[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 85 (Monday, May 4, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25254-25256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-10179]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0934; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-030-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, 
F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; and Model 
MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by reports of defective fire extinguisher tubes. It was 
determined the defects were caused by corrosion. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive general visual inspections of the fire extinguisher 
tubes for cracking and corrosion, and replacement of any cracked tube 
with a serviceable tube, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fire extinguisher 
tubes, which could impact the capability to extinguish an engine fire, 
and possibly result in damage to the airplane and injury to the 
passengers.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 18, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0934; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 25255]]

International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0934; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-030-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0299, dated December 19, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation 
Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G 
airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 
20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several defective extinguisher tubes have been reported on 
certain Dassault Aviation Fan Jet Falcon aeroplanes. The results of 
the investigations concluded that these occurrences were caused by 
corrosion.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could impact the 
capability to extinguish an engine fire, possibly resulting in 
damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive [general visual] inspections [for cracking and corrosion] 
of the fire extinguisher tubes and, depending on findings, the 
replacement of an affected part with a serviceable part (improved 
fire extinguisher tube). It also proposes the replacement of those 
tubes with the ``old Part Number'' (P/N) with a serviceable part 
with the new P/N as a terminating action. In addition, this [EASA] 
AD prohibits installation of an affected tube on an aeroplane.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0934.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 170 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $57,800, or $340 
per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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 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 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2015-0934; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-030-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 18, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN 
JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 
200 airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-
F5 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of defective fire extinguisher 
tubes. It was determined the defects were caused by

[[Page 25256]]

corrosion. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and 
corrosion in the fire extinguisher tubes, which could impact the 
capability to extinguish an engine fire, and possibly result in 
damage to the airplane and injury to the passengers.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and 
(g)(3) of this AD: Within 13 months or 450 flight hours, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, do a general 
visual inspection of the fire extinguisher tubes for cracking and 
corrosion, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Dassault 
Aviation's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13 months.
    (1) Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes and Model FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes, equipped with any fire 
extinguisher tubes having part numbers MY20791-101, MY20791-101-1, 
MY20791-102, MY20791-102-1, MY20791-117, and MY20791-112.
    (2) Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes equipped with any fire 
extinguisher tubes having part numbers M20H791000210B1 and 
M20H791000240B1.
    (3) Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 
airplanes equipped with any fire extinguisher tubes having part 
numbers M20R791101, M20R791101A1, and M20R791102.

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any cracking or corrosion is found, before further flight, replace 
the tube with a serviceable tube having a part number specified in 
Table 1 of paragraph (h) of this AD, as applicable.

                    Table 1 of Paragraph (h) of this AD--Serviceable Fire Extinguisher Tubes
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              For model--                   Equipped with affected pin--        Replace with serviceable pin--
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FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES   MY20791-101                          MY20791[dash]101-2
 C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES   MY20791-101-1                        MY20791-101-2
 C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES   MY20791-102                          MY20791-102-2
 C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES   MY20791[dash]102-1                   MY20791-102-2
 C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES   MY20791-117                          MY20791-117-1
 C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES   MY20791-112                          MY20791-112-1
 C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes..........  M20H791000210B1                      M20H791000210B2
MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes..........  M20H791000240B1                      M20H791000240B2
MYSTERE-FALCON 20[dash]C5, 20-D5, 20-   M20R791101                           M20R791101A2
 E5, and 20-F5 airplanes.
MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5,     M20R791101A1                         M20R791101A3
 and 20-F5 airplanes.
MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5,     M20R791102                           M20R791102A2
 and 20-F5 airplanes.
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(i) Terminating Action for the Repetitive Inspections

    Replacement of an affected tube with a serviceable tube, as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, constitutes a terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
tube having a part number identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), 
and (g)(3) of this AD, on any airplane.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Dassault Aviation's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0299, dated December 19, 2013, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-0934.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 17, 2015.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-10179 Filed 5-1-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P