AD 2001-01-05 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 10 and Model Mystere-Falcon 50 Series Airplanes

Models named: Falcon 50 series, Falcon 10 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

AD Unnecessary for Falcon 50 One commenter, a pilot of Model Falcon 50 series airplanes, considers this AD to be unreasonable for those airplanes. The commenter cites a lack of incidents or accidents involving Model Falcon 50 series airplanes resulting from the parking brake being applied during takeoff. The commenter further suggests that the likelihood of such an event to occur is remote, based on the following considerations: • The parking brake handle on the Model Falcon 50 series airplane is in the normal line of sight for the pilot. • There are other cockpit indications available to advise the pilot if the parking brake is applied during takeoff. • Except for one abnormal procedure, the available operational procedures (provided by the AFM, operating manual, and formal instruction) direct the use of the parking brake only full forward or full aft (full on) when the engine is operating. The FAA infers that the commenter requests that Model Falcon 50 series airplanes be removed from the applicability of the proposed AD. The FAA does not concur. The FAA disagrees with the commenter's claim that no incidents have occurred as a result of the identified unsafe condition. In fact, several incidents have been reported, despite the considerations identified by the commenter. In 1997 in Bursa, Turkey, the flightcrew of a Model Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplane rejected a takeoff, resulting in damage to the aircraft. The reported aircraft behavior was analyzed in a flight simulator, which indicated that the takeoff was attempted with the parking brake engaged at the first detent. In addition, the FAA has received reports of three similar occurrences on Model Falcon 10 series airplanes, resulting in four casualties and two injuries. In all three incidents, the crew attempted takeoff with the parking brake engaged at the first detent. Therefore, because of these incidents related to the unsafe condition, the FAA finds it necessary to require the actions for the identified airplanes as proposed. No change to the final rule is warranted in this regard. Request to Revise

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent takeoff with the parking brake engaged, which could result in an extended takeoff roll or a rejected takeoff, and consequent runway overrun, accomplish the following: Model Mystere-Falcon 50 Series Airplanes: Modification (a) For Model Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes, within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the aircraft wiring to add the “park brake handle not pushed forward” condition in the illumination conditions of the “T/O CONFIG” red warning light on the cockpit warning panel in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F50-240, Revision 1, dated October 7, 1998. Note 2: Modification in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F50-240, dated April 5, 1995, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Model Falcon 10 Series Airplanes: Modification and Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (b) For Dassault Falcon 10 series airplanes, within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. (1) Install a “NO TAKEOFF” red light on each pilot's instrument panel and modify the associated aircraft wiring to activate the lights whenever the aircraft is not in the proper configuration for takeoff, in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F10-280, Revision 1, dated February 10, 1999. (2) Revise the Normal Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the information specified in Falcon 10 AFM DTM722 Temporary Change No. 17, dated March 31, 1995, which introduces procedures for checking that the “NO TAKEOFF” lights are out prior to takeoff; and operate the airplane in accordance with those limitations and procedures. Note 3: This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of Falcon 10 AFM DTM722 Temporary Change No. 17 in the AFM. When these temporary revisions have been incorporated into general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the information contained in the general revision is identical to that specified in Temporary Change No. 17. Note 4: Modification in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F10-280, dated September 6, 1995, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 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. Incorporation by Reference (e) Except as provided by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD: The actions shall be done in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F50-240, Revision 1, dated October 7, 1998; and Dassault Service Bulletin F10-280, Revision 1, dated February 10, 1999. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 98-300-022(B), dated July 29, 1998, and 98-547-022(B), dated December 30, 1998. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 22, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 8, 2001. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-1075 Filed 1-17-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U