[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71452-71455]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-30025]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-417-AD; Amendment 39-12963; AD 2002-23-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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 jackscrews on the inboard and 
outboard flaps to detect discrepancies, and corrective action if 
necessary. This amendment removes Model 900EX and Mystere Falcon 900 
series airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD. For Model 
Falcon 2000 series airplanes, this amendment also adds certain 
repetitive measurements, deletes certain repetitive measurements, and 
extends the interval for repetitive replacement of certain jackscrews. 
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 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: Effective January 6, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 6, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New 
Jersey 07606. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of

[[Page 71453]]

the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 99-14-07, 
amendment 39-11218 (64 FR 36561, July 7, 1999), was published in the 
Federal Register on February 15, 2002 (67 FR 7093). The proposal is 
applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes; whereas, 
AD 99-14-07 was applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 series 
airplanes, and certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX and Mystere Falcon 
900 series airplanes. The action proposed to supersede AD 99-14-07 to 
continue to require the following:
    [sbull] Repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry 
detection system to verify proper functioning, and repair, if 
necessary;
    [sbull] Repetitive replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with 
new or reconditioned jackscrews; and
    [sbull] Repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the 
outboard and center flap jackscrews to detect discrepancies, and 
corrective action, if necessary.
    The action also proposed to remove Model 900EX and Mystere Falcon 
900 series airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD. For 
Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes, the action also proposed to add 
certain repetitive measurements, delete certain repetitive 
measurements, and extend the interval for repetitive replacement of 
certain jackscrews.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request To Add Part Numbers

    One commenter requests adding ``Amdt A'' to the jackscrew part 
numbers (P/Ns) that are already specified by the proposed AD (i.e., P/
Ns 5318-1, 1-5319-1, and 2-5319-1). We concur with the commenter's 
request, noting that the designation of ``Amdt A'' simply indicates a 
reconditioned jackscrew that has been reidentified. As such, we have 
determined that this change further clarifies, but does not change, the 
requirements of this AD. In light of this, we have added P/Ns 5318-1 
Amdt A, 1-5319-1 Amdt A, and 2-5319-1 Amdt A, as appropriate, for those 
P/Ns that have been reconditioned and reidentified. We have revised the 
applicable P/Ns in paragraphs (b) through (h) of the final rule 
accordingly.

Request To Revise Airplane Maintenance Manual References

    The same commenter requests that the final rule reference only 
Chapter 5-40 of the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) for the 
operational testing, inspections, and replacement action. The commenter 
adds that operators are managing the jackscrew life limits and 
inspections, and have planned the spares and maintenance inspections 
based on the actions required by AD 99-14-07. The commenter considers 
that the corrective action can be accomplished only per Chapter 5-40 of 
the AMM.
    We do not concur with the commenter's request that only Chapter 5-
40 of the AMM should be cited in the final rule as the appropriate 
source of service information for the actions required by the AD. In 
order to accomplish the requirements of the AD, it is necessary to cite 
all of the service information references that were included in the 
proposed AD, which include various AMMs and Temporary Revisions. No 
change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.

Explanation of Changes To Clarify/Revise the Final Rule

    We have made the following additional changes to the final rule:
    [sbull] In the Summary section of the final rule, we have clarified 
the requirements for the repetitive measurement action. The Summary 
section of the proposed AD specifies repetitive measurement of the 
screw/nut play of the ``outboard and center flap'' jackscrews. However, 
the repetitive measurement action in paragraph (f) of the proposed AD 
specifies the location of the jackscrew on the ``outboard flaps,'' and 
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD specifies the ``inboard flap.'' For 
this reason, we have revised the Summary of the final rule to specify 
measurement of the jackscrews on the ``inboard and outboard flaps.'' 
The exact location of the affected jackscrews is specified in 
paragraphs (f) through (h) of the final rule.
    [sbull] Although paragraphs (c) and (e) of the proposed AD specify 
a reconditioned jackscrew having P/N 5318-1, we have revised those 
paragraphs in the final rule to clarify that the correct P/N of a 
reconditioned jackscrew is P/N 5318-1 Amdt A.
    [sbull] Although paragraphs (c)(1) and (e)(1) and Note 2 of the 
proposed AD did not include the date of the referenced service 
bulletin, we have added the date (September 16, 1999) in those 
paragraphs in the final rule.
    [sbull] In the proposed AD, paragraph (c)(2) specifies that the 
jackscrew is located on the inboard flap in the ``inboard'' position, 
and paragraph (e)(2) specifies the location of the jackscrew in the 
``outboard'' position. However, because the jackscrew could be located 
in either the inboard or outboard position, we have determined that the 
requirements in those paragraphs are unnecessary and should be deleted. 
In light of this, we have revised the final rule and renumbered the 
subparagraphs accordingly.
    [sbull] In paragraph (d) of the final rule, we have clarified the 
location of the middle jackscrew by specifying that the jackscrew is 
located on the inboard flap and in the outboard position. We have also 
clarified the location of the jackscrew in paragraph (e) of the final 
rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Interim Action

    This AD 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 will be 
affected by this AD.
    The costs of performing actions required by AD 99-14-07 and 
retained in this AD for 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.

[[Page 71454]]

    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 estimated to be $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 AD 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 impact of replacement of jackscrews on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be 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 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 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 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, 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. 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), 
amendment 39-12963, to read as follows:

2002-23-19 Dassault Aviation (Formerly Avions Marcel Dassault-
Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA)): Amendment 39-12963; 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 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 Falcon 2000 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 G[eacute]n[eacute]rale 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 or 5318-1 Amdt A, which is located on the inboard flap 
in the inboard position, in accordance with Dassault Falcon 2000 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 or 5318-
1 Amdt A 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 Amdt A, provided that all of the 
conditions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD are 
met.
    (1) The jackscrew has been reconditioned and reidentified as P/N 
5318-1 Amdt A, in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC 
5318-27-01, dated September 16, 1999.
    (2) 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 and in the outboard 
position, or within 25 flight cycles after August 11, 1999, 
whichever occurs later: Replace each jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 or 
5318-1 Amdt A on the inboard flap and in the outboard position, in 
accordance with Dassault Falcon 2000 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 or 5318-1 Amdt A 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,200 flight cycles on the 
jackscrew located on the inboard flap and in the outboard position.
    (e) A jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 and located on the inboard 
flap and in the outboard position may be replaced by a reconditioned 
jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 Amdt A, provided that all of the 
conditions specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD are 
met.
    (1) The jackscrew has been reconditioned and reidentified as P/N 
5318-1 Amdt A, in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC 
5318-27-01, dated September 16, 1999.
    (2) 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

[[Page 71455]]

located on the outboard flaps, or within 25 flight cycles after 
August 11, 1999, whichever occurs later: Measure the screw/nut play 
of the jackscrews having P/N 1-5319-1 or 1-5319-1 Amdt A (on the 
left wing) and P/N 2-5319-1 or 2-5319-1 Amdt A (on the right wing) 
on the outboard flaps, in accordance with the procedures specified 
in Dassault Falcon 2000 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 Service Bulletin AVIAC 
5319-27-01, dated September 16, 1999. 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 Falcon 2000 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 Falcon 2000 AMM 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 or 1-5318-1 Amdt A, which is located on the 
inboard flap in the inboard position, to detect discrepancies, in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Dassault Falcon 2000 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 Falcon 2000 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 or 5318-1 Amdt A, which is located on the inboard 
flap in the outboard position, in accordance with the procedures 
specified in Dassault Falcon 2000 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 Dassault Falcon 2000 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 Falcon 2000 AMM 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 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.

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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (k) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Dassault Falcon 2000 Airplane Maintenance 
Manual Temporary Revision 27-504, dated October 1998. This 
incorporation by reference was 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 Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, 
South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606. 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.

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

Effective Date

    (l) This amendment becomes effective on January 6, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 19, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-30025 Filed 11-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P