2010-10-24 Dassault-Aviation: Amendment 39-16303. Docket No. FAA- 2009-0791; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-213-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 25, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Dassault-Aviation Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX airplanes, certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
During the overhaul of a Main Landing Gear (MLG) of a Falcon 2000, the sleeve on the hydraulic flow restrictor in the shock absorber was found displaced, because of the rupture of its three retaining screws. In this situation, the energy dissipation function of the shock absorber is lost and high loads may be transmitted to the aircraft structure during landing. Structural integrity may thus not be guaranteed over the entire certified landing conditions domain particularly in combination of high landing weight and high vertical speed.
Failure of the retaining screws has been determined to be the final phase of a slow unscrewing process under normal operational conditions. The unsafe condition only exists once the three screws have failed.
For the reasons described above, Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-0178 had been released to require a repetitive borescope inspection of the flow restriction system [for damage; such as condition of the sleeve of the dumping device, and broken or loose screws] and, if necessary, repair of the shock absorber per Dassault Aviation Service Bulletins (SB) F2000-367 and F2000EX-185 (corresponding to modification M3120) developed with the landing gear manufacturer's instructions. * * *
After qualification testing, modification M3120 has been approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as a definitive solution.
As a consequence, the present AD retains the requirements of AD 2008-0178 which is superseded and introduces M3120 as a terminating action to the repetitive inspections requirement, and further mandates its embodiment no later than the next MLG shock absorber overhaul.
The unsafe condition is failure of three retaining screws of the MLG shock absorber, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes. The repair can include additional inspections, modifying the shock absorbers, and contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions and doing the repair.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For airplanes on which each new or previously overhauled MLG shock absorber has accumulated 4,200 or more total landings since new or overhauled as of the effective date of this AD: Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the shock absorber for damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366, Revision 2; or F2000EX-167, Revision 1; both dated December 1, 2008; as applicable. If any damage is found, repair the shock absorber at the time specified in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366, Revision 2; or F2000EX-167, Revision 1; both dated December 1, 2008; as applicable.
(2) For airplanes on which each new or previously overhauled MLG shock absorber has accumulated 1,900 or more total landings and less than 4,200 total landings since new or overhauled as of the effective date of this AD: At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, inspect the shock absorber for damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366, Revision 2; or F2000EX-167, Revision 1; both dated December 1, 2008; as applicable. If any damage is found, repair the shock absorber at the applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366, Revision 2; or F2000EX-167, Revision 1; both dated December 1, 2008; as applicable.
(i) For airplanes on which 6 or more steep-approach landings have been performed before the effective date of this AD: Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(ii) For airplanes on which less than or equal to 5 steep- approach landings have been performed before the effective date of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD or 5,000 total landings since new or overhauled, whichever occurs first, do the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes on which each new or previously overhauled MLG shock absorber has accumulated less than 1,900 total landings since new or overhauled as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 3,000 total landings sincenew or overhauled, inspect the shock absorber for damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366, Revision 2; or F2000EX-167, Revision 1; both dated December 1, 2008; as applicable. If any damage is found, repair the shock absorber at the time specified in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366, Revision 2; or F2000EX-167, Revision 1; both dated December 1, 2008; as applicable.
Table 1--Compliance Times for Repair
Damage Found
Compliance Time
1, 2, or 3 loose screws
Within 12 months after the finding
1 broken screw
Within 6 months after the finding
2 or 3 broken screws
Within 10 flight cycles after the finding
3 broken screws with detached damping device
Before further flight
(4) Repeat the inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,900 landings until accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(5) Accomplishment of any inspection or repair before the effective date of this AD in accordance the applicable service information specified in Table 2 of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.
Table 2--Credit Service Information
Document
Revision
Date
Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366
1
August 18, 2008
Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000EX-167
Original
August 18, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-366
Original
April 18, 2008
(6) For airplanes on which Dassault Modification M3120 has not been embodied as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 6,000 total landings or 144 months on each new or previously overhauled MLG shock absorber, whichever occurs first: Modify the existing left- and right-hand MLG shock absorbers by installing MLG shock absorbers with part number (P/N) D23365000-4 orP/N D23366000-4 (for Model Falcon 2000 airplanes), or P/N D23745000- 2 or P/N D23746000-2 (for Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-185, Revision 2; or F2000-367, Revision 4; both dated February 4, 2009; as applicable. Where these service bulletins specify contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions, contact the manufacturer and do the repair at the applicable compliance times specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin.
(7) Accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the applicable service information specified in Table 3 of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.
Table 3--Credit Service Information for Modification
Document
Revision
Date
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-185
Original
August 18, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-185
1
December 1, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-367
1
July 10, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-367
2
August 18, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-367
3
December 1, 2008
(8) Accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(4) of this AD.
(9) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane as a replacement part, a MLG shock absorber, unless it has been modified according to the requirements specified in paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: Paragraph (1) of the MCAI requires updating the operator's maintenance program; however, that action is not required by this AD. The maintenance program does not require FAA approval.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Attn: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2009-0050, dated March 5, 2009, and the service information identified in Table 4 of this AD, for related information.
Table 4--Service Information
Document
Revision
Date
Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366
2
December 1, 2008
Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000EX-167
1
December 1, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-367
4
February 4, 2009
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-185
2
February 4, 2009
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the applicable service information contained in Table 5 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 5--Material Incorporated by Reference
Document
Revision
Date
Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000-366
2
December 1, 2008
Dassault Mandatory Service Bulletin F2000EX-167
1
December 1, 2008
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000-367
4
February 4, 2009
Dassault Service Bulletin F2000EX-185
2
February 4, 2009
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606; telephone 201-440-6700; Internet http:// www.dassaultfalcon.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.