Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-19-08, for all Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 10 airplanes. AD 2008-19-08 required repetitive replacement of the flexible hoses installed in the wing (slat) anti-icing system with new hoses. This new AD requires reducing the life limit of these flexible hoses, which reduces the repetitive replacement intervals. This AD was prompted by additional reports of collapse of the flexible hoses installed in the slat anti-icing systems on airplanes equipped with new, improved hoses. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the flexible hoses in the slat anti-icing system, which could lead to insufficient anti-icing capability and, if icing is encountered in this situation, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES:

This AD is effective October 21, 2016.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 11, 2007 (72 FR 51161, September 6, 2007).

ADDRESSES:

For 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 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-2016-6146.

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-2016-6146; 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 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2008-19-08, Amendment 39-15675 (73 FR 54492, September 22, 2008) (“AD 2008-19-08”). AD 2008-19-08 applied to all Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2016 (81 FR 26495) (“the NPRM”). The NPRM was prompted by additional reports of collapse of the flexible hoses installed in the slat anti-icing systems on airplanes equipped with new, improved hoses. The NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive replacement of the flexible hoses installed in the wing (slat) anti-icing system with new hoses. The NPRM also proposed to require reducing the life limit of these flexible hoses, which would reduce the repetitive replacement intervals. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the flexible hoses in the slat anti-icing system, which could lead to insufficient anti-icing capability and, if icing is encountered in this situation, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0104, dated May 7, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition on all Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 10 airplanes. The MCAI states:

Occurrences were reported involving an in-service Falcon 10 aeroplane, where wing anti-ice hoses collapsed. The subsequent investigation revealed that the flexible hose, Part Number (P/N) FAL1005, collapsed because of an internal ply separation.

This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the ice-protection system to remove ice accretion on the wing, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2005-0020 and AD 2006-0114 [which correspond to AD 2008-19-08], respectively, imposing flight limitations and requiring replacement of the flexible hosesP/N FAL1005 with improved hoses P/N FAL1007.

Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, further occurrences were reported concerning aeroplanes with improved hoses, which led to the conclusion that the life limit of the flexible hose P/N FAL1007 must be reduced.

For the reasons above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2006-0114, which is superseded; supersedes EASA AD 2005-0020; requires replacement of flexible hoses having P/N FAL 1000, P/N 1001, P/N FAL1005, or P/N FAL1005D, and reduces the life limit of the flexible hosesP/N 1007 [which would reduce the repetitive replacement intervals].

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-2016-6146.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comment received. The commenter, Catherine Corn, supported the NPRM.

Clarification to This AD

We have changed the “Definition of Serviceable Flexible Hose” specified in paragraph (j) of this AD from “350 flight hours or less” to “less than 350 flight hours” to clarify the intent of the flight hours for the life-limit of the flexible hose specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

We have also revised paragraph (g) of this AD to clarify that accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the replacements required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the change described previously, and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• 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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 124 airplanes of U.S. registry.

The actions that are required by AD 2008-19-08, and retained in this AD, take about 8 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $880. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 2008-19-08 is up to $1,560 per product, per replacement cycle.

We also estimate that it takes about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $936 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $158,224, or $1,276 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

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-19-08, Amendment 39-15675 ( 73 FR 54492, September 22, 2008), and adding the following new AD:

2016-19-07 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-18656; Docket No. FAA-2016-6146; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-120-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective October 21, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2008-19-08, Amendment 39-15675 (73 FR 54492, September 22, 2008) (“AD 2008-19-08”).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 10 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain Protection.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of collapse of the flexible hoses installed in the slat anti-icing systems on airplanes equipped with new, improved hoses. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the flexible hoses in the slat anti-icing system, which could lead to insufficient anti-icing capability and, if icing is encountered in this situation, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Hose Replacement, With Revised Compliance Language

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2008-19-08, with revised compliance language. As of October 27, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-19-08): Replace the flexible hoses installed in the slat anti-icing system with new hoses having part number (P/N) FAL1007, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F10-313, Revision 1, dated May 10, 2006, within 700 flight hours since the last replacement or within 100 flight hours after October 27, 2008, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours. Accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD ends the repetitive replacements required by this paragraph.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Hose Replacement for Certain Part Numbers

Within 65 days after the effective date of this AD: Replace any flexible hose having part number (P/N) FAL1000, P/N FAL1001, or P/N FAL1005D with a new, improved flexible hose having P/N FAL1007, 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).

(i) Life-Limit for P/N FAL1007—Repetitive Replacements

At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, replace any flexible hose having part number P/N FAL1007 with a serviceable flexible hose having P/N FAL1007, using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA DOA. Thereafter, before the accumulation of 350 flight hours on any flexible hose having P/N FAL1007, replace the flexible hose with a serviceable flexible hose having P/N FAL1007.

(1) Before the accumulation of 350 flight hours on the flexible hose P/N FAL1007 since first installation on an airplane.

(2) At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

(ii) Before the accumulation of 700 flight hours on the flexible hose P/N FAL1007 since first installation on an airplane, or within 65 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(j) Definition of Serviceable Flexible Hose

For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable flexible hose is a flexible hose having P/N FAL1007 that has accumulated less than 350 flight hours since first installation on an airplane.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

After accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no person may install a flexible hose in the slat anti-icing system on any airplane, unless that hose is a serviceable flexible hose having P/N FAL1007, and thereafter repetitive hose replacements are done as required by paragraph (i) of this AD.

(l) 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 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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 EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Related Information

Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0104, dated May 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-2016-6146.

(n) 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 October 11, 2007, (72 FR 51161, September 62, 2007).

(i) Dassault Service Bulletin F10-313, Revision 1, dated May 10, 2006.

(ii) Reserved.

(4) 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.

(5) 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.

(6) 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.