The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) concerning the Falcon 2000 model aircraft, manufactured by Dassault Falcon Aircraft. It has been determined that a risk exists for engine cowling separation from the aircraft, which may cause potential damage to the engine itself and to the horizontal stabilizer. According to the FAA, "it is suspected that on-ground improper latching may lead to a radial deformation of engine cowlings in flight and to their eventual escape out of their locking devices."The AD requires that certain modifications to the existing engine cowls locking system and engine cowling attachments be implemented. The modifications must be accomplished within 12 months of the effective date of the AD, August 12, 2008.
The AD applies to all Falcon 2000 aircraft (all serial numbers), certificated in any category. The FAA estimates that the AD will affect about 229 aircraft of U.S. registry.
Here is the link to the complete text of the AD: FAA AD 2008-13-31 (7 page 'pdf' file)
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