Document ID: FAA-2016-7420-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Dassault Aviation Airplanes
Posted Date: 2016-07-01T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 127 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43120-43122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15290]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-7420; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-017-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; 
Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and 
MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report 
that, during approach for landing, the main entry door detached from an 
airplane. This proposed AD would require a one-time functional test or 
check of the main entry door closure and warning system, and applicable 
door closing inspections, adjustments, and operational tests, and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct defective crew/passenger doors. Such a condition could result 
in the in-flight opening or detachment of the crew/passenger door, 
which could result in loss of control of the airplane and injury to 
persons on the ground.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Dassault 
Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South 
Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7420; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed 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

[[Page 43121]]

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, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-7420; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-017-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0007, dated January 15, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation 
Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, 
and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; Model MYSTERE-
FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and MYSTERE-FALCON 50 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During approach for landing, a Myst[egrave]re-Falcon 20-X5 lost 
the main entrance door [MED] at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The 
flight crew maintained control of the aeroplane to land 
uneventfully. The results of the preliminary technical 
investigations concluded that the cause of this event could be 
either a broken cable, or an unlocked safety catch, associated with 
one or two deficient micro switches.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight opening and/or detachment of the Crew/Passenger door, 
possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane, and/or 
injury to persons on the ground.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault Aviation 
issued Service Bulletins (SB) F20-789, F200-133 and MF50-531, 
providing instructions for inspection/adjustment, as well as an 
operational test of the Crew/Passenger door closure.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time accomplishment of a functional test/check of the MED closure/
warning system. It also requires [a general visual] inspection and 
operational test of the Crew/Passenger door [including the control 
and latching mechanisms] and, depending on findings, applicable 
corrective actions.

    Corrective actions include adjusting the telescopic rod bolts on 
the door until the clearance between the lower part of the door and the 
fuselage is within the specified tolerances. The corrective actions for 
the control and latching mechanisms include adjusting components and 
replacing damaged components (including pull latches, microswitches, 
pulleys, and cables). Signs of damage include cracks, corrosion, wear, 
and distortion.You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2016-7420.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We received the following service information.
     Dassault Service Bulletin F20-789, also referred to as 
789, dated December 9, 2014.
     Dassault Service Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 
531, dated December 9, 2014.
     Dassault Service Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 
133, dated December 9, 2014.
    The service information describes procedures for inspections, 
adjustments, and operational tests of certain doors and corrective 
actions. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 392 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $133,280, or $340 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
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 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 this 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

[[Page 43122]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2016-7420; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-017-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 15, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Dassault Aviation airplanes, certificated 
in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of 
this AD, all airplanes.
    (1) Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes.
    (2) Model FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
    (3) Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes.
    (4) Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 
airplanes.
    (5) Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that, during approach for 
landing, the main entry door detached from an airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct defective crew/passenger 
doors. Such a condition could result in the in-flight opening or 
detachment of the crew/passenger door, which could result in loss of 
control of the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified.

(g) Main Entry/Passenger/Crew Door Check or Functional Test

    Within 65 days after the effective date of this AD, unless done 
within 6 months before the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable functional test or door lock check specified in paragraph 
(g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Dassault 
Aviation's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) For Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 
20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes: A functional test of the 
passenger/crew door warning system.
    (2) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes: A check of the door 
locking indicator system.
    (3) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes: A check of the door 
lock indication.

(h) Main Entry/Passenger/Crew Door Closing Inspections, Adjustments, 
and Operational Tests and Corrective Actions

    Within 330 flight hours or 13 months, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, unless already done: Do the 
applicable door closing inspections, adjustments, and operational 
tests, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
information identified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of 
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) For Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 
20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes: Dassault Service Bulletin F20-
789, also referred to as 789, dated December 9, 2014.
    (2) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes: Dassault Service 
Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 133, dated December 9, 2014.
    (3) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes: Dassault Service 
Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 531, dated December 9, 2014.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax: 425-227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 
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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Dassault Aviation's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0007, dated January 15, 
2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-7420.
    (2) 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 http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21 2016.
Dorr Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-15290 Filed 6-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P