[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 150 (Thursday, August 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51317-51320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18167]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5594; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-169-AD; 
Amendment 39-18596; AD 2016-15-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by a review that identified a nonconformity between the 
torque value applied to the screw-nuts of aileron servo actuators, and 
the torque value specified by the type design. This AD requires 
replacing certain aileron servo actuators with serviceable servo 
actuators. We are issuing this AD to prevent desynchronization between 
two servo actuator barrels, which could lead to reduced control of the 
airplane during roll maneuvers at low altitude.

DATES: This AD is effective September 8, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 8, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; 
telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-5594.

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-2016-
5594; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 425-227-1139.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Dassault Aviation Model 
FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on April 20, 2016 (81 FR 23214) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0184, dated August 7, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation 
Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A quality review of recently delivered aeroplanes identified a 
non-conformity concerning the torque value applied to screw-nuts of 
aileron servo actuators, which was inconsistent with the value 
specified by the type design.
    The subsequent investigation demonstrated that the washer which 
is bent on nut and rod ensures the affected selector synchronisation 
between two servo actuator barrels for a minimum of 2,000 flight 
hours (FH). After this period, a possible de-synchronization of the 
affected selector assembly may occur.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control 
of the aeroplane during roll manoeuvers at low altitude.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault Aviation 
issued Service Bulletin (SB) F900EX-476 Revision 1 and SB F2000EX-
350 to provide replacement instructions for the affected aileron 
servo actuators, as applicable to aeroplane type.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of affected aileron servo actuators with serviceable 
parts. This [EASA] AD also identifies that the affected aileron 
servo actuators can be re-qualified as serviceable parts only after 
a refurbishment accomplished by an approved maintenance 
organization.

    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-2016-
5594.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

[[Page 51318]]

     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Dassault Service Bulletins F900EX-476, Revision 1, 
dated June 25, 2014; and F2000EX-350, dated April 9, 2014. The service 
information describes procedures for removing the aileron servo 
actuator. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 284 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 14 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $43,460 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $12,680,600, or $44,650 per product.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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. For the 
reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2016-15-05 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-18596; Docket No. FAA-
2016-5594; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-169-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 8, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX and 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a review that identified a nonconformity 
between the torque value applied to the screw-nuts of aileron servo 
actuators, and the torque value specified by the type design. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent desynchronization between two servo 
actuator barrels, which could lead to reduced control of the 
airplane during roll maneuvers at low altitude.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement of Aileron Servo Actuator

    At the later of the applicable times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Replace each affected aileron servo 
actuator, as identified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD (for 
Model FALCON 900EX airplanes) or figure 2 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD (for Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes), with a serviceable part in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service 
Bulletin F900EX-476, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2014; or Dassault 
Service Bulletin F2000EX-350, dated April 9, 2014; except where 
Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-476, Revision 1, dated June 25, 
2014; or F2000EX-350, dated April 9, 2014; specify to ``remove'' the 
applicable aileron servo actuator, this AD requires replacement of 
the applicable aileron servo actuator. A serviceable part is one 
that is specified in the ``New P/N'' column in the table of 
paragraph 3., ``Material Information,'' of Dassault Service Bulletin 
F900EX-476, Revision 1, dated June 25, 2014; or Dassault Service 
Bulletin F2000EX-350, dated April 9, 2014.
    (1) For airplanes on which the aileron servo actuator was not 
replaced during maintenance: At the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Within 25 months or 1,640 flight hours, whichever occurs 
first, since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness 
certificate or date of issuance for the original export certificate 
of airworthiness.
    (ii) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the aileron servo actuator was 
replaced during maintenance: At the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Within 1,640 flight hours after replacement of the aileron 
servo actuator during maintenance.
    (ii) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  The affected aileron servo 
actuators are known to be installed before airplane delivery on 
Model FALCON 900EX airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 265 
through 270 inclusive, S/N 272 and S/N 273; Model FALCON 2000EX 
airplanes having S/N 243, S/Ns 246 through 258 inclusive, S/Ns 260 
through 263 inclusive, S/Ns 702 through 710 inclusive and S/N 714; 
and during a maintenance operation on Model FALCON 900EX airplane 
having S/N 177, after airplane delivery.


[[Page 51319]]



Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Affected Actuators on Model FALCON
                             900EX Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           With actuator
Model FALCON 900EX airplane having S/N--    part number    And actuator
                                              (P/N)--          S/N--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
177.....................................       103117-06            5003
265.....................................       103117-06            5002
266.....................................       103117-05            5000
                                               103117-06            5007
267.....................................       103117-05            5001
268.....................................       103117-05            5004
269.....................................       103117-05            5005
                                               103117-06            5011
270.....................................       103117-06            5012
                                               103117-13            5017
272.....................................       103117-05            5010
                                               103117-14            5016
273.....................................       103117-13            5014
                                               103117-14            5020
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Figure 2 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Affected Actuators on Model FALCON
                            2000EX Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model FALCON 2000EX airplane having S/N--  With actuator   And actuator
                                               P/N--           S/N--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.....................................       103151-08            5002
246.....................................       103151-07            5000
                                               103151-08            5003
247.....................................       103151-07            5001
                                               103151-08            5006
248.....................................       103151-07            5004
                                               103151-08            5007
249.....................................       103151-07            5005
                                               103151-08            5012
250.....................................       103151-07            5008
                                               103151-08            5013
251.....................................       103151-07            5009
                                               103151-08            5014
252.....................................       103151-07            5011
                                               103151-08            5016
253.....................................       103151-07            5010
                                               103151-08            5015
254.....................................       103151-08            5017
                                               103151-07            5018
255.....................................       103151-07            5019
                                               103151-08            5022
256.....................................       103151-07            5021
                                               103151-08            5023
257.....................................       103151-08            5024
                                               103151-07            5026
258.....................................       103151-07            5027
                                               103151-08            5033
260.....................................       103151-08            5032
                                               103151-07            5035
261.....................................       103151-08            5037
                                               103151-07            5041
262.....................................       103151-08            5039
                                               103151-07            5047
263.....................................       103151-08            5044
                                               103151-09            5064
702.....................................       103151-07            5029
703.....................................       103151-07            5034
                                               103151-08            5042
704.....................................       103151-08            5036
                                               103151-07            5040
705.....................................       103151-08            5038
                                               103151-07            5046
706.....................................       103151-08            5043
                                               103151-07            5048
707.....................................       103151-07            5054
                                               103151-08            5057
708.....................................       103151-08            5045
                                               103151-07            5050
709.....................................       103151-08            5074

[[Page 51320]]

 
710.....................................       103151-07            5051
                                               103151-08            5053
714.....................................       103151-09            5065
                                               103151-10            5067
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no aileron servo actuator 
having a P/N and S/N listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD 
or figure 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD is allowed to be installed 
on any airplane, unless the mark ``D1'' is included on the actuator 
repair placard.

    Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  The mark ``D1'' on an 
aileron servo actuator repair placard indicates that the affected 
part has been refurbished by an approved maintenance organization 
and is qualified as a serviceable part.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 425-227-1139. 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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0184, dated August 7, 2014, 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-2016-5594.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-476, Revision 1, dated June 
25, 2014.
    (ii) Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-350, dated April 9, 2014.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; 
telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 21, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-18167 Filed 8-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P