Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-21, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. AD 2020-02-21 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective March 31, 2021.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 31, 2021.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 18, 2020 (85 FR 7860, February 12, 2020).

ADDRESSES:

For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Dassault Aviation service information identified in this final rule, contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; internet https://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this IBR material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0980.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0980; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 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, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226; email tom.rodriguez@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0113, dated May 20, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0113) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-02-21, Amendment 39-19833 (85 FR 7860, February 12, 2020) (AD 2020-02-21). AD 2020-02-21 applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 3, 2020 (85 FR 69519). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0113. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced controllability of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing 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

EASA AD 2020-0113 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.

This AD also requires Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of March 18, 2020 (85 FR 7860, February 12, 2020).

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

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 168 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 2020-02-21 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate.

The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

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.

The FAA is 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

The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-21, Amendment 39-19833 ( 85 FR 7860, February 12, 2020), and

b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-03-11 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-21414; Docket No. FAA-2020-0980; Product Identifier 2020-NM-094-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 31, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

(1) This AD replaces AD 2020-02-21, Amendment 39-19833 (85 FR 7860, February 12, 2020) (AD 2020-02-21).

(2) This AD affects AD 2010-26-05, Amendment 39-16544 (75 FR 79952, December 21, 2010) (AD 2010-26-05).

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2020-02-21, with no changes. Within 90 days after March 18, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-02-21), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual. The initial compliance time for doing the tasks is at the time specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, or within 90 days after March 18, 2020, whichever occurs later, except as required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD. The term “LDG” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information specified in this paragraph means total airplane landings. The term “FH” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information specified in this paragraph means total flight hours. The term “FC” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information specified in this paragraph means total flight cycles. The term “M” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in the service information specified in this paragraph means months since date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness.

(1) For Task 30-11-09-350-801 identified in the service information specified in the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD, the initial compliance time is the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

(i) At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(A) and (B) of this AD.

(A) Prior to the accumulation of 2,400 total flight hours or 2,000 total flight cycles, whichever occurs first.

(B) Within 2,400 flight hours or 2,000 flight cycles after April 7, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-03-12, Amendment 39-17749 (79 FR 11693, March 3, 2014) (AD 2014-03-12)), whichever occurs first.

(ii) Within 30 days after April 7, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-03-12).

(2) For Task 52-20-00-610-801-01 identified in the service information specified in the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD, the initial compliance time is within 24 months after April 7, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-03-12).

(3) The limited service life of part number F2MA721512100 is 3,750 total flight cycles on the part or 6 years since the manufacturing date of the part, whichever occurs first.

(h) Retained No Alternative Actions or Intervals With a New Exception

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 2020-02-21, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.

(i) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0113, dated May 20, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0113). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0113

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2020-0113 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0113 specifies revising “the approved AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the “limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0113 within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0113 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0113, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2020-0113 do not apply to this AD.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0113 does not apply to this AD.

(k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2020-0113.

(l) Terminating Action for Certain Actions in AD 2010-26-05

Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) or (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2010-26-05 for Model FALCON 2000 airplanes only.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.

(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards District Office.

(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2020-02-21 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020-0113 that are required by paragraph (i) of this AD.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226; email tom.rodriguez@faa.gov.

(o) 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.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on March 31, 2021.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0113, dated May 20, 2020.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on March 18, 2020 (85 FR 7860, February 12, 2020).

(i) Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual.

(ii) [Reserved]

(5) For EASA AD 2020-0113, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For information about Dassault Aviation material, contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; internet https://www.dassaultfalcon.com.

(6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0980.

(7) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.