[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 5, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6596-6597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2026]



[[Page 6596]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0349 Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-094-AD; 
Amendment 39-15366; AD 2008-03-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; EADS SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    A non-respect of the pilot door adjustment procedure could have 
damaged the stop fitting and could result in a consequent 
depressurization of the airplane.

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 11, 2008.
    On March 11, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory 
Service Bulletin SB 70-131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007, listed in 
this AD.
    As of March 23, 2007 (72 FR 7559, February 16, 2007), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of EADS 
SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, dated July 
2005, listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Albert J. Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri, 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2007 
(72 FR 71279) and proposed to supersede AD 2007-04-08, Amendment 39-
14939 (72 FR 7559, February 16, 2007). That NPRM proposed to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    A non-respect of the pilot door adjustment procedure could have 
damaged the stop fitting and could result in a consequent 
depressurization of the airplane.

    This AD requires you to inspect the pilot door locking stop 
fittings for correct length and replace any incorrect length pilot door 
locking stop fittings found.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will 
affect about 157 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
will take about 4.5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. 
Required parts will cost about $15 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $58,875, or $375 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be

[[Page 6597]]

available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14939 (72 FR 
7559, February 16, 2007), and adding the following new AD:

2008-03-15 EADS SOCATA: Amendment 39-15366; Docket No. FAA-2007-
0349; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-094-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
11, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-04-08, Amendment 39-14939.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model TBM 700 airplanes, serial numbers 
126 through 322, that are:
    (1) Equipped with a pilot door; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: 
Fuselage.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    A non-respect of the pilot door adjustment procedure could have 
damaged the stop fitting and could result in a consequent 
depressurization of the airplane.

This AD requires you to inspect the pilot door locking stop fittings 
for correct length and replace any incorrect length pilot door 
locking stop fittings found.

Requirements Retained From AD 2007-04-08

    (f) Unless already done, inspect the pilot door locking stop-
fittings for correct length within 30 days after March 23, 2007 (the 
effective date of AD 2007-04-08). Do the inspection following EADS 
SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, dated July 
2005 or EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-
131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007.

New Requirements of This AD: Actions and Compliance

    (g) Do the following actions, unless already done:
    (1) Any incorrect length pilot door locking stop-fittings 
replaced following the inspection required in paragraph (f) of this 
AD in accordance with AD 2007-04-08, using the original issue of 
EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, dated 
July 2005, must be replaced again within the next 12 months after 
March 11, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). Do the replacement 
using EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, 
Amendment 1, dated June 2007.
    (2) Any incorrect length pilot door locking stop-fittings found 
during the inspection required in paragraph (f) of this AD and not 
previously replaced in accordance with AD 2007-04-08, must be 
replaced before further flight after March 11, 2008 (the effective 
date this AD). Do the replacement using EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft 
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using 
any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Special Flight Permit

    (i) If you have ordered parts and they are not available, then 
you may fly unpressurized until parts become available or for a 
period not to exceed 90 days after the inspection required in 
paragraph (f) of this AD, whichever occurs first. You must also 
fabricate and install a placard as described below. Completing the 
action of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD terminates the placard 
requirement.
    (1) Fabricate (using letters at least \1/8\ inch in height) a 
warning placard that states ``This airplane is prohibited from 
pressurized flight.''
    (2) Install the placard in full view of the pilot. The owner/
operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized 
by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) 
may install the placard as required in paragraph (h) of this AD.

Related Information

    (j) Refer to MCAI Direction g[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'aviation 
civile (DGAC) AD No. F-2007-016, October 10, 2007; and EADS SOCATA 
TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, Amendment 1, 
dated June 2007, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB 70-131, dated July 2005, or EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft 
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007, 
to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory 
Service Bulletin SB 70-131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007, under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) On March 23, 2007 (72 FR 7559, February 16, 2007), the 
Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory 
Service Bulletin SB 70-131, dated July 2005.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS 
SOCATA, Direction des Services, 65921 Tarbes Cedex 9, France; 
telephone: 33 (0)5 62 41 73 00; fax: 33 (0)5 62 41 76 54; or SOCATA 
Aircraft, Inc., North Perry Airport, 7501 South Airport Rd., 
Pembroke Pines, FL 33023; telephone: (954) 893-1400; fax: (954) 964-
4141.
    (4) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 29, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-2026 Filed 2-4-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P