AD 2005-04-02 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 10 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to all Dassault Model Falcon 10 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (f) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the Limitations Section of the Falcon 10 AFM by incorporating Dassault Temporary Change (TC) 24, dated March 1, 2002, into the AFM. That TC provides procedures to the flightcrew for touchdown using the main landing gear to avoid a three-point landing. Thereafter, operate the airplane in accordance with the limitations specified in the AFM revision. (g) When the information in TC 24 has been included in general revisions of the AFM, the TC may be removed from the AFM, provided the relevant information in the general revision is identical to that in TC 24. Repetitive Inspections (h) Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD: Do an ultrasonic inspection of the piston rod of the drag strut actuator of the NLG for cracks in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F10-294, dated March 20, 2002. After the initial inspection has been done, the TC required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be removed from the AFM. (1) If any crack is found: Before further flight, replace the cracked drag strut actuator with an airworthy part having the same part number, or do the terminating modification specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (2) If no crack is found: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 landings on the drag strut actuator. Terminating Modification (i) Accomplishment of the modification of the drag strut actuator in accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin F10-297, dated October 1, 2003, and prior or concurrent accomplishment of the related modification in accordance with Messier-Hispano-Bugatti Falcon 10 Service Bulletin 511-32-26, dated November 9, 1979, ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Additional Source of Service Information (j) Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 747721-32-057, dated February 5, 2003, is referenced in Dassault Service Bulletin F10-294 as an additional source of service information for replacing the drag strut actuator rod. Actions Not Required (k) Dassault Service Bulletin F10-294 recommends returning the drag strut actuator to the component repair agent for replacement if a crack is found, but this AD requires doing the terminating modification specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (l) Dassault Service Bulletins F10-294 and F10-297 recommend submitting certain inspection results to the manufacturer. This AD does not require those actions. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (m) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (n) French airworthiness directive 2002-137(B) dated March 20, 2002, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (o) You must use the service information that is specified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of those documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference Service information Revision level Date Dassault Service Bulletin F10-294 Original Mar. 20, 2002. Dassault Service Bulletin F10-297 Original Oct. 1, 2003. Dassault Temporary Change 24 to the Falcon 10 Airplane Flight Manual Original Mar. 1, 2002. Messier-Hispano-Bugatti Falcon 10 Service Bulletin 511-32-26 Original Nov. 9, 1979. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 3, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-2844 Filed 2-17-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the piston rod of the drag strut actuator of the nose landing gear (NLG). We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking and/or fracture of the piston rod of the drag strut actuator of the NLG, which could result in a gear-up landing, structural damage, and possible injury to passengers and crew.