[Federal Register: November 29, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 230)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71098-71101]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29no02-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NM-418-AD; Amendment 39-12964; AD 2002-23-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 900EX and Mystere
Falcon 900 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Dassault Model Falcon 900EX and Mystere Falcon
900 series airplanes, that requires repetitive operational tests of the
flap asymmetry detection system to verify proper functioning, and
repair, if necessary; repetitive replacement of the inboard flap
jackscrews with new or reconditioned jackscrews; and repetitive
measurement of the screw/nut play of the jackscrews on the inboard and
outboard flaps to detect discrepancies, and corrective action, if
necessary. This amendment also requires revision of the Airplane Flight
Manual. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent jamming of the
flap jackscrews during the approach to landing, which could result in
inability to move the flaps or an asymmetric flap condition, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective January 3, 2003.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 3, 2003.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New
Jersey 07606. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
[[Page 71099]]
Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Dassault Model Falcon
900EX and Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes was published in the
Federal Register on February 15, 2002 (67 FR 7097). That action
proposed to continue to require the following actions, which are
currently required by AD 99-14-07, amendment 39-11218 (64 FR 36561,
July 7, 1999), for certain Model Falcon 900EX and Mystere Falcon 900
series airplanes:
[sbull] Repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry
detection system to verify proper functioning, and repair, if
necessary;
[sbull] Repetitive replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with
new or reconditioned jackscrews; and
[sbull] Repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the
jackscrews on the inboard and outboard flaps to detect discrepancies,
and corrective action, if necessary.
The action also proposed to require revision of the Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM).
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Request To Add Part Numbers
One commenter requests adding ``Amdt A'' to the jackscrew part
numbers (P/Ns) that are already specified by the proposed AD (i.e., P/
Ns 5318-1, 1-5319-1, and 2-5319-1). We concur with the commenter's
request, noting that the designation of ``Amdt A'' simply indicates a
reconditioned jackscrew that has been reidentified. As such, we have
determined that this change further clarifies, but does not change, the
requirements of this AD. In light of this, we have added P/Ns 5318-1
Amdt A, 1-5319-1 Amdt A, and 2-5319-1 Amdt A, as appropriate, for those
P/Ns that have been reconditioned and reidentified. We have revised the
applicable P/Ns in paragraphs (b) through (h) of the final rule
accordingly.
Request To Revise Airplane Maintenance Manual References
The same commenter requests that the final rule reference only
Chapter 5-40 of the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) for the
operational testing, inspections, and replacement action. The commenter
adds that operators are managing the jackscrew life limits and
inspections, and have planned the spares and maintenance inspections
based on the actions required by AD 99-14-07. The commenter considers
that the corrective action can be accomplished only per Chapter 5-40 of
the AMM.
We do not concur with the commenter's request that only Chapter 5-
40 of the AMM should be cited in the final rule as the appropriate
source of service information for the actions required by the proposed
AD. In order to accomplish the requirements of the proposed AD, it is
necessary to cite all of the service information references included in
the proposed AD, which include various AMMs and Temporary Revisions. No
change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.
Explanation of Changes to the Final Rule
We have made the following changes to the final rule:
[sbull] In the Summary section of the final rule, we have clarified
the requirements for the repetitive replacement action. Although the
Summary section of the proposed AD specifies repetitive replacement of
the inboard flap jackscrews ``on the inboard,'' we have deleted the
term ``on the inboard'' in that section of the final rule because the
replacement action is also required for the inboard flap jackscrews
located in the outboard position. The exact location of the affected
jackscrews is specified in paragraphs (b) through (h) of the final
rule.
[sbull] Although paragraphs (c) and (e) of the proposed AD specify
a reconditioned jackscrew having P/N 5318-1, we have revised those
paragraphs in the final rule to clarify that the correct P/N of a
reconditioned jackscrew is P/N 5318-1 Amdt A.
[sbull] Although paragraphs (c)(1), (e)(1), and NOTE 2 of the
proposed AD did not include the date of the referenced service
bulletin, we have added the date (September 16, 1999) in those
paragraphs in the final rule.
[sbull] In the proposed AD, paragraph (c)(2) specifies that the
jackscrew is located on the inboard flap in the ``inboard'' position,
and paragraph (e)(2) specifies the location of the jackscrew in the
``outboard'' position. However, because the jackscrew could be located
in either the inboard or outboard position, we have determined that the
requirements in those paragraphs are unnecessary and should be deleted.
In light of this, we have revised the final rule and renumbered the
subparagraphs accordingly.
[sbull] In paragraph (d) of the final rule, we have clarified the
location of the middle jackscrew by specifying that the jackscrew is
located on the inboard flap and in the outboard position. We have also
clarified the location of the jackscrew in paragraph (e) of the final
rule.
[sbull] Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD incorrectly specifies
revising the ``Limitations'' Section of the FAA-approved AFM. However,
we have revised the final rule to specify revising the ``Abnormal
Procedures'' Section of the AFM, as cited in French airworthiness
directive 1999-082-024(B) R2, dated September 20, 2000.
[sbull] We have determined that NOTE 3 in the proposed AD, which
specifies a change to the general revisions of the AFM, is no longer
necessary. We have revised the final rule and renumbered the notes
accordingly.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 28 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be
affected by this AD.
The costs of performing actions required by AD 99-14-07 and
retained in this AD for Model Falcon 900EX and Mystere Falcon 900
series airplanes are described below.
The repetitive operational test of the flap asymmetry detection
system takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the repetitive operational test on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $1,680, or $60 per airplane, per test cycle.
The measurement of the screw/nut play in the flap jackscrews takes
approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the measurement on U.S. operators is
[[Page 71100]]
estimated to be $13,400, or $480 per airplane, per measurement cycle.
The repetitive replacement of jackscrews takes approximately 8 work
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per
work hour. New jackscrews cost approximately $21,200 per airplane.
However, the AD permits a one-time reconditioning and re-use of
jackscrews, which could reduce the cost of parts by 50%. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of replacement of jackscrews on U.S. operators
is estimated to be between $310,240 and $607,040, or between $11,080
and $21,680 per airplane, per replacement cycle.
The revision of the AFM takes approximately 1 work hour per
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AFM revision on U.S.
operators is $1,680, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2002-23-20 Dassault Aviation (Formerly Avions Marcel Dassault-
Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA)): Amendment 39-12964. Docket 2000-NM-418-
AD.
Applicability: Model Falcon 900EX, serial numbers 04 and up, and
Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes, serial numbers 161 and up;
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (j)(1)
of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect
of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent jamming of the flap jackscrews during the approach to
landing, which could result in the inability to move the flaps or an
asymmetric flap condition, and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane, accomplish the following:
Repetitive Operational Test
(a) Within 5 flight cycles after August 11, 1999 (the effective
date of AD 99-14-07, amendment 39-11218): Perform an operational
test of the flap asymmetry detection system to ensure that the
system is functioning correctly, in accordance with the procedures
specified in Dassault Falcon 900 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM)
27-502, dated January 1995; or Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM 27-502,
dated September 1996; as applicable. Prior to further flight, repair
any discrepancy detected, in accordance with a method approved by
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate; or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (or its
delegated agent). Repeat the operational test thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever
occurs first.
Repetitive Replacement
(b) Replace each jackscrew having part number (P/N) 5318-1 or
5318-1 Amdt A, which is located on the inboard flap in the inboard
position, in accordance with the procedures specified in Dassault
Falcon 900 AMM 27-521, dated December 1998; or Dassault Falcon 900EX
AMM 27-510, dated September 1996; as applicable. The replacement
jackscrew may be new or may have been reconditioned in accordance
with paragraph (c) of this AD. Do the initial replacement at the
earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of
this AD. Repeat the replacement of a jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 or
5318-1 Amdt A thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 flight
cycles on the jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the inboard
position.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on
the inboard jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the inboard
position, or within 25 flight cycles after August 11, 1999,
whichever occurs later.
(2) Prior to the accumulation of 750 total flight cycles on the
inboard jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the inboard
position, or within 25 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(c) A jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 and located on the inboard
flap in the inboard position may be replaced by a reconditioned
jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 Amdt A, provided that all of the
conditions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD are
met.
(1) The jackscrew has been reconditioned and reidentified as P/N
5318-1 Amdt A, in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC
5318-27-01, dated September 16, 1999.
(2) The jackscrew has been reconditioned only one time.
(d) Prior to the accumulation of 2,200 total flight cycles on
the middle jackscrew located on the inboard flap and in the outboard
position, or within 25 flight cycles after August 11, 1999,
whichever occurs later: Replace each jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 or
5318-1 Amdt A on the inboard flap and in the outboard position, in
accordance with the procedures specified in Dassault Falcon 900 AMM
27-521, dated December 1998; or Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM 27-510,
dated September 1996; as applicable. The replacement jackscrew may
be new or may have been reconditioned in accordance with paragraph
(e) of this AD. Repeat the replacement of a jackscrew having P/N
5318-1 or 5318-1 Amdt A thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,200
flight cycles on the jackscrew located on the inboard flap and in
the outboard position.
(e) A jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 and located on the inboard
flap and in the outboard position may be replaced by a reconditioned
jackscrew having P/N 5318-1 Amdt A, provided that all of the
conditions specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD are
met.
[[Page 71101]]
(1) The jackscrew has been reconditioned and reidentified as P/N
5818-1 Amdt A, in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC
5318-27-01, dated September 16, 1999.
(2) The jackscrew has been reconditioned only one time.
Repetitive Measurements
(f) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on
the outboard jackscrews located on the outboard flaps, or within 25
flight cycles after August 11, 1999, whichever occurs later: Measure
the screw/nut play of the jackscrews having P/N 1-5319-1 or 1-5319-1
Amdt A (on the left wing) and P/N 2-5319-1 or 2-5319-1 Amdt A (on
the right wing) on the outboard flaps, in accordance with the
procedures specified in Dassault Falcon 900 AMM Temporary Revision
(TR) 27-514, dated February 1999; or Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM TR
27-514, dated February 1999; as applicable.
Note 2: Jackscrews having P/N 1-5319-1 or 2-5319-1 may be
reconditioned in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin AVIAC
5319-27-01, dated September 16, 1999. These jackscrews may be
reconditioned and reused more than one time.
(1) If the initial measurement is equal to or less than 0.014
inch: Repeat the measurement thereafter at intervals not to exceed
330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first. If any
repetitive measurement detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014
inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(2) If the initial measurement is greater than 0.014 inch:
Perform the actions required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii)
of this AD.
(i) Prior to further flight, replace the jackscrew with a new or
reconditioned jackscrew, in accordance with Dassault Falcon 900 AMM
27-521, dated December 1998; or Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM 27-510,
dated September 1996; as applicable.
(ii) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on
the new or reconditioned jackscrew, perform a follow-on measurement
of the screw/nut play, in accordance with the procedures specified
in Dassault Falcon 900 AMM TR 27-514, dated February 1999; or
Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM TR 27-514, dated February 1999; as
applicable.
(iii) If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph
(f)(2)(ii) of this AD detects a nut/screw play equal to or less than
0.014 inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this
AD. If any follow-on measurement required by (f)(2)(ii) of this AD
detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014 inch, perform the
actions required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(g) Prior to the accumulation of 600 total flight cycles on the
jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the inboard position, or
within 25 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Measure the screw/nut play of the jackscrew
having P/N 5318-1 or 5318-1 Amdt A, which is located on the inboard
flap in the inboard position to detect discrepancies, in accordance
with the procedures specified in Dassault Falcon 900 AMM TR 27-514,
dated February 1999; or Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM TR 27-514, dated
February 1999; as applicable. If the measurement is greater than
0.014 inch, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant
jackscrew with a new or reconditioned jackscrew, in accordance with
the applicable maintenance manual.
(h) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on
the jackscrew located on the inboard flap in the outboard position,
or within 25 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Measure the screw/nut play of the jackscrew
having P/N 5318-1 or 5318-1 Amdt A, which is located on the inboard
flap in the outboard position, in accordance with the procedures
specified in Dassault Falcon 900 AMM TR 27-514, dated February 1999;
or Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM TR 27-514, dated February 1999; as
applicable.
(1) If the initial measurement is equal to or less than 0.014
inch: Repeat the measurements thereafter at intervals not to exceed
330 flight hours or 7 months, whichever occurs first. If any
repetitive measurement detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014
inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
(2) If the initial measurement is greater than 0.014 inch:
Perform the actions required by paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii)
of this AD.
(i) Prior to further flight, replace the discrepant jackscrew
with a new or reconditioned jackscrew, in accordance with Dassault
Falcon 900 AMM 27-521, dated December 1998; or Dassault Falcon 900EX
AMM 27-510, dated September 1996; as applicable.
(ii) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on
the new or reconditioned jackscrew perform a follow-on measurement
of the screw/nut play, in accordance with the procedures specified
in Dassault Falcon 900 AMM TR 27-514, dated February 1999; or
Dassault Falcon 900EX AMM TR 27-514, dated February 1999; as
applicable.
(iii) If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph
(h)(2)(ii) of this AD detects a nut/screw play equal to or less than
0.014 inch, perform the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) of this
AD. If any follow-on measurement required by paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of
this AD detects a nut/screw play greater than 0.014 inch, perform
the actions required by paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this
AD.
Airplane Flight Manual Revision
(i) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the Abnormal Procedures Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to include the following statement (this may be
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM):
``In case of discrepancy between the control position and flap
position indicator, do not change flap position control handle.
Apply flight manual abnormal procedure `Flight controls--system
jamming or asymmetry' for approach speed and landing distance.''
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 99-14-07, amendment 39-11218, are not considered
to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
Special Flight Permits
(k) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(l) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Dassault Falcon 900 Airplane Maintenance
Manual Temporary Revision 27-514, dated February 1999; or Dassault
Falcon 900EX Airplane Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 27-514,
dated February 1999; as applicable. This incorporation by reference
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey
07606. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 1999-082-024(B) R2, dated September 20,
2000.
Effective Date
(m) This amendment becomes effective on January 3, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 19, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-30024 Filed 11-27-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P