AD 2020-17-12 Prompted By Reports Of Loose Or Missing Nuts On The Pilot And Co-Pilot Ventral Seat Belt Attachment Points

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of loose or missing nuts on the pilot and co-pilot ventral seat belt attachment points. This AD requires a detailed inspection of certain seat belt attaching point nuts for any loose or missing nuts and replacement, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective September 9, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0168R1, dated July 29, 2020 (“EASA AD 2020-0168R1”) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900, FALCON 900EX, FALCON 2000, and FALCON 2000EX airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of loose or missing nuts on the pilot and co-pilot ventral seat belt attachment points. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition, which could lead to detachment of the seat belt at a critical phase of flight, such as landing or, in the case of turbulence or emergency landing, resulting in the flight crew becoming unrestrained from their seat, causing injury to the flight crew and/or subsequent loss of control of the airplane. This condition could impede the continued safety of flight. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov