[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 183 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49252-49254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-23989]



[[Page 49252]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-67-AD; Amendment 39-9766; AD 95-19-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE TBM 700 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE (Socata) TBM 700 
airplanes. This action requires installing four rivets on the right 
side of the rudder and drilling drainage holes at the areas of the 
elevators and rudder. Reports of water accumulating in the areas of the 
elevators and rudder and a report of a bonding defect between the skin 
and rudder rear spar on the affected airplanes prompted this action. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the wing skin 
and the rear spar from becoming unbonded or water accumulating in 
either the elevators or rudder, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane.

DATES: Effective November 8, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 8, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from the SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Socata Product Support, Aeroport 
Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes, B P 930, 65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; telephone 
62.41.74.26; facsimile 62.41.74.32; or the Product Support Manager, 
U.S. AEROSPATIALE, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053; 
telephone (214) 641-3614; facsimile (214) 641-3527. This information 
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 95-CE-67-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. William J. Timberlake, Program Officer, Brussels Aircraft 
Certification Division, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/
o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; telephone (32 2) 
513.38.30; facsimile (32 2) 230.68.99; or Mr. Mike Kiesov, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut Street, suite 
900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 426- 6934; facsimile 
(816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to This Action

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Socata TBM 
700 airplanes registered in the United States was published in the 
Federal Register on April 9, 1996 (61 FR 15738). The action proposed to 
require installing four rivets on the right side of the rudder and 
drilling drainage holes at the specified areas of the elevators and 
rudder. Accomplishment of the proposed installation as specified in the 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would be in accordance with Socata 
Service Bulletin (SB) TBM 70-027 and Socata SB TBM 70- 028, both dated 
September 1993.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the four comments received from one commenter.

Comment Issue No. 1: Divide the Proposal Into Two Different AD's

    Socata suggests that the actions specified by the NPRM would be 
clearer if they were broken out into two separate AD's. The reasons 
that Socata gives are:
     the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which 
is the airworthiness authority for France, issued two separate AD's;
     there are two separate Socata service bulletins: Socata SB 
TBM 70-027 and Socata SB TBM 70-028, both dated September 1993; and
     justification, causes, and effects of each action proposed 
in the NPRM are different.
    The FAA concurs that the DGAC issued two separate AD's and that 
there are two service bulletins. However, the FAA does not concur that 
the justification, causes, and effects of each action proposed in the 
NPRM are entirely different. Socata SB TBM 70-027 requires installing 
four rivets on the rudder. If this is not accomplished and debonding 
occurs, then moisture can accumulate in the rudder. Thus, Socata SB TBM 
70-028 contains procedures for drilling drainage holes in the elevator 
and rudder to reduce corrosion effects caused by moisture accumulation 
that could lead to control surface imbalance. The FAA has determined 
that one AD is justified because accomplishment of the actions 
specified in both service bulletins will help prevent control surface 
imbalance and the compliance times are exactly the same (thus 
preventing the owner/operator from having to schedule the 
accomplishment of two separate AD actions). No changes have been made 
to the AD as a result of this comment.

Comment Issue No. 2: Need More Justification for Stating That the 
Existing Conditions Could Cause Loss of Control of the Airplane

    Socata states that, if the FAA believes that the conditions 
specified in the NPRM, ``* * * if not detected and corrected, could 
result in loss of control of the airplane'', then the FAA should be 
more precise in stating how this is correct. Also, concerning the 
bonding defect between the skin and the rear spar (Socata SB TBM 70-
027), Socata states that loss of control of the airplane is improbable 
with the assumption that the safe life of the rudder will be affected 
over time without corrective action.
    The FAA believes that the conditions, if not detected and 
corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane. The 
objective of Socata SB 70-028 is to provide control surface drainage 
(elevator and rudder). Moisture that accumulates in the control 
surfaces can freeze when the aircraft climbs to a high altitude, which 
then could result in control surface imbalance. This effect can cause 
flutter, which can result in loss of control of the airplane. As 
earlier explained (Comment Issue No. 1), the accomplishment of the 
actions specified in both Socata SB TBM 70-027 and Socata SB TBM 70-028 
will help prevent these control surface imbalances. No changes to the 
AD have been made as a result of this comment.

Comment Issue No. 3: Problems With the Absence of Elevator and Rudder 
Drainage Holes

    Socata states that different problems could occur with the absence 
of drainage holes in the elevator and rudder. These problems are:

--Corrosion for airplanes which could stay at parking for a long time 
where water would stagnate,
--if the water freezes, it may slightly affect the controls balance.

    No specific changes to the AD or recommendations for additional or 
different AD action were presented by the commenter regarding this 
issue. No changes to the AD have been made as a result of this comment.

[[Page 49253]]

Comment Issue No. 4: Workhours for Accomplishing Actions are 
Incorrect

    Socata states that the workhours for accomplishing the actions 
specified in the NPRM are incorrect. For example:

--For installing the rivets, one workhour is required instead of two as 
specified in the NPRM; and
--For drilling the drainage holes, 1.5 hours is needed instead of two 
as specified in the NPRM.

    The FAA concurs. However, FAA policy is to round fractional numbers 
concerning workhours to the next whole number. Therefore, the workhours 
for installing rivets will be changed in the AD to reflect 1 workhour; 
however, the workhours for drilling the drainage holes will remain at 2 
workhours.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, including the referenced service information, 
the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require 
the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the change to the 
economic information and minor editorial corrections. The FAA has 
determined that the change and minor corrections will not change the 
meaning of the AD and will not add any additional burden upon the 
public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 31 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by the required rivet installation and 35 airplanes will be 
affected by the required drainage hole drillings, that it will take 1 
workhour to install the rivets and 2 workhours to drill the drainage 
holes, and that the average labor cost is $60 per hour. No cost is 
attributed to parts that would be necessary to accomplish the required 
actions since these parts are available through common operator stock 
and an approximate cost cannot be traced. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,860 or $60 per airplane for the rivet installation and $4,200 or 
$120 per airplane for the drainage hole drilling. Since parts are not 
sold through the manufacturer, the FAA has no method of determining the 
number of parts already distributed, and thus bases this cost impact 
upon the assumption that no owner/operator of the affected airplanes 
has accomplished the required actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

96-19-18  Socata Groupe Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-9766; Docket No. 
95-CE-67-AD.

    Applicability: TBM 700 airplanes (serial numbers 1 through 19, 
21, 22, 25 through 34, 38, 39, 46, 49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 59 through 
63, 67, 68, 70 through 78, 80, and 82 through 85), certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service 
after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent the wing skin and the rear spar from becoming 
unbonded or water accumulating in either the elevators or rudder, 
which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) For any TBM 700 airplane with a serial number in the 
following range: 1 through 19, 21, 22, 25 through 34, 38, 39, 46, 
49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 59, 61 through 63, 67, 68, and 71 through 75; 
install four rivets on the right side of the rudder in accordance 
with the DESCRIPTION section of Socata Service Bulletin (SB) TBM 70-
027, dated September 1993.
    (b) For any TBM 700 airplane with a serial number in the 
following range: 2 through 19, 21, 22, 24 through 34, 38, 39, 46, 
49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 59 through 63, 67, 68, 70 through 78, 80, and 82 
through 85; drill drainage holes in the area of the elevators and 
rudder in accordance with the DESCRIPTION section of Socata SB TBM 
70-028, dated September 1993.
    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, 
FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, 
B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. The request shall be forwarded through an 
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.

    (e) The rivet installation required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Socata Service Bulletin TBM 70-027, dated September 
1993. The drainage hole drilling required by this AD shall be done 
in accordance with Socata Service Bulletin TBM 70-028, dated 
September 1993. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the SOCATA Groupe 
AEROSPATIALE, Socata Product Support, Aeroport Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes, 
BP 930, 65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; or the Product Support Manager, 
U.S. AEROSPATIALE, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri, or

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at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment (39-9766) becomes effective on November 8, 
1996.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 12, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-23989 Filed 9-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U