AD 2003-05-09 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-Falcon 900 Series Airplanes

Models named: Falcon 2000. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model Falcon 2000 and Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes, certificated in any category. 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 (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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. 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: Inspection (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 aise NF L 23-321, dated September 2000; or National Aerospace Standard NASM20995CY15, dated April 1998. Before further flight, replace lock wires with snap wires that are listed in either the NFL or NASM standard, as specified in Maintenance Manual section 26-201, dated February 2003 (for Model Falcon 2000 series airplanes); or section 26-203, dated February 2003 (for Model Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes). Note 2: 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.” Alternative Methods of Compliance (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 an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: 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 (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. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French telegraphic airworthiness directive T2003-084(B), dated February 12, 2003. Effective Date (d) This amendment becomes effective on April 2, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 6, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-6261 Filed 3-17-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P