AD 2006-09-04 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Falcon 900EX Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Dassault Model Falcon 900EX airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial numbers 1 through 137 inclusive.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin References (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-220, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2005. Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement. Inspection for and Installation of Missing Rivets (g) Prior to accumulating 7,500 total flight hours, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Do a general visual inspection of the number 2 engine left- and right-hand forward mounts for missing rivets, in accordance with the service bulletin. If any rivet is missing, before further flight, install the new rivet, in accordance with the service bulletin. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 ensure visual access to all 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.” Inspections and Installations According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (h) Inspecting for and installing rivets is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-220, dated April 14, 2004. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (j) French airworthiness directive F-2005-066, dated April 27, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Dassault Service Bulletin F900EX-220, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-4053 Filed 5-2-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of two missing rivets in the front section of the central engine mast discovered on airplanes in service and in production. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing rivets in the front section of the central engine mast, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the central engine mast, possible separation of the engine from the airplane during flight, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.