AD 2003-11-05 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 900 and Falcon 900EX Series Airplanes

Models named: Falcon 900EX series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes, serial numbers 184 through 187 inclusive; and Model Falcon 900EX series airplanes, serial numbers 28 and 65 through 85 inclusive; 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 prevent an uncontrolled fire in the cabin due to self-adhering soundproofing mats under the passenger consoles in the cabin, which are not sufficiently fire-retardant, accomplish the following: Mat Replacement (a) Within seven months after the effective date of this AD, replace the self-adhering soundproofing mats with mats that are not self-adhering and are sufficiently fire-retardant, per paragraphs 2.A. through 2.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F900-220 (for Model Mystere-Falcon 900 series airplanes), or F900EX-109 (for Model Falcon 900EX series airplanes); both dated June 29, 2001. 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 2: 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. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions must be done in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F900-220, dated June 29, 2001; or Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-109, dated June 29, 2001; as applicable. 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 2001-267-035(B), dated June 27, 2001. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 3, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 20, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-13121 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P