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) 2018-19-25 and AD 2014-03-12, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. Those ADs required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-19-25, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require those maintenance or inspection program revisions, and also requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. 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 18, 2020.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 18, 2020.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of November 2, 2018 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018).

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 https://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0700.

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-2019-0700; 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, the regulatory evaluation, 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, International Section, Transport Standards 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0131, dated June 11, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0131”) (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. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0700.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-19-25, Amendment 39-19426 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018) (“AD 2018-19-25”) and AD 2014-03-12, Amendment 39-17749 (79 FR 11693, March 3, 2014) (“AD 2014-03-12”). AD 2018-19-25 applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2019 (84 FR 50336). The NPRM resulted from 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. 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 following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.

Request To List New Requirements

NetJets Aviation (NJA) requested that the additional required inspection items or changes from Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual be listed in paragraph (i) of the proposed AD to ensure operators are meeting the requirements.

The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request because the required action is for the operators to incorporate the entirety of the information specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual into their maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, and not just the changes that are made in Revision 20 (the changes are described in the “Information to Operators” section of Revision 20). The AD has not been changed in this regard.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, 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

Dassault Aviation has issued Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated November 2018, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual. This service information describes airworthiness limitations for safe life limits.

This AD also requires Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of November 2, 2018 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018).

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 200 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 2018-19-25 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the FAA recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, the FAA has estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. 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

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) 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) 2014-03-12, Amendment 39-17749 ( 79 FR 11693, March 3, 2014); and AD 2018-19-25, Amendment 39-19426 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018); and

b. adding the following new AD:

2020-02-21 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19833; Docket No. FAA-2019-0700; Product Identifier 2019-NM-105-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective March 18, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

(1) This AD replaces AD 2014-03-12, Amendment 39-17749 (79 FR 11693, March 3, 2014) (“AD 2014-03-12”); and AD 2018-19-25, Amendment 39-19426 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018) (“AD 2018-19-25”).

(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 Revision, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2018-19-25, with no changes. Within 90 days after November 2, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-19-25), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual. The initial compliance times for doing the tasks are at the time specified in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, or within 90 days after November 2, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-19-25), 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 Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, means total airplane landings. The term “FH” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, means total flight hours. The term “FC” in the “First Inspection” column of any table in Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual, means total flight cycles.

(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), 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 (h) of AD 2018-19-25, 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 alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 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 the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, except as required by paragraphs (i)(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. Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph terminates all requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

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

(i) At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(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), 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 (i) 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.

(j) New No Alternative Actions or Intervals

After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (i) 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 (l)(1) of this AD.

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

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

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards 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 International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.

(i) 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.

(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-19-25, Amendment 39-19426 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Union 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.

(m) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0131, dated June 11, 2019, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0700.

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

(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 March 18, 2020.

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

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on November 2, 2018 (83 FR 48924, September 28, 2018).

(i) Chapter 5-40, Airworthiness Limitations, DGT 113876, Revision 19, dated November 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 2000 Maintenance Manual.

(ii) [Reserved]

(5) 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 https://www.dassaultfalcon.com.

(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

(7) 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, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.