[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 221 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69154-69156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-29004]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-43-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE Models TB 
9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE (Socata) 
Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 airplanes. This proposed 
AD would require you to inspect the aileron control gimbal joint for 
correct alignment and correct operation, and replace any misaligned or 
defective gimbal joint. This proposed AD is the result of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness 
authority for France. The actions specified by this proposed AD are 
intended to prevent failure of the aileron control gimbal joint. Such 
failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before January 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-43-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent 1 electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-43-
AD'' in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as 
attached electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft 
Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Customer Support, Aerodrome Tarbes-
Ossun-Lourdes, BP 930--F65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; telephone: 011 33 5 
62 41 73 00; facsimile: 011 33 5 62 41 76 54; or the Product Support 
Manager, SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, North Perry Airport, 7501 
Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023; telephone: (954) 893-
1400; facsimile: (954) 964-4141. You may also view this information at 
the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this 
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we 
need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention To?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a

[[Page 69155]]

report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each contact we have with 
the public that concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-43-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on all Socata Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 
21, and TB 200 airplanes. The DGAC reported an incident involving a 
Model TB 9 airplane. During flight, the pilot experienced loss of 
aileron control. Loss of aileron control resulted because the gimbal 
joint became disconnected from the aileron.
    The gimbal joint became disconnected from the aileron because the 
safety pin broke. The cause of the safety pin breaking is being 
investigated by the manufacturer. The result of the investigation may 
result in a future design change.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
aileron control gimbal joint. Such failure could lead to loss of 
control of the airplane.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Socata has issued TB Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 10-130 
27, dated April, 2002.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:

--Repetitively inspecting the aileron control gimbal joint for correct 
alignment and correct operation; and
--Replacing misaligned or defective gimbal joints.

What Action Did the DGAC Take?

    The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
French AD 2002-225(A), dated May 15, 2002, in order to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

Was This in Accordance With the Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement?

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
    Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has 
kept FAA informed of the situation described above.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This 
Proposed AD What Has FAA Decided?

    The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC; reviewed all 
available information, including the service information referenced 
above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Socata Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 
airplanes of the same type design that are on the U.S. registry;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service bulletin.

Is There a Modification I Can Incorporate Instead of Repetitively 
Inspecting the Aileron Control Gimbal Joint?

    The FAA has determined that long-term continued operational safety 
would be better assured by design changes that remove the source of the 
problem rather than by repetitive inspections or other special 
procedures. With this in mind, FAA will continue to work with Socata in 
collecting information and in performing fatigue analysis to determine 
whether a future design change may be necessary.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 346 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Would be the Cost Impact of this Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed initial 
inspection:

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                                                                    Total cost  per      Total cost  on U.S.
             Labor cost                        Parts cost               airplane              operators
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2 workhour x $60 per hour = $120....  No parts required for the               $120   $120 x 346 = $41,520.
                                       inspection.
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    The FAA has no method of determining the number of repetitive 
inspections each owner/operator would incur over the life of each of 
the affected airplanes so the cost impact is based on the initial 
inspection.
    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need such replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Total cost per
           Labor cost               Parts cost           airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours x $60 per hour =               $469   $360 + $469 = $829.
 $360.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

?
[[Page 69156]]

Regulatory Impact

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) if 
promulgated, 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 draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE: Docket No. 2002-CE-43-AD

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 airplanes, all serial 
numbers, that are certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the aileron control 
gimbal joint. Such failure could lead to loss of control of the 
airplane.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the aileron       Upon accumulating     In accordance with
 control gimbal joint for      300 hours time-in-    the Accomplishment
 correct alignment and         service (TIS) on      Instructions in
 correct operation.            the aileron control   Socata TB Aircraft
                               gimbal joint or       Mandatory Service
                               within the next 30    Bulletin SB 10-130
                               hours TIS after the   27, dated April
                               effective date of     2002.
                               this AD, whichever
                               occurs later.
                               Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 100 hours
                               TIS.
(2) Replace misaligned or     Prior to further      In accordance with
 defective gimbal joints       flight after the      the Accomplishment
 during any inspection         inspection where a    Instructions in
 required in paragraph         misaligned or         Socata TB Aircraft
 (d)(1) of this AD.            defective gimbal      Mandatory Service
                               joint was found.      Bulletin SB 10-130
                               The inspection        27, dated April
                               requirements of       2002, and the
                               paragraph (d)(1)      applicable
                               start over after      maintenance manual.
                               each replacement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Standards Office.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Karl Schletzbaum, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Customer Support, Aerodrome Tarbes-
Ossun-Lourdes, BP 930-F65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; telephone: 011 33 
5 62 41 73 00; facsimile: 011 33 5 62 41 76 54; or the Product 
Support Manager, SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE, North Perry Airport, 
7501 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023; telephone: (954) 
893-1400; facsimile: (954) 964-4141. You may view these documents at 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 2002-
225(A), dated May 15, 2002.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 8, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29004 Filed 11-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P