Document ID: FAA-2008-0641-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 7X Airplanes
Posted Date: 2008-06-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register: June 19, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 119)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 34854-34856]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19jn08-6]                         

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0641; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-105-AD; 
Amendment 39-15573; AD 2008-13-10]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 7X Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Investigation following incidents on the production line has 
shown that power feeders inside the Secondary Power Distribution 
Boxes (SPDB) may be damaged because of interference with other 
internal parts. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to losing 
essential feeders. The resulting power shortage may reduce aircraft 
operability and affect flight safety margins.
* * * * *
    Damaged secondary power distribution boxes could lead to loss of 
electrical power resulting in depressurization with loss of passenger 
oxygen supply and uncommanded slat retraction. This AD requires actions 
that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the 
MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 7, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication, listed in the AD as of July 7, 
2008.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 21, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0085-E, dated May 6, 2008 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Investigation following incidents on the production line has 
shown that power feeders inside the Secondary Power Distribution 
Boxes (SPDB) may be damaged because of interference with other 
internal parts. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to losing 
essential feeders. The resulting power shortage may reduce aircraft 
operability and affect flight safety margins.
    To address and correct the unsafe condition, an upgraded SPDB 
with improved internal feeder routing has been developed.
    For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires replacement of all affected SPDB with upgraded units 
and, in the meantime, the implementation of temporary Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) procedures and Master Minimum Equipment List 
(MMEL) restrictions before replacement of all affected SPDB.

    Damaged secondary power distribution boxes could lead to loss of 
electrical power resulting in depressurization with loss of passenger 
oxygen supply and uncommanded slat retraction. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Dassault has issued Service Bulletin 7X-064, dated April 16, 2008. 
The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S.

[[Page 34855]]

operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend 
to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and 
related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
operators must adhere to certain operational and dispatch limitations 
to prevent possible catastrophic situations from loss of essential 
buses through damage to the SPDBs. Therefore, we determined that notice 
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0641; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-NM-105-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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 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); 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-13-10 Dassault Aviation (Formerly Avions Marcel Dassault-
Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA)): Amendment 39-15573. Docket No. FAA-2008-
0641; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-105-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 7, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Dassault Model Falcon 7X airplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category, if equipped with 
secondary power distribution box (SPDB) units with part number (P/N) 
SPD500-B3, SPD600-A9, SPD300-B3-A6 and/or SPD400-B4-A6, except those 
airplanes that have received modification M890 prior to delivery.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: 
Electrical Power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Investigation following incidents on the production line has 
shown that power feeders inside the Secondary Power Distribution 
Boxes (SPDB) may be damaged because of interference with other 
internal parts. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to losing 
essential feeders. The resulting power shortage may reduce aircraft 
operability and affect flight safety margins.
    To address and correct the unsafe condition, an upgraded SPDB 
with improved internal feeder routing has been developed.
    For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires replacement of all affected SPDB with upgraded units 
and, in the meantime, the implementation of temporary Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) procedures and Master Minimum Equipment List 
(MMEL) restrictions before replacement of all affected SPDB.
    Damaged secondary power distribution boxes could lead to loss of 
electrical power resulting in depressurization with loss of 
passenger oxygen supply and uncommanded slat retraction.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the AFM to include the following 
information. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the 
AFM. These temporary amendments take precedence over the same 
procedures displayed through the electronic check list (ECL) in the 
aircraft.
    ``[cir] Dispatch with ATA27 Flight Controls MMEL items is not 
authorized.
    [cir] Dispatch with IRS 3 inoperative is not authorized.
    [cir] Land as soon as possible upon display on Crew Alerting 
system of following messages per the AFM as already requested for 
ELEC: LH FRONT ESS FAIL (AFM 3-190-50):
     ELEC: LH REAR ESS FAIL (AFM 3-190-50)
     ELEC: RH FRONT ESS FAIL (AFM 3-190-55)
     ELEC: RH REAR ESS FAIL (AFM 3-190-55)''

    Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (f)(1) 
of this AD has been

[[Page 34856]]

included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions 
may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed 
from the AFM.

    (2) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
all SPDB units with upgraded units in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-064, 
dated April 16, 2008. After replacement of all SPDB units as 
required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, the limitations required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Although the MCAI specifies to amend the Abnormal 
Procedures section of the AFM, the Quick Reference Handbook 2, and 
the Master Minimum Equipment List, this AD instead requires revising 
only the Limitations section of the AFM. Operators must comply with 
the terms of the Limitations section, as specified in section 91.9 
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 91.9).

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0085-E, dated May 6, 2008, 
and Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-064, dated April 16, 2008, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-064, dated April 
16, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 
07606.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-13712 Filed 6-18-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P