FAA issues Airworthiness Directive for Falcon 2000 aircraft

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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Video: Dassault Falcon 7X tri-jet business aircraft

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Falcon's newest business jet is the Falcon 7X. The 7X is the largest Falcon tri-jet business aircraft produced, and is the first business jet with a fly-by-wire interface. Configured to carry eight passengers and four crew (three pilots and a flight attendant), the Falcon 7X is capable of cruising at a speed of mach .9, and has a range of 5,950 nautical miles.

The Falcon 7X went into service in June of 2007. As of the end of 2007, over 200 of the new aircraft type had been sold. The price tag? A mere $40 million. If you're not ready to commit that kind of money to a Falcon 7X of your own, you can book a flight on one through NetJets Europe.

Here's a video about the Dassault Falcon 7X, presented by AVweb.com on YouTube:



(If the video does not display or play properly above, click here to view it on YouTube.)