AD 2002-06-12 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 50 Series Airplanes

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

Model Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 222 to 286 inclusive, 288, 290, and 291. Note 1: 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 (d) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fuel leaks from the feeder tanks, which could result in fuel vapors in the cabin that could come into contact with ignition sources, accomplish the following: Leak Testing (a) Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a feeder tank leak test by sampling at the drain ports of frames 29 and 31, in accordance with Work Card No. 686.3/1 of the Dassault Falcon 50 Maintenance Manual, Revision 07, dated August 2001. Repeat the leak test at intervals not to exceed 13 months, until accomplishment of paragraph (c) of this AD. Corrective Action (b) If the feeder tank leak test indicates that a leak is present: Prior to further flight, renew the seal, in accordance with Work Card No. 686.4/1 of the Dassault Falcon 50 Maintenance Manual, Revision 07, dated August 2001. Modification (c) Within 78 months since the date of manufacture of the airplane: Rework the seals of the double-skin feeder tanks at frames 28 and 31, in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F50-328, dated May 31, 2000. Accomplishment of the rework terminates the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (e) 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. Incorporation by Reference (f) The modification shall be done in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F50-328, dated May 31, 2000. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2000-163-030(B), dated April 19, 2000. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 7, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 21, 2002. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-7411 Filed 4-1-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U