AD 98-13-15 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 200, Fan Jet Falcon, and Mystere-Falcon 20 Series Airplanes

Models named: Mystere-Falcon 200, Fan Jet Falcon, Mystere-Falcon 20 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model Mystere-Falcon 200, Fan Jet Falcon, and Mystere-Falcon 20 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 prevent loss of the wing-to-fuselage upper fairings during flight, which could result in the fairings impacting the engines or tail sections, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 7 months or 330 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with Chapter 53-50-0, dated May 1996, of Fan Jet Falcon Dassault Aviation Maintenance Manual Phase 34, dated June 1997 (for Model Fan Jet Falcon and Mystere-Falcon 20 series airplanes); or Chapter 53, Procedure 731-3 of Mystere-Falcon 200 Dassault Aviation Maintenance Manual, Revision 12, dated April 30, 1996 (for Model Mystere-Falcon 200 series airplanes); as applicable. (1) Perform an inspection to detect cracks at the attaching holes of the wing-to-fuselage fairings and to ensure tightness of the screws. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, repair. If a repair is not specified in the applicable maintenance manual, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 6 months or 300 flight hours, whichever occurs first. (2) Install cupwashers under the vertical seams of the upper fairings. (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. 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. (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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 96-092-021(B), dated April 24, 1996; and 96-246-022(B), dated November 6, 1996. (d) This amendment becomes effective on July 23, 1998. [[Page 33246]] Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-16052 Filed 6-17-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U