at intervals not to exceed 
330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first. This AD, however, 
proposes that the second measurement and subsequent repetitive 
measurements be done at intervals not to exceed 330 flight hours or 7 
months, whichever occurs first.

Interim Action

    This proposal is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer 
has advised that it is currently developing a modification that will 
positively address the unsafe condition which is the subject of this 
AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, the 
FAA may consider additional rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 45 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The costs of performing actions required by AD 99-14-07 and 
retained in this proposed AD for the Falcon 2000 series airplanes are 
described below.
    The repetitive operational test of the flap asymmetry detection 
system takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at 
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the repetitive operational test on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $2,700, or $60 per airplane, per test cycle.
    The measurement of the screw/nut play in the flap jackscrews takes 
approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the measurement on U.S. operators is $21,600, or $480 per 
airplane, per measurement cycle.
    The repetitive replacement of jackscrews takes approximately 8 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. New jackscrews cost approximately $21,200 per airplane. 
However, the proposed rule permits a one-time reconditioning and re-use 
of jackscrews, which could reduce the cost of parts by 50%. Based on 
these figures, the cost of the replacement of jackscrews on U.S. 
operators is between $498,600 and $975,600, or between $11,080 and 
$21,680 per airplane, per replacement cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost 
impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the 
time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the 
AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as 
the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 removing amendment 39-11218 (64 FR 
36561, July 7, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
to read as follows:

Dassault Aviation [Formerly Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Aviation 
(AMD/BA)]: Docket 2000-NM-417-AD. Supersedes AD 99-14-07, Amendment 
39-11218.

    Applicability: All Model Falcon 2000 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

[[Page 7096]]

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 (i)(1) 
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 jamming of the flap jackscrews during the approach to 
landing, which could result in the inability to move the flaps or an 
asymmetric flap condition, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Operational Test

    (a) Within 5 flight cycles after August 11, 1999 (the effective 
date of AD 99-14-07, amendment 39-11218): Perform an operational 
test of the flap asymmetry detection system to ensure that the 
system is functioning correctly, in accordance with the procedures 
specified in Dassault F2000 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 27-
502, dated November 1995. Prior to further flight, repair any 
discrepancy detected, in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate; or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (or its 
delegated agent). Repeat the operational test thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever 
occurs first.

Repetitive Replacement

    (b) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the inboard jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the inboard 
position, or within 25 flight cycles after August 11, 1999, 
whichever occurs later: Replace each jackscrew having part number 
(P/N) 5318-1 which is located on the inboard flap in the inboard 
position, in accordance with Dassault F2000 AMM 27-510, dated 
November 1995; the replacement jackscrew may be new or may have been 
reconditioned in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. Repeat 
the replacement of a jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles on the jackscrew located 
on the inboard flap in the inboard position.
    (c) A jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 and located on the inboard 
flap in the inboard position may be replaced by a reconditioned 
jackscrew having P/N 5318-1, provided that all of the conditions 
specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD are 
met:
    (1) The jackscrew has been reconditioned, in accordance with 
Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC 5318-27-01.
    (2) The jackscrew was located on the inboard flap in the inboard 
position prior to being reconditioned.
    (3) The jackscrew has been reconditioned only one time.
    (d) Prior to the accumulation of 2,200 total flight cycles on 
the middle jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the outboard 
position, or within 25 flight cycles after August 11, 1999, 
whichever occurs later: Replace each jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 on 
the inboard flap in the outboard position, in accordance with 
Dassault F2000 AMM 27-510, dated November 1995; the replacement 
jackscrew may be new or may have been reconditioned in accordance 
with paragraph (e) of this AD. Repeat the replacement of a jackscrew 
having P/N 5318-1 thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,200 flight 
cycles on the jackscrew of the inboard flap in the outboard 
position.
    (e) A jackscrew having part number 5318-1 and located on the 
inboard flap in the outboard position may be replaced by a 
reconditioned jackscrew having P/N 5318-1, provided that all of the 
conditions specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of 
this AD are met:
    (1) The jackscrew has been reconditioned, in accordance with 
Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC 5318-27-01.
    (2) The jackscrew was located on the inboard flap in the 
outboard position prior to being reconditioned.
    (3) The jackscrew has been reconditioned only one time.

Repetitive Measurements

    (f) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the outboard jackscrews located on the outboard flaps, or within 25 
flight cycles after August 11, 1999, whichever occurs later: Measure 
the screw/nut play of the jackscrew having P/N 1-5319-1 (on the 
left-wing) and 2-5319-1 (on the right-wing) on the outboard flaps, 
in accordance with the procedures specified in Dassault F2000 AMM 
Temporary Revision (TR) 27-504, dated October 1998.

    Note 2: Jackscrews having P/N 1-5319-1 or 2-5319-1 may be 
reconditioned in accordance with Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin 
AVIAC 5319-27-01. These jackscrews may be reconditioned and reused 
more than one time.

    (1) If the initial measurement is equal to or less than 0.014 
inch: Repeat the measurement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first. If any 
repetitive measurement detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014 
inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
    (2) If the initial measurement is greater than 0.014 inch: 
Perform the actions required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Prior to further flight, replace the jackscrew with a new or 
reconditioned jackscrew, in accordance with Dassault F2000 AMM 27-
510, dated November 1995.
    (ii) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the new or reconditioned jackscrew, perform a follow-on measurement 
of the screw/nut play in accordance with the procedures specified in 
Dassault F2000 AMM Temporary Revision (TR) 27-504, dated October 
1998.
    (iii) If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph 
(f)(2)(ii) of this AD detects a nut/screw play equal to or less than 
0.014 inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this 
AD. If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of 
this AD detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014 inch, perform 
the actions required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this 
AD.
    (g) Prior to the accumulation of 750 total flight cycles on the 
jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the inboard position, or 
within 25 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Measure the screw/nut play of the jackscrew 
having P/N 5318-1, which is located on the inboard flap in the 
inboard position to detect discrepancies, in accordance with the 
procedures specified in Dassault F2000 AMM TR 27-504, dated October 
1998. If the measurement is greater than 0.014 inch, prior to 
further flight, replace the discrepant jackscrew with a new or 
reconditioned jackscrew, in accordance with Dassault F2000 AMM 27-
510, dated November 1995.
    (h) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the outboard position, 
or within 25 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Measure the screw/nut play of the jackscrew 
having P/N 5318-1, which is located on the inboard flap in the 
outboard position, in accordance with the procedures specified in 
Dassault F2000 AMM TR 27-504, dated October 1998.
    (1) If the initial measurement is equal to or less than 0.014 
inch: Repeat the measurements thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first. If repetitive 
measurement detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014 inch, 
perform the actions required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (2) If the initial measurement is greater than 0.014 inch: 
Perform the actions required by paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Prior to further flight, replace the jackscrew with a new or 
reconditioned jackscrew, in accordance with F2000 AMM 27-510, dated 
November 1995.
    (ii) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on 
the new or reconditioned jackscrew, perform a follow-on measurement 
of the screw/nut play in accordance with the procedures specified in 
Dassault F2000 AMM Temporary Revision (TR) 27-504, dated October 
1998.
    (iii) If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph 
(h)(2)(ii) of this AD detects a nut/screw play equal to or less than 
0.014 inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD. If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of 
this AD detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014 inch, perform 
the actions required by paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i)(1) 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. 
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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 99-14-07, amendment 39-11218, are not considered 
to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

[[Page 7097]]

Special Flight Permits

    (j) 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1999-038-008(B) R1, dated September 20, 
2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 6, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-3584 Filed 2-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P