Proposed Rule2026-04712
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
March 10, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a failed extension of the inboard slats during the landing phase, which the crew alerting system (CAS) did not indicate to the flightcrew. This proposed AD would require modifying the maintenance and avionics interface computer (MAIC) software and revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide improved procedures for addressing slats failures. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11480-11483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04712]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2293; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00684-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a report of a failed extension of the inboard slats
during the landing phase, which the crew alerting system (CAS) did not
indicate to the flightcrew. This proposed AD would require modifying
the maintenance and avionics interface computer (MAIC) software and
revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide improved
procedures for addressing slats failures. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 24,
2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket
[[Page 11481]]
contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#26676255664347554708435354495647084353"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cb8a8fb88baeaab8aae5aebeb9a4bbaae5aebe">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket
No. FAA-2026-2293.
<bullet> 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Duong, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-228-7362; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3cadeb2a5a0deb2baa1deb1b2b0bcdeb0bca0b3959292dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="20190d6176730d6169720d6261636f0d636f73604641410e474f56">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-2293;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00684-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Jonathan Duong, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7362; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ba8397fbece997fbf3e897f8fbf9f597f9f5e9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="340d1975626719757d66197675777b19777b67745255551a535b42">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, issued EASA Emergency AD 2022-0161-E, dated August 4,
2022 (EASA Emergency AD 2022-0161-E), as an interim action to correct
an unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X
airplanes. EASA Emergency AD 2022-0161-E states there was a reported
occurrence of a failed extension of the inboard slats during the
landing phase, which the CAS did not indicate to the flightcrew. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced lift margin during
approach and landing, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
airplane. The FAA issued corresponding FAA AD 2022-18-18, Amendment 39-
22169 (87 FR 54131, September 2, 2022) (AD 2022-18-18) to require
revising the existing AFM to provide procedures for failed extension of
inboard slats and flightcrew indication during landing.
Since the FAA issued AD 2022-18-18, EASA issued EASA AD 2025-0092,
dated April 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0092) (also referred to as the
MCAI), to further address the unsafe condition identified in EASA
Emergency AD 2022-0161-E for Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X
airplanes that have embodied Dassault modification M1000. EASA AD 2025-
0092 states Dassault Aviation has developed Dassault modification M2138
that introduces changes to the MAIC software to restore crew awareness
about the inboard slat configuration in case of slat failures and
published improved AFM procedures to cope with slat failures. EASA AD
2025-0092 also stated the AD is considered an interim action and
further AD action may follow to expand the applicability to airplanes
that have not embodied Dassault modification M1000.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
Accomplishing the actions in this proposed AD would terminate the
requirements of AD 2022-18-18 only for Dassault Aviation Model FALCON
7X airplanes that have embodied Dassault modification M1000.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0092 requires the following actions:
<bullet> Upgrading the MAIC software, which includes modifying the
digital flight control system (DFCS) 4.1.3 standard to ensure the
``FCS: SLAT INB EXTEND FAIL'' CAS message is properly displayed
(Dassault modification M2138).
<bullet> Accomplishing Dassault modification M1968 or Dassault
modification M1655, as applicable, prior to accomplishing Dassault
modification M2138. Dassault modification M1968 includes updating the
MAIC software. Dassault modification M1655 includes modifying DFCS
standard 4.1.1.
<bullet> Amending the AFM to implement improved procedures for
addressing slat failures.
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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0092 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
[[Page 11482]]
Compliance With AFM Revisions
EASA AD 2025-0092 requires operators to ``inform all flight crews''
of revisions to the AFM, and thereafter, to ``operate the airplane
accordingly.'' However, this proposed AD would not specifically require
those actions as those actions are already required by FAA regulations.
FAA regulations require that operators furnish to pilots any changes to
the AFM (for example, 14 CFR 121.137), and to ensure the pilots are
familiar with the AFM (for example, 14 CFR 91.505). As with any other
flightcrew training requirement, training on the updated AFM content is
tracked by the operators and recorded in each pilot's training record,
which is available for the FAA to review. FAA regulations also require
pilots to follow the procedures in the existing AFM including all
updates. Section 91.9 requires that any person operating a civil
aircraft must comply with the operating limitations specified in the
AFM. Therefore, including a requirement in this proposed AD to operate
the airplane according to the revised AFM would be redundant and
unnecessary.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0092 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0092 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0092 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-
0092. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0092 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-2293 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
If EASA later determines it is necessary to expand the applicability to
airplanes that have not embodied Dassault modification M1000, the FAA
might consider further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 25 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed 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 24 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $2,860 *......... Up to $4,900........... Up to $122,500.
$2,040.
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* The FAA estimates that rental of special tooling to accomplish Dassault modifications M2138, M1968, and M1655,
as applicable, would cost $929, $981, and $950 per day, respectively.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed 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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Dassault Aviation: Docket No. FAA-2026-2293; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00684-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 24, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2022-18-18, Amendment 39-22169 (87 FR 54131,
September 2, 2022) (AD 2022-18-18).
[[Page 11483]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0092, dated April 23, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0092).
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Model FALCON 7X airplanes with Dassault
modification M1000 incorporated are commonly referred to as ``Model
FALCON 8X'' as a marketing designation.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a failed extension of the
inboard slats during the landing phase, which the crew alerting
system did not indicate to the flightcrew. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the failed extension of inboard slats during landing
phase without flightcrew indication. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to reduced lift margin during approach and
landing and result in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2025-0092.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0092
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0092 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies to
``implement the AFM-CP'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``revise the existing AFM to incorporate the procedures in ``the
AFM-CP'' for addressing slat failures''.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies to
``inform all flight crews, and thereafter, operate the aeroplane
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions as those
actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations
(see 14 CFR 91.9, 91.505, 121.137, and 121.628(a)(2) and (5)).
(4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies ``An
aeroplane, the AFM of which has been amended to comply with
paragraph (3) of this AD, or that has been amended by incorporating
the AFM at revision 7, or later'', this AD requires replacing that
text with ``An airplane that has been amended by incorporating the
AFM at revision 7, or later''.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0092.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0092 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2022-18-18
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the
requirements of AD 2022-18-18 only for the airplanes identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD.
(k) 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, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c7d71737f7c5a5d5d125b534a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="acede1e3efeccacdcd82cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>. 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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jonathan Duong,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7362; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f76620e191c620e061d620d0e0c00620c001c0f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b98094f8efea94f8f0eb94fbf8faf694faf6eaf9dfd8d897ded6cf">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 2025-0092,
dated April 23, 2025.
(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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b6a6f586b4e4a584a054e5e59445b4a054e5e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3475704774515547551a5141465b44551a5141">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7214005c1b1c01021711061b1d1c321c1300135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3553471b5c5b46455056415c5a5b755b5447541b525a43">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 5, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-04712 Filed 3-9-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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