Rule2026-11216
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 4, 2026
Effective
July 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This 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 AD requires modifying the maintenance and avionics interface computer (MAIC) software and revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide improved procedures for addressing slat failures. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33602-33604]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11216]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2293; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00684-T;
Amendment 39-23364; AD 2026-11-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This 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 AD requires modifying the maintenance
and avionics interface computer (MAIC) software and revising the
existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide improved procedures
for addressing slat failures. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
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 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:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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#1c5d586f5c797d6f7d3279696e736c7d327969"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4302073003262230226d2636312c33226d2636">[email protected]</span></a>.
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<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. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293.
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#94adb9d5c2c7b9d5ddc6b9d6d5d7dbb9d7dbc7d4f2f5f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b32264a5d58264a425926494a4844264844584b6d6a6a256c647d">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on March 10, 2026 (91 FR 11480). The NPRM was prompted
by EASA AD 2025-0092, dated April 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0092) (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
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 that 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.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the MAIC
software and revising the existing AFM to provide improved procedures
for addressing slat failures, as specified in EASA AD 2025-0092. The
NPRM also specified that accomplishing the proposed actions would
terminate the requirements of AD 2022-18-18, Amendment 39-22169 (87 FR
54131, September 2, 2022) only for Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X
airplanes that have embodied Dassault modification M1000. 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
[[Page 33603]]
margin during approach and landing and result in reduced control of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2293.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant
data, considered any 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 these products. 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 2025-0092 specifies procedures for 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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is 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 affects 25 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 24 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $2,860 *......... Up to $4,900........... Up to $122,500.
$2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA estimates that rental of special tooling to accomplish Dassault modifications M2138, M1968, and M1655,
as applicable, costs $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 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, 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:
2026-11-03 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-23364; Docket No. FAA-
2026-2293; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00684-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2022-18-18, Amendment 39-22169 (87 FR 54131,
September 2, 2022) (AD 2022-18-18).
(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
[[Page 33604]]
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 paragraphs (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#12535f5d51527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="62232f2d21220403034c050d14">[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#586175190e0b7519110a751a191b17751b170b183e3939763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfe6f29e898cf29e968df29d9e9c90f29c908c9fb9bebef1b8b0a9">[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#cb8a8fb88baeaab8aae5aebeb9a4bbaae5aebe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aaebeed9eacfcbd9cb84cfdfd8c5dacb84cfdf">[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#0c6a7e2265627f7c696f786563624c626d7e6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c3a5b1edaaadb0b3a6a0b7aaacad83ada2b1a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 21, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-11216 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on June 4, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.