[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 111 (Monday, June 12, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26867-26869]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12057]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0532; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-203-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 
certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by a review showing that inadequate clearance may exist 
between certain electrical wiring and nearby structures. This proposed 
AD would require an inspection of certain electrical wiring bundles and 
feeders, modifications, and corrective actions if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 27, 2017.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Dassault 
Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, 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.

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-2017-
0532; 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, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149.

[[Page 26868]]


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-2017-0532; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-203-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 EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0230, dated November 21, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault 
Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A review of the wiring and tubing lay-out showed that there may 
be low clearance between electrical wiring and nearby structure. 
Although no in-service incident has been reported, the minimum 
clearances could deteriorate over time.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
interference or contact with structure, provoking an electrical 
short circuit or fluid leakage, possibly resulting in loss of 
several functions essential for safe flight.
    To initially address this potential unsafe condition, [Dassault 
Aviation] DA developed some interim modifications (mod) addressing 
the risk of short circuit and fluid leakage, and EASA issued AD 
2010-0029 (later revised) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2011-14-04, 
Amendment 39-16739 (76 FR 39256, July 6, 2011) (``AD 2011-14-04'')] 
to require embodiment of those modifications in-service.
    Since EASA AD 2010-0029R1 was issued, DA developed another set 
of modifications, available for in-service application through 
Service Bulletin (SB) F7X-056, which are considered the final 
solutions for this unsafe condition.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general visual] inspection [for worn or damaged wiring or 
connectors due to inadequate clearance between wiring and nearby 
structures] of the affected electrical wiring and, depending on 
findings, corrective action(s) and modification of the aeroplane.

    Corrective actions include modifying the clamping and routing; 
adding new brackets, clamps, and cable protections; replacing damaged 
parts; and improving connections using lock wires. 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-2017-0532.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 2011-14-04 requires inspections for damage to wiring bundles and 
feeders; and, if necessary, repairs, modifications, and installation of 
a hydraulic pipe. These actions were considered interim actions to 
ensure that the minimum required clearance and adequate protection 
existed among the hydraulic pipe, electrical wiring, and the airplane 
structure. This proposed AD would require additional inspections and 
modifications that differ from those in AD 2011-14-04.
    This proposed AD would not terminate any action in AD 2011-14-04; 
rather, both AD actions are necessary to adequately address the unsafe 
condition.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, dated 
July 20, 2016. This service information describes a one-time inspection 
of certain wiring bundles and feeders, and corrective actions. 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.

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 51 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
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Inspection and modifications.......  31 work-hours x $85 per              $7,660         $10,295        $525,045
                                      hour = $2,635.
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    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.

[[Page 26869]]

    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-2017-0532; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-203-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 27, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/N) 2 through 215 
inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 20, Standard 
Practices Airframe--Electrical Wiring.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a review that showed that low clearance 
may exist between certain electrical wiring and nearby structures. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inadequate clearances 
between electrical wiring and nearby structures, which could lead to 
interference or contact with a structure and cause an electrical 
short circuit or fluid leakage. This could result in the loss of 
several functions essential for safe flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection, Modification, and Corrective Actions

    Within 99 months or 4,100 flight cycles, whichever occurs first, 
since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate 
or date of issuance of the original export certificate of 
airworthiness; or within 60 days after the effective date of this 
AD; whichever occurs later; do a general visual inspection of the 
affected electrical wirings of the airplane for worn or damaged 
wiring or connectors due to inadequate clearance between wiring and 
nearby structures, accomplish all applicable corrective actions, and 
modify the airplane, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, dated 
July 20, 2016, as specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. The 
``Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056 Section'' identified in table 1 
to paragraph (g) of this AD is not required for airplanes on which a 
corresponding Dassault modification has been embodied in production, 
as identified in the ``Excluded'' column in table 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

  Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Applicable Sections of Dassault
        Service Bulletin 7X-056, Revision 1, Dated July 20, 2016
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  Dassault service bulletin 7X-056
              section                              Excluded
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7X-056-1...........................  Post-mod M876.
7X-056-2...........................  Post-mod M897.
7X-056-3...........................  Post-mod M900.
7X-056-4...........................  S/N 132 to 215 inclusive.
7X-056-5...........................  Post-mod M954.
7X-056-6...........................  Post-mod M980.
7X-056-7...........................  Post-mod M1021.
7X-056-8...........................  None.
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(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-056, issued 
October 30, 2014.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 manager of the International Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. 
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.
    (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

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0230, dated November 21, 
2016, 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-2017-0532.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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 425-227-1149.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, 
South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12057 Filed 6-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P