[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 147 (Wednesday, August 2, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35888-35890]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15556]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0417; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-18975; AD 2017-15-15]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-19-01 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 the flight control wheel traveling beyond normal roll 
control limits and jamming in a position that could cause loss of 
control. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 6, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 6, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
October 29, 2002 (67 FR 59137; September 20, 2002).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0417; or in person at the Docket 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; phone: +33 (0) 5 
62 41 73 00; fax: +33 (0) 5 62 41 76 54; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: https://www.mysocata.com/login/accueil.php. You may view this 
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. It is 
also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2017-0417.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to SOCATA Model TBM 700 
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 8, 
2017 (82 FR 21328), and proposed to supersede AD 2002-19-01, Amendment 
39-12881 (67 FR 59137; September 20, 2002) (``AD 2002-19-01'').
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states that:

    An event occurred in 2001 on an in-service aeroplane where, 
during a pre-flight check of the flight controls, the pilot control 
wheel jammed in full nose up and full left position after having 
exceeded the control stop of roll.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control 
of the aeroplane.
    Prompted by these findings, SOCATA issued Service Bulletin (SB) 
70-095-27 to provide inspection instructions.
    To address this unsafe condition, DGAC France issued AD 2001-
582(A) to require repetitive inspections of the flight control 
system after any maintenance operation on flight controls. That AD 
was later revised to update the list of affected aeroplane MSN.
    Since DGAC France AD 2001-582(A) R1 was issued, SOCATA issued 
Revision 2 of SB 70-095-27 to provide instructions for replacement 
of the rivets in the roll primary stops as a terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD, which 
supersedes DGAC France AD 2001-582(A) R1, requires replacement of 
the rivets in the roll primary stops of the flight control wheels at 
the next maintenance operation on flight controls.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0417-0002.

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 relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR 51

    We reviewed DAHER SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-095, 
Revision 2, dated October 2016, which describes procedures for 
replacement of the flight control wheel primary stop rivets. We also 
reviewed EADS SOCATA Recommended Service Bulletin SB 70-114, dated 
December 2004, which describes procedures for installation of roll 
control emergency stops on the flight control wheel. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    DAHER SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-095, Revision 2, 
dated

[[Page 35889]]

October 2016, requires a modification that terminates any repetitive 
inspections and also gives credit for another modification that may 
have previously been done. We are retaining the repetitive inspection 
requirement from AD 2002-19-01 and allowing installation of one of the 
two different modifications as terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 203 products of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it will take about 1 hour per product to comply 
with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 
per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
inspection on U.S. operators to be $17,255, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 3 work-hours per product. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this action 
on U.S. operators to be $255 per product. We have no way of determining 
the number of products that may need these actions.
    For the optional actions to terminate the repetitive inspections, 
we estimate the following costs. We have no way of determining how many 
operators may choose to do either of the optional actions. For 
replacement of the rivets in the roll primary stops, we estimate that 
it will take about 3.5 work-hours 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 $10 per product. Based on these 
figures, for replacement of the rivets we estimate the cost of this 
action on U.S. operators to be $307.50 per product.
    For the installation of a roll control emergency stop on each 
control wheel, we estimate that it will take about 19.5 work-hours 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 $1,650 
per product. Based on these figures, for installation of the roll 
control emergency stop, we estimate the cost of this action on U.S. 
operators to be $3,307.50 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0417; 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 removing Amendment 39-12881 (67 FR 
59137; September 20, 2002) and adding the following new AD:

2017-15-15 SOCATA: Amendment 39-18975; Docket No. FAA-2017-0417; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-008-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 6, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2002-19-01, Amendment 39-12881 (67 FR 
59137, September 20, 2002) (``AD 2002-19-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes, serial 
numbers 1 through 184, 186, 187, 189 through 204, 206, and 207, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 the flight 
control wheel traveling beyond normal roll control limits. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent the flight control wheel from becoming 
jammed and leading to reduced or loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) 
of this AD or paragraph (f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after 
October 29, 2002 (the effective date retained from AD 2002-19-01) 
and repetitively thereafter every time the flight control system 
undergoes maintenance, perform a test of the pilot and right-hand 
(RH) station control wheels to determine if either control wheel 
becomes jammed following SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (SB) 70-095 27, dated November 2001.
    (2) If any jamming is found during any test required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, adjust the roll 
control stops on either the pilot control wheel or the RH station 
control wheel following SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory SB 70-095 27, 
dated November 2001.
    (3) To terminate the repetitive inspections required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD either of the following actions may be 
done:
    (i) Replace the rivets in the roll primary stops of both control 
wheels following the

[[Page 35890]]

Accomplishment Instructions in DAHER SOCATA Mandatory SB 70-095, 
Revision 2, dated October 2016; or
    (ii) Install a roll control emergency stop on each control wheel 
following the Accomplishment Instructions of EADS SOCATA Recommended 
SB 70-114, dated December 2004.

(g) Credit for Actions Done Following Previous Service Information

    If done before September 6, 2017 (the effective date of this 
AD), this AD allows credit for replacement of the roll primary stop 
rivets on an airplane as specified in paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this AD 
following the Accomplishment Instructions of SOCATA TBM Mandatory SB 
70-095, original issue or revision 1.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; 
fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA AD No.: 2017-0018, dated February 3, 2017. 
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0417-0002.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 6, 2017 (the effective date of this AD).
    (i) DAHER SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-095, Revision 
2, dated October 2016.
    (ii) EADS SOCATA Recommended Service Bulletin SB 70-114, dated 
December 2004.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 29, 2002 (67 FR 59137, September 20, 2002).
    (i) SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory SB 70-095 27, dated November 
2001.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For SOCATA service information identified in this AD, 
contact SOCATA, Direction des services, 65921 Tarbes Cedex 9, 
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 62 41 73 00; fax: +33 (0) 5 62 41 76 54; 
email: [email protected]; Internet: https://www.mysocata.com/login/accueil.php.
    (6) You may view this service information at 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0417.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 July 19, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15556 Filed 8-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P