Document ID: FAA-2017-0475-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Dassault Aviation Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-05-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 97 (Monday, May 22, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23163-23166]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10135]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0475; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-142-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of ice accretion on the airplane 
wing due to the failure of certain anti-ice piccolo tubes in the wing 
outboard slats. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections 
of each anti-ice piccolo tube and corrective action if necessary. This 
proposed AD also provides an optional terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 6, 2017.

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-2017-
0475; 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 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-2017-0475; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-142-AD'' at the beginning of

[[Page 23164]]

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 2016-0149, dated July 25, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation 
Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported of ice accretion on the wing, due to 
failure of the affected anti-ice piccolo tubes Part Number (P/N) 
FGFB725102. Investigation results indicated that some wing piccolo 
tubes P/N FGFB725102 could have manufacturing defects in their 
welded parts, which may have caused the rupture of the tubes, due to 
fatigue.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
undetected significant ice accretion on the wing, possibly resulting 
in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, [Dassault Aviation] 
DA issued Service Bulletin (SB) F2000-431 Revision 1 and SB F2000EX-
391 Revision 1 (hereafter referred to collectively as `the 
applicable SB' in this [EASA] AD) to provide instructions for 
endoscopic inspection of the tubes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of each wing outboard slat piccolo tube [for 
discrepancies, i.e., manufacturing defects, cracking, and loss of 
material in the welded parts] and, depending on findings, 
replacement of the piccolo tube(s) [and the outboard slat] with a 
[new or] serviceable part.

    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-2017-
0475.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Dassault Aviation issued Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, 
dated June 6, 2016; and Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated 
June 6, 2016. The service information describes procedures for 
endoscopic inspections of the anti-ice piccolo tube on each wing 
outboard slat, and replacement or re-identification of affected anti-
ice piccolo tubes and outboard slats. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models. 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 the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 348 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................  6 work-hours x $85 per               $0  $510 per            $177,480 per
                                  hour = $510 per                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that will 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.

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.

[[Page 23165]]

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-2017-0475; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-142-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 6, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and 
FALCON 2000EX airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of ice accretion on the airplane 
wing due to the failure of certain anti-ice piccolo tubes in the 
wing outboard slats. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
manufacturing defects in the anti-ice piccolo tubes in the wing 
outboard slats. This condition could lead to undetected significant 
ice accretion on a wing, resulting in loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Affected Anti-Ice Piccolo Tubes

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an affected anti-ice piccolo 
tube meets at least one of the conditions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Has part number (P/N) FGFB725102 (left-hand side (LH)) or P/
N FGFB726102 (right-hand side (RH)).
    (ii) Is installed on a wing outboard slat having a part number 
identified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.

Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of This AD--Affected Outboard Slats Part
                                 Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   LH                                   RH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FGFB134................................  FGFB144.
FGFB134A1 to FGFB134A9 inclusive.......  FGFB144A1 to FGFB144A9
                                          inclusive.
FGFB134B1..............................  FGFB144B1.
FFGFB134C1 to FGFB134C4 inclusive......  FGFB144C1 to FGFB144C4
                                          inclusive.
From FGFB134D1 to FGFB134D4 inclusive..  FGFB144D1 to FGFB144D4
                                          inclusive.
FGFB135 and FGFB135M...................  FGFB145 and FGFB145M.
FGFB135A1 to FGFB135A4 inclusive.......  FGFB145A1 to FGFB145A4
                                          inclusive.
From FGFB135A1M to FGFB135A4M inclusive  FGFB145A1M to FGFB145A4M
                                          inclusive.
From FGFB135B1 to FGFB135B3 inclusive..  FGFB145B1 to FGFB145B3
                                          inclusive.
FGFB135B1M to FGFB135B3M inclusive.....  FGFB145B1M to FGFB145B3M
                                          inclusive.
F2MB135................................  F2MB145.
F2MB135A1..............................  F2MB145A1.
F2MB135L1 to F2MB135L5 inclusive.......  F2MB145L1 to F2MB145L5
                                          inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) If the outboard slat part number is identified in table 2 to 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, the anti-ice piccolo tube is not 
affected because the outboard slat has already been retrofitted with 
a new stiffened anti-ice piccolo tube, and no action is required by 
this AD for that piccolo tube.

 Table 2 to Paragraph (g)(2) of This AD--Serviceable Outboard Slats Part
                                 Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   LH                                   RH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FGFB134P...............................  FGFB144P.
FGFB134A1P through FGFB134A9P inclusive  FGFB144A1P through FGFB144A9P
                                          inclusive.
FGFB134B1P.............................  FGFB144B1P.
FFGFB134C1P to FGFB134C4P inclusive....  FGFB144C1P to FGFB144C4P
                                          inclusive.
From FGFB134D1P to FGFB134D4P inclusive  FGFB144D1P to FGFB144D4P
                                          inclusive.
FGFB135P and FGFB135MP.................  FGFB145P and FGFB145MP.
FGFB135A1P to FGFB135A4P inclusive.....  FGFB145A1P to FGFB145A4P
                                          inclusive.
From FGFB135A1MP to FGFB135A4MP          FGFB145A1MP to FGFB145A4MP
 inclusive.                               inclusive.
From FGFB135B1P to FGFB135B3P inclusive  FGFB145B1P to FGFB145B3P
                                          inclusive.
FGFB135B1MP to FGFB135B3MP inclusive...  FGFB145B1MP to FGFB145B3MP
                                          inclusive.
F2MB135P...............................  F2MB145P.
F2MB135A1P.............................  F2MB145A1P.
F2MB135L1P to F2MB135L5P inclusive.....  F2MB145L1P to F2MB145L5P
                                          inclusive.
F2MB135L6 to F2MB135L7 inclusive.......  F2MB145L6 to F2MB145L7
                                          inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Inspections

    If an anti-ice piccolo tube has been determined to be affected, 
as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time 
specified in table 3 to paragraph (h) of this AD, do an endoscopic 
inspection for discrepancies, i.e., manufacturing defects, cracking, 
and loss of material in the welded parts of each affected anti-ice 
piccolo tube, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; 
or Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; as 
applicable. Repeat the endoscopic inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed those specified in table 3 to paragraph (h) of this 
AD, until the modification specified in paragraph (j) of this AD is 
done.

[[Page 23166]]

                      Table 3 to Paragraph (h) of this AD--Compliance Times for Inspections
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Airplane model                    Initial inspection            Repetitive inspection intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FALCON 2000 airplanes.................  Prior to exceeding 2,000       2,000 flight cycles.
                                         flight cycles since the
                                         airplane's first flight, or
                                         within 1,000 flight cycles
                                         after the effective date of
                                         this AD, whichever occurs
                                         later.
FALCON 2000EX airplanes...............  Prior to exceeding 1,000       1,000 flight cycles.
                                         flight cycles since the
                                         airplane's first flight, or
                                         within 500 flight cycles
                                         after the effective date of
                                         this AD, whichever occurs
                                         later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Corrective Action

    If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the 
affected anti-ice piccolo tube with a new or serviceable part, and 
replace or re-identify the affected wing outboard slat as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; 
or Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; as 
applicable.

(j) Optional Terminating Action

    Modification of an airplane by installing a new or serviceable 
anti-ice piccolo tube, and replacing or re-identifying the affected 
wing outboard slat, terminates the repetitive inspections required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD, if done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-431, 
Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; or Service Bulletin F2000EX-391, 
Revision 1, dated June 6, 2016; as applicable.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable, no person may install on any airplane an affected 
anti-ice piccolo tube or an affected outboard slat.
    (1) For an airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
an affected anti-ice piccolo tube or an affected outboard slat 
installed: Before further flight after modification of that airplane 
as required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) For an airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, does 
not have an affected anti-ice piccolo tube or an affected outboard 
slat installed: As of the effective date of this AD.

(l) Later-Approved Parts

    Installation on an airplane of an anti-ice piccolo tube having a 
part number approved after the effective date of this AD is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (i) or 
paragraph (j) of this AD, as applicable, provided the conditions in 
paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD are met.
    (1) The anti-ice piccolo tube part number must be 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).
    (2) The installation of the anti-ice piccolo tube must be 
accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA DOA.

(m) 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 the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. 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.
    (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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0149, dated July 25, 2016, 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-2017-0475.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.
    (3) 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 May 11, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10135 Filed 5-19-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P