Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes, 14022-14024 [2025-05300]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 59 (Friday, March 28, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14022-14024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05300]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2022; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00189-T; 
Amendment 39-22993; AD 2025-06-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, FALCON 900EX, and FALCON 
2000EX airplanes. This AD was prompted by reported occurrences of 
swelling of the lithium-polymer internal and external batteries of 
certain electronic display units (EDUs). This AD requires modifying 
certain EDUs and prohibits the installation of affected parts, as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2022; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 
000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find 
this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
     You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 206-231-3226; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Dassault 
Aviation Model FALCON 7X, FALCON 900EX, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 21, 2024 (89 FR 
67572). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0072, dated March 15, 2024 
(EASA AD 2024-0072) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, 
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European 
Union. The MCAI states that occurrences were reported of swelling of 
the lithium polymer internal and external batteries of CMA-1310 EDUs 
having part number (P/N) 100-604073-000, with a mod-status between 2 
and 6 (inclusive). The swelling occurs due to a high inrush charge and 
discharge current stress condition applied on a deeply discharged 
lithium-polymer battery.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying certain EDUs and 
to prohibit the installation of affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 
2024-0072. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent internal and external 
battery swelling. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to 
the thermal runaway of a battery, possibly resulting in the release of 
heat, smoke, fire, and explosion in the cockpit.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2022.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from an individual who supported the NPRM 
without change. The FAA also received comments from an individual who 
supported the NPRM and had additional comments.

Request To Provide Phased Compliance Time

    An individual requested that the FAA provide a phased compliance 
time to help operators, especially in remote areas, deal with 
logistical problems and

[[Page 14023]]

get on board with the AD. The individual added that this would allow 
time for parts to be available, help to minimize operational 
disruption, and maintain safety.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered the 
recommendations of the manufacturer, the urgency associated with the 
subject unsafe condition, the availability of required parts, and the 
practical aspect of accomplishing the required modification within a 
period of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for 
most affected operators. According to the manufacturer, an ample number 
of required parts will be available to modify the U.S. fleet within the 
proposed compliance time. However, under the provisions of paragraph 
(i)(1) of this AD, the FAA will consider requests for approval of an 
extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable 
level of safety. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting 
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial 
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2024-0072 specifies procedures for modifying CMA-1310 EDUs 
having P/N 100-604073-000 and with current mod-status between 2 and 6 
(inclusive) to a mod-status 7 or higher, including a visual inspection 
of the external removable battery for defects (swelling) and 
replacement of any defective external removable battery with a new 
external removable battery, and updating the BIOS/EC firmware. EASA AD 
2024-0072 prohibits the installation of CMA-1310 EDU having P/N 100-
604073-000 and with a mod status between 2 and 6 (inclusive) on any 
airplane.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 719 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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           Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product             Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 4 work-hours x $85 per             $20,840   Up to $21,180.................  Up to $15,228,420.
 hour = $340.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Actions                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace one external battery.................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =               $430             $515
                                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all the costs of this 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator,

[[Page 14024]]

the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2025-06-05 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-22993; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2022; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00189-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 2, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X, FALCON 
900EX, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-
0072, dated March 15, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0072).
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Model FALCON 7X airplanes with 
modification M1000 incorporated are commonly referred to as ``Model 
FALCON 8X'' airplanes as a marketing designation.
    Note 2 to paragraph (c): Model FALCON 900EX airplanes with 
modification M3083 incorporated are commonly referred to as ``Model 
FALCON 900EX Easy, FALCON 900LX and FALCON 900DX'' airplanes as a 
marketing designation.
    Note 3 to paragraph (c): Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes with 
modification M1691 incorporated are commonly referred to as ``Model 
FALCON 2000EX Easy, FALCON 2000LX, FALCON 2000LXS, FALCON 2000S, and 
FALCON 2000DX'' airplanes as a marketing designation.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 46, Information 
systems.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reported occurrences of swelling of the 
lithium-polymer internal and external batteries of CMA-1310 
electronic display units (EDUs) having part number (P/N) 100-604073-
000, with a mod-status between 2 and 6 (inclusive). The FAA is 
proposing this AD to prevent internal and external battery swelling. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the thermal 
runaway of a battery, possibly resulting in in the release of heat, 
smoke, fire, and explosion in the cockpit.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0072.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0072

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0072 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0072 specifies to ``replace 
each affected part with a serviceable part. This can be accomplished 
in accordance with the instructions of the SB.'' This AD, however, 
requires replacing that text with ``replace each affected part with 
a serviceable part in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the SB.''
    (3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0072.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Dassault Aviation's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3226; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0072, 
dated March 15, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may 
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on March 12, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05300 Filed 3-27-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P