Document ID: FAA-2017-0496-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Dassault Aviation Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-05-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 102 (Tuesday, May 30, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24603-24606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10543]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0496; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-103-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 
certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by a report indicating that, under certain operational 
takeoff conditions, the available thrust in relation with the N1 
indication is less than a certified value, which could affect the 
safety margins with an engine failure during takeoff. This proposed AD 
would require modifying each engine by updating the electronic engine 
control (EEC) software and adjusting the engine N1 trim value, and 
revising the airplane flight manual. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 14, 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.

[[Page 24604]]

    For Dassault 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. For Pratt & Whitney Canada service information 
identified in this NPRM, contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 
Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; telephone 800-268-
8000; fax 450-647-2888; Internet http://www.pwc.ca. 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-
0496; 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-2017-0496; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-103-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 2016-0063, dated March 31, 2016 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault 
Aviation FALCON 7X airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A review of the Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) 307A engine data 
files has disclosed that, under certain operational take-off 
conditions (high altitude runway and low temperature), the available 
thrust in relation with N1 indication is less than certified and 
described in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
    This condition, if not corrected, affects the safety margins 
with an engine failure during take-off, possibly resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, PWC developed an 
interim correction [i.e., modifying each engine installed on the 
airplane], to be embodied in service with PWC Service Bulletin (SB) 
47202, which allows augmenting the thrust through a general N1-
detrimming. Subsequently, PWC developed a new Engine Electronic 
Control (EEC) software version, which provides a definitive 
correction of the thrust rating deficiency. PWC published SB 47216 
that provides instructions for in service installation of EEC 
software version 307A0514.
    Concurrently with these developments, Dassault Aviation 
published SB 7X-287 to provide aeroplane modification instructions 
and also revised the performance charts relevant to the new thrust 
rating, available with AFM Revision 21 (incorporating Temporary 
Revision CP098).
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of each engine, installation of the new software 
version, and amendment of the applicable AFM.

    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-
0496.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Dassault Falcon 7X AFM, Revision 21, dated November 20, 
2015, which incorporates AFM CP098 (provides performance charts 
relevant to the new thrust rating).
    We reviewed Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-287, also referred to as 
287, dated January 4, 2016. This service information describes 
procedures for modifying each engine installed on the airplane by 
updating the EEC, which includes performing tests after removal and 
installation of the EEC.
    We reviewed Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-72-47202, 
Revision 3, also referred to as 47202R3, dated March 10, 2016. This 
service information describes procedures for modifying an engine by 
adjusting the engine N1 trim value for PW307A engines.
    We reviewed Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-72-47216, 
also referred to as 47216, dated January 13, 2016. This service 
information describes procedures for modifying each engine installed on 
the airplane by updating the EEC, which includes installing software 
EEC version 307A0514.
    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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI specifies modifying each engine installed on the airplane 
by adjusting the engine N1 trim value within 30 days. In this proposed 
AD, the engine N1 trim adjustment is required prior to or concurrently 
with the engine modification to update the EEC software, which is 
required within 12 months. We have determined that this compliance time 
adequately addresses the identified unsafe condition and provides an 
acceptable level of safety.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 62 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 24605]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification and AFM Revision......  6 work-hours x $85 per hour         $19,002         $19,512      $1,209,744
                                      = $510.
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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.

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-2017-0496; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-103-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 14, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all serial numbers, except airplanes 
modified with Dassault Aviation modification (Mod) M1389.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 76, Engine 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that, under certain 
operational takeoff conditions, the available thrust in relation 
with the N1 indication is less than a certified value, which could 
affect the safety margins with an engine failure during takeoff. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent a reduction in available engine 
thrust during certain operational takeoff conditions, which could 
affect the safety margins with an engine failure during takeoff and 
could result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification--Software Update

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
each engine installed on the airplane by updating the electronic 
engine control (EEC) (installation of software EEC version 
307A0514), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-287, also referred to as 287, dated 
January 4, 2016; and Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-
72-47216, also referred to as 47216, dated January 13, 2016.

(h) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Concurrently with the modification of an airplane required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, revise the applicable AFM of that airplane 
by inserting a copy of Dassault Falcon 7X AFM, Revision 21, dated 
November 20, 2015 (incorporating AFM CP098).

(i) Modification--N1 Detrim

    Prior to or concurrently with the modification of an airplane 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, modify each engine installed 
on the airplane by adjusting the engine N1 trim value, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt & Whitney Canada 
Service Bulletin PW300-72-47202, Revision 3, also referred to as 
47202R3, dated March 10, 2016.

(j) Replacement Limitation

    After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD, installation of a replacement engine on that airplane is 
allowed, provided that, prior to installation, it is positively 
established that the engine embodies software EEC version 307A0514. 
Modification of a pre-mod engine to embody this software can be 
accomplished in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-72-47216, also 
referred to as 47216, dated January 13, 2016.

(k) Alternative Replacements

    Installation of a replacement engine or replacement EEC unit on 
an airplane after the effective date of this AD, which embodies a 
later software EEC version, is acceptable for compliance with 
paragraph (g) of this AD, provided the conditions specified in 
paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD are met.
    (1) The software EEC version 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 must be accomplished in accordance with 
airplane modification instructions approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA DOA.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using service information in paragraph (l)(1), 
(l)(2), or (l)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-72-47202, also 
referred to as 47202, dated June 17, 2014.
    (2) Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-72-47202, 
Revision 1, also referred to as 47202R1, dated November 18, 2014.

[[Page 24606]]

    (3) Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW300-72-47202, 
Revision 2, also referred to as 47202R2, dated January 5, 2016.

(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 manager of 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 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 Airworthiness Directive 2016-0063, dated March 31, 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-2017-0496.
    (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 Dassault 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. For Pratt & Whitney Canada service 
information identified in this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Canada 
Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; 
telephone 800-268-8000; fax 450-647-2888; Internet http://www.pwc.ca. 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 15, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10543 Filed 5-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P