[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 157 (Monday, August 15, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50405-50407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-20165]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0530 Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-012-AD; 
Amendment 39-16770; AD 2011-17-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for SOCATA 
Model TBM 700 airplanes. 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 TBM 700 operator reported a case of elevator trim tab actuator 
jamming once the trim tab arrived to stop.
    The investigations conducted by the trim tab actuator 
manufacturer have shown that there was a discrepancy with PRECILEC 
manufacturing process of elevator trim tab actuator which caused 
this event. It has been determined as well that this discrepancy is 
limited to a batch of Serial Numbers (S/N).
    If not detected and corrected, a jammed trim tab could lead to 
unusual control forces, resulting in lower controllability, 
particularly if combined with adverse flight conditions at landing.

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 19, 2011.
    On September 19, 2011, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications 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 service information identified in this AD, contact SOCATA--
Direction des Services--65921 Tarbes Cedex 9--France; telephone +33 (0) 
62 41 7300, fax +33 (0) 62 41 76 54, or for North America: SOCATA NORTH 
AMERICA, 7501 South Airport Road, North Perry Airport (HWO), Pembroke 
Pines, Florida 33023; telephone: (954) 893-1400; fax: (954) 964-4141; 
e-mail: [email protected]; Internet: http://mysocata.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: 
[email protected].

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 May 25, 2011 (76 FR 
30295). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A TBM 700 operator reported a case of elevator trim tab actuator 
jamming once the trim tab arrived to stop.
    The investigations conducted by the trim tab actuator 
manufacturer have shown that there was a discrepancy with PRECILEC 
manufacturing process of elevator trim tab actuator which caused 
this event. It has been determined as well that this discrepancy is 
limited to a batch of Serial Numbers (S/N).
    If not detected and corrected, a jammed trim tab could lead to 
unusual control forces, resulting in lower controllability, 
particularly if combined with adverse flight conditions at landing.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires the inspection 
of the elevators trim tab actuator P/N 6071017251 for identification 
of S/N and, in case of findings, the replacement of the affected 
ones with serviceable units.

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

    We estimate that this AD will affect 377 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $32,045, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$595 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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

[[Page 50406]]

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 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

    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 adding the following new AD:

2011-17-06 SOCATA: Amendment 39-16770; Docket No. FAA-2011-0530; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-012-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 19, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes, serial 
numbers 1 through 530, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

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

    A TBM 700 operator reported a case of elevator trim tab actuator 
jamming once the trim tab arrived to stop.
    The investigations conducted by the trim tab actuator 
manufacturer have shown that there was a discrepancy with PRECILEC 
manufacturing process of elevator trim tab actuator which caused 
this event. It has been determined as well that this discrepancy is 
limited to a batch of Serial Numbers (S/N).
    If not detected and corrected, a jammed trim tab could lead to 
unusual control forces, resulting in lower controllability, 
particularly if combined with adverse flight conditions at landing.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires the inspection 
of the elevators trim tab actuator P/N 6071017251 for identification 
of S/N and, in case of findings, the replacement of the affected 
ones with serviceable units.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 12 months after September 19, 2011 (the effective 
date of this AD), identify the serial number (S/N) of Left Hand and 
Right Hand PRECILEC elevator trim tab actuators following DAHER-
SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-190-27, dated January 2011.
    (2) If, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD you find any affected elevator trim tab actuator 
as listed in DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-190-27, 
dated January 2011, installed on an airplane, before further flight, 
replace it with a serviceable part following DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory 
Service Bulletin SB 70-190-27, dated January 2011.
    (3) After September 19, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), do 
not install on an airplane any PRECILEC elevator trim tab actuator 
part number 6071017251 with an S/N listed in DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory 
Service Bulletin SB 70-190-27, dated January 2011, unless it has 
been repaired in accordance with DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB 70-190-27, dated January 2011.


    Note 1: Trim tab actuators repaired by a service center are 
identified with screw green colored locking varnish as shown in 
figure 2 of DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-190-27, 
dated January 2011.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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; e-mail: 
[email protected]. 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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2011-0060, dated March 29, 2011 (Correction: March 30, 2011); and 
DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-190-27, dated January 
2011, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use DAHER-SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-
190-27,

[[Page 50407]]

dated January 2011, 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 this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
SOCATA--Direction des Services--65921 Tarbes Cedex 9--France; 
telephone +33 (0) 62 41 7300, fax +33 (0) 62 41 76 54, or for North 
America: SOCATA NORTH AMERICA, 7501 South Airport Road, North Perry 
Airport (HWO), Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023; telephone: (954) 893-
1400; fax: (954) 964-4141; e-mail: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://mysocata.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 28, 2011.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-20165 Filed 8-12-11; 8:45 am]
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