Friday, May 27, 2011

Dassault Aviation's Falcon 7X grounded

Falcon 7X (c/n 31) N786CS operated by Valkyrie 7X LLC departs from Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI) on April 27, 2009. (Photo by Michael Carter)

Dassault Aviation's Falcon 7X business jets are banned from flying as of Friday over safety concerns, the European Aviation Safety Agency said in a directive published on Thursday.


"A Falcon 7X experienced an uncontrolled pitch trim runaway during descent," EASA said. "This condition, if occurring again, could lead to loss of control of the aeroplane."


EASA said Dassault had proposed that the safety agency prohibit flights of the Falcon 7X from May 27.


"We took this decision as a precaution because our first priority is the total safety of our aircraft and their passengers," a spokesman for Dassault said.


The Falcon 7X was introduced in 2007 and is designed to fly 5,950 nautical miles with at least eight passengers. There are 112 of the aircraft in service.


"This airworthiness directive is considered to be an interim measure pending the outcome of the investigation currently carried out by the manufacturer," EASA said.


(Reuters)

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