[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 78 (Tuesday, April 24, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20293-20296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7741]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27983; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-192-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Model 
Falcon 10 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to all Dassault Model Falcon 10 series 
airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) and installing a placard in the flight deck to 
prohibit flight into known or forecasted icing conditions. In lieu of 
the AFM revision and placard installation, that AD allows identifying 
the part number of each flexible hose in the wing (slat) anti-icing 
system, performing repetitive inspections of each hose for 
delamination, and performing corrective actions if necessary. That AD 
allows the following actions (also in lieu of the AFM revision and 
placard installation): new repetitive inspections for delamination at 
reduced intervals, corrective actions if necessary, and an additional 
AFM revision to include a statement to track flight cycles when the 
slat anti-icing system is activated. That AD also provides optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements. This 
proposed AD would mandate the previously optional terminating action. 
This proposed AD results from a report of in-service delamination of a 
flexible hose in the slat anti-icing system at a time earlier than 
previously reported. We are proposing 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: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 24, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.

[[Page 20294]]

    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New 
Jersey 07606, for service information identified in this proposed AD.

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:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No. 
FAA-2007-27983; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-192-AD'' at the 
beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the 
proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    On August 26, 2005, we issued AD 2005-18-14, amendment 39-14254 (70 
FR 53540, September 9, 2005), for all Dassault Model Falcon 10 series 
airplanes. That AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) 
and installing a placard in the flight deck to prohibit flight into 
known or forecasted icing conditions. In lieu of the AFM revision and 
placard installation, that AD allows identifying the part number (P/N) 
of each flexible hose in the wing (slat) anti-icing system, performing 
repetitive inspections of each hose for delamination, and performing 
corrective actions if necessary. That AD allows the following actions 
(also in lieu of the AFM revision and placard installation): new 
repetitive inspections for delamination at reduced intervals, 
corrective actions if necessary, and an additional AFM revision to 
include a statement to track flight cycles when the slat anti-icing 
system is activated. That AD also provides an option to repetitively 
replace the existing flexible hoses with improved flexible hoses, which 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements. That AD resulted 
from a report of in-service delamination of a flexible hose in the slat 
anti-icing system at a time earlier than previously reported. We issued 
that 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.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2005-18-14 explains that we considered the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
since mandated the previously optional terminating action. We now have 
determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary. This proposed 
AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    AD 2005-18-14 refers to Dassault Service Bulletin F10-313, dated 
August 10, 2005, as the appropriate source of service information for 
the optional terminating action. The manufacturer has since revised the 
service bulletin. Revision 1, dated May 10, 2006, advises of revised 
related maintenance documents and revised life limits for hoses having 
P/N FAL1007. The procedures in Revision 1 are the same as those in the 
original version of the service bulletin. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address 
the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated the service information and 
issued EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0114, dated May 10, 2006, to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the European 
Union.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These airplanes 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. As described in FAA 
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European 
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,'' 
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the EASA's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2005-18-14. This proposed AD 
would retain the existing requirements except the requirement to report 
inspection results, and mandate the previously optional terminating 
action.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD, at an average hourly labor rate of 
$80.

[[Page 20295]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Number of U.S.-
             Action                 Work      Parts    Cost per airplane      registered          Fleet cost
                                    hours                                      airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision and placard                 1        $0  $80...............  Up to 146.........  Up to $11,680.
 installation (an option in AD
 2005-18-14).
Detailed inspection (an option           1         0  $80, per            Up to 146.........  Up to $11,680, per
 in AD 2005-18-14).                                    inspection cycle.                       inspection cycle.
Borescope inspection (an option          3         0  $240, per           Up to 146.........  Up to $35,040, per
 in AD 2005-18-14).                                    inspection cycle.                       inspection cycle.
Hose replacement (new proposed           8       880  $1,520............  Up to 146.........  Up to $221,920.
 action).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14254 (70 FR 53540, September 9, 2005) and adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA): Docket No. FAA-
2007-27983; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-192-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 24, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-18-14.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Model 
Falcon 10 airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of in-service delamination of 
a flexible hose in the slat anti-icing system at a time earlier than 
previously reported. 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.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2005-18-14

Repetitive Detailed Inspections, or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
Revision and Placard Installation

    (f) Within 14 days after April 26, 2005 (the effective date of 
AD 2005-07-23, which was superseded by AD 2005-18-14), perform the 
actions specified in either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Revise the Limitations section of the Dassault Aviation 
Falcon 10 AFM, and install a placard in the flight deck, to include 
the following information:
    ``Flights into known or forecasted icing conditions are 
prohibited.''

The AFM revision may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the 
AFM. Install the placard on the pedestal in clear view of the pilot.
    (2) Determine the part number of each flexible hose installed in 
the slat anti-icing system, perform a detailed inspection of the 
internal walls of the hoses for delamination, and perform any 
applicable corrective action, by accomplishing all of the applicable 
actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault 
Alert Service Bulletin F10-A312, dated February 25, 2005. If the 
part number for any hose cannot be determined, before further 
flight, replace that hose with a hose having part number (P/N) 
FAL1005D. Any corrective action must be done before further flight. 
Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
60 flight cycles or 3 months, whichever is first, until the actions 
required by paragraph (i) of this AD are accomplished.

    Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (f)(1) 
of this AD has been included in the general revision of the AFM, the 
general revision may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this 
AD may be removed from the AFM.


    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''


[[Page 20296]]


    (g) For airplanes on which the actions described in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD are performed, doing the actions described in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is terminating action for the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Once the initial 
detailed inspection specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is 
performed, the AFM limitation and placard required by paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD may be removed.

Borescope Inspections

    (h) For airplanes not operated under the limitation in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD: Before the next 10 flight cycles in which the 
slat anti-icing system is activated after the effective date of this 
AD, do a borescope inspection of each flexible hose installed in the 
slat anti-icing system. Do all the inspections and any applicable 
corrective action (including replacing the hose with a new hose 
having P/N FAL1005D), by accomplishing all of the applicable actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Alert 
Service Bulletin F10-A312, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2005. Any 
corrective action must be done before further flight. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 flight cycles in 
which the slat anti-icing system is activated. Doing this inspection 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph 
(f)(2) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which the actions described in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD are performed, doing the actions described in 
paragraph (h) of this AD is terminating action for the requirements 
of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Once the initial borescope 
inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is performed, the 
AFM limitation and placard required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD 
may be removed.

AFM Revision

    (j) For airplanes not operated under the limitation in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD: Before further flight after the effective date of 
this AD, revise the Limitations section of the Dassault Aviation 
Falcon 10 AFM, to include the following information.
    ``After each flight in which the slat anti-ice system is 
activated, inform maintenance.''

The AFM revision may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the 
AFM.

    Note 3: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (j)(1) 
of this AD has been included in the general revision of the AFM, the 
general revision may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this 
AD may be removed from the AFM.

New Requirements of This AD

Hose Replacement

    (k) Within 330 flight hours or 7 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Replace the flexible hoses 
installed in the slat anti-icing system with new hoses having P/N 
FAL1007, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dassault Service Bulletin F10-313, Revision 1, dated May 10, 2006. 
This replacement terminates the requirements of paragraphs (f) 
through (j) of this AD. For airplanes previously operated under the 
limitation in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: When the hoses have been 
replaced, the AFM limitation and placard required by paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD may be removed. Repeat the hose replacement at 
intervals not to exceed 700 flight cycles.
    (l) Replacement of a hose before the effective date of this 
service bulletin in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F10-
313, dated August 10, 2005, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (k) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (m)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.
    (3) An AMOC approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-18-14 
is approved as an AMOC for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Related Information

    (n) EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0114, dated May 10, 2006, 
also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 16, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-7741 Filed 4-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P