Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
Final rule; request for comments.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepant wires in the fire control panel for the engines and auxiliary power unit (APU), and corrective action if necessary. This action is necessary to ensure that the correct wires are installed in the fire control panel so that the flight crew can activate the fire extinguishers in the event of an engine or APU fire. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
Effective April 2, 2003.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before April 17, 2003.
Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003–NM–53–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
Information related to this AD may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227–1149.
The Direction Ge
Dassault Maintenance Manual sections 26–201 (for Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes) and 26–203 (for Model Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes) provide instructions for checking the correct operation of the fire extinguisher control switches. The manufacturer has revised these sections of the maintenance manuals to, among other things, correctly identify the wires for installation on the fire control panel. The revisions are dated February 2003.
The DGAC issued French telegraphic airworthiness directive T2003–084(B), dated February 12, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France by mandating immediate checks for lock wires in the fire control panel and replacement of lock wires with snap wires.
These airplane models 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. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to ensure that the correct wires are installed in the fire control panel so that the flight crew can activate the fire extinguishers in the event of an engine or APU fire. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection to detect discrepant (lock) wires, and replacement of lock wires with snap wires.
The French airworthiness directive mandates that operators check for discrepant wires before the next flight. The FAA recognizes the unsafe condition presented by this situation but finds that an 8-day compliance time is adequate in consideration of the safety implications, the average utilization rate of the affected fleet, the practical aspects of scheduling an orderly inspection of the fleet, and the availability of required replacement parts. The FAA cannot justify the significant economic impact on
The DGAC identifies “MS20995CY15” as one of the standards that identifies the correct wires for the fire control panel described in this AD. The FAA has learned that that document has been canceled and replaced by National Aerospace Standard NASM20995CY15, which is listed in paragraph (a) of this AD.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption
Submit comments using the following format:
• Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
• For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.
• Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket Number 2003–NM–53–AD.” The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
To ensure that the correct wires are installed on the fire control panel so that the flight crew is able to activate the fire extinguishers in the event of a fire, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 8 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the wires on the fire control panel to determine if they are identified in the norms specified in Norme franc
For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through
Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM–116.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
The subject of this AD is addressed in French telegraphic airworthiness directive T2003–084(B), dated February 12, 2003.
(d) This amendment becomes effective on April 2, 2003.