[Federal Register: March 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 52)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 12812-12814]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18mr03-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-53-AD; Amendment 39-13085; AD 2003-05-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-
Falcon 900 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-Falcon 900
series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to detect
discrepant wires in the fire control panel for the engines and
auxiliary power unit (APU), and corrective action if necessary. This
action is necessary to ensure that the correct wires are installed in
the fire control panel so that the flight crew can activate the fire
extinguishers in the event of an engine or APU fire. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective April 2, 2003.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before April 17, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-53-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-iarcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2003-NM-53-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or
ASCII text.
Information related to this AD may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Dassault
Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes. Typically
during routine maintenance, continuity checks are performed on the fire
extinguishers and the fire control panel for the engines and auxiliary
power unit (APU). Following these checks, the selector switches on the
fire control panel are secured with copper snap wires that will readily
break away, allowing the switch to activate the extinguishers. The DGAC
advises that the maintenance manuals for these airplanes had
incorrectly specified that the selector switches be secured with lock
wires, rather than breakaway (snap) copper wires. Use of incorrect
wires could result in the flight crew being unable to activate the fire
extinguishers in the event of an engine or APU fire.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Dassault Maintenance Manual sections 26-201 (for Model Falcon 2000
series airplanes) and 26-203 (for Model Mystere-Falcon 900 series
airplanes) provide instructions for checking the correct operation of
the fire extinguisher control switches. The manufacturer has revised
these sections of the maintenance manuals to, among other things,
correctly identify the wires for installation on the fire control
panel. The revisions are dated February 2003.
The DGAC issued French telegraphic airworthiness directive T2003-
084(B), dated February 12, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness
of these airplanes in France by mandating immediate checks for lock
wires in the fire control panel and replacement of lock wires with snap
wires.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to ensure that the
correct wires are installed in the fire control panel so that the
flight crew can activate the fire extinguishers in the event of an
engine or APU fire. This AD requires a one-time general visual
inspection to detect discrepant (lock) wires, and replacement of lock
wires with snap wires.
Differences Between This AD and the French Airworthiness Directive
The French airworthiness directive mandates that operators check
for discrepant wires before the next flight. The FAA recognizes the
unsafe condition presented by this situation but finds that an 8-day
compliance time is adequate in consideration of the safety
implications, the average utilization rate of the affected fleet, the
practical aspects of scheduling an orderly inspection of the fleet, and
the availability of required replacement parts. The FAA cannot justify
the significant economic impact on
[[Page 12813]]
operators that would occur if airplanes were to be grounded by a
required inspection before further flight. Therefore, in light of all
of these factors, the FAA has determined that the 8-day compliance time
represents an appropriate interval in which to inspect the wires in a
timely manner within the fleet and still maintain an adequate level of
safety.
The DGAC identifies ``MS20995CY15'' as one of the standards that
identifies the correct wires for the fire control panel described in
this AD. The FAA has learned that that document has been canceled and
replaced by National Aerospace Standard NASM20995CY15, which is listed
in paragraph (a) of this AD.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is
being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2003-NM-53-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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, 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:
2003-05-09 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-13085. Docket 2003-NM-53-
AD.
Applicability: All Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-Falcon 900
series airplanes, 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 (b) 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 ensure that the correct wires are installed on the fire
control panel so that the flight crew is able to activate the fire
extinguishers in the event of a fire, accomplish the following:
Inspection
(a) Within 8 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a
general visual inspection of the wires on the fire control panel to
determine if they are identified in the norms specified in Norme
francaise NF L 23-321, dated September 2000; or National Aerospace
Standard NASM20995CY15, dated April 1998. Before further flight,
replace lock wires with snap wires that are listed in either the NFL
or NASM standard, as specified in Maintenance Manual section 26-201,
dated February 2003 (for Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes); or
section 26-203, dated February 2003 (for Model Mystere-Falcon 900
series airplanes).
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) 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, FAA.
Operators shall submit their requests through
[[Page 12814]]
an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add
comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-
116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(c) 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.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
telegraphic airworthiness directive T2003-084(B), dated February 12,
2003.
Effective Date
(d) This amendment becomes effective on April 2, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 6, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6261 Filed 3-17-03; 8:45 am]
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