[Federal Register: July 7, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 129)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 39204-39206]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07jy05-15]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-32-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE Model TBM
700 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE (SOCATA) Model TBM 700
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the fuselage
skin in the VHF1 antenna mounting area for cracks and loose rivets.
This proposed AD would also require you to modify the area if you find
cracks or loose rivets. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness
authority for France. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and
correct cracks in the fuselage skin, which could result in loss of
aircraft pressurization. Loss of aircraft pressurization could lead to
flight crew incapacitation.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 19,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact EADS SOCATA Tarbes, Direction des Services, 65921 Tarbes Cedex
9, France; telephone: 33 (0)5 62.41.73.00; facsimile: 33 (0)5
62.41.76.54; or SOCATA AIRCRAFT, North Perry Airport, 7501 Pembroke
Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023.
To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov.
This is docket number FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
32-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter L. Rouse, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4135; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal.
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the
docket number, ``FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-32-AD''
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
This is docket number FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
32-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? The Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes. The DGAC
reports cracks in the fuselage skin by the passenger door on the
affected airplanes. These airplanes have a VHF1 antenna mounted under
the fuselage between frame C12 and C13 or C13 and C13bis.
Investigations reveal that antenna vibrations are causing the
cracks.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected
and corrected, cracks in the fuselage skin could cause loss of aircraft
pressurization. Loss of pressurization could lead to flight crew
incapacitation.
[[Page 39205]]
Is there service information that applies to this subject? SOCATA
has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-103,
Amendment 1, ATA No. 53, dated September 2003; and Recommended Service
Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-111, ATA No. 53, dated October 2003.
What are the provisions of this service information? These service
bulletins include procedures for:
--Mandatory Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-103, Amendment 1, ATA
No. 53, dated September 2003: inspecting the fuselage skin where the
VHF1 antenna mounts under the fuselage between frame C12 and C13 or C13
and C13bis, for cracks and loose rivets.
--Recommended Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-111, ATA No. 53,
dated October 2003: reinforcing the VHF1 antenna bracket between frame
C12 and C13 and the VHF1 antenna bracket between C13 and C13bis and
procedures for modifying the antenna and fuselage interface.
What action did the DGAC take? The DGAC classified these service
bulletins as mandatory and issued French AD Number F-2003-367 R1,
Distribution A, Issue date: February 4, 2004, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
Did the DGAC inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes are
manufactured in France and are type-certificated for operation in the
United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral
airworthiness agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept us
informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have examined the DGAC's findings,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes of the same type
design that are registered in the United States, we are proposing AD
action to detect and correct cracks in the fuselage skin, which could
result in loss of aircraft pressurization. Loss of aircraft
pressurization could lead to flight crew incapacitation.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service
bulletins.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On
July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation
now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 185 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
do the proposed inspection:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S. operators
airplane
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65..... Not applicable.......... $65 $65 x 185 = $12,025.
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We estimate the following costs to do the proposed modification.
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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4 work hours x $65 per hour = $260.. $181 $441
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Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
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 AD.
Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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); 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 summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-32-AD'' in
your request.
[[Page 39206]]
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 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE: Docket No. FAA-2005-21464; Directorate
Identifier 2005-CE-32-AD.
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by August 19, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following Model TBM 700 airplanes,
serial numbers 1 through 255; 257 through 267; and 270, that are:
(1) equipped with a VHF1 antenna mounted under the fuselage
between frame C12 and C13 or C13 and C13bis; and
(2) certificated in any category.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France.
The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct
cracks in the fuselage skin, which could result in loss of aircraft
pressurization. Loss of aircraft pressurization could lead to flight
crew incapacitation.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
Note: The EADS SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft,
SB 70-103, Amendment 1, ATA No. 53, dated September 2003, allows the
pilot to perform the visual inspection of the fuselage skin in the
VHF1 antenna mount area for cracks and loose rivets. The Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3) only allow the pilot to perform
preventive maintenance as described in 14 CFR part 43, App. A,
paragraph (c). These visual inspections are not considered
preventive maintenance under 14 CFR part 43, App. A, paragraph (c).
Therefore, an appropriately-rated mechanic must perform all actions
of this AD.
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the fuselage Within the next 50 Follow EADS SOCATA
skin in the VHF1 antenna hours time-in- Mandatory Service
mount area between frame service (TIS) after Bulletin TBM
C12 and C13 or C13 and the effective date Aircraft, SB 70-
C13bis, for cracks and of this AD. 103, Amendment 1,
loose rivets. Repetitively ATA No. 53, dated
inspect thereafter September 2003.
at intervals not to
exceed 50 hours TIS
until the
modification in
paragraph (e)(2) of
this AD is done.
Modifying the VHF1
antenna bracket and
interface area
terminates the
repetitive
inspection
requirement of this
AD.
(2) Modify the VHF1 antenna At whichever of the Follow EADS SOCATA
bracket and the antenna/ following that Recommended Service
fuselage interface. occurs first: Bulletin TBM
(i) Before further Aircraft, SB 70-
flight anytime a 111, ATA No. 53,
crack or loose dated October 2003,
rivet is found and the applicable
during any maintenance manual.
inspection required
in paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD..
(ii) Within 100
hours TIS or 12
months after the
effective date of
this AD, whichever
occurs later..
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Peter L. Rouse, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4135; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) French AD Number F-2003-367 R1, Distribution A, Issue date:
February 4, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD,
contact EADS SOCATA Tarbes, Direction des Services, 65921 Tarbes
Cedex 9, France; telephone: 33 (0)5 62.41.73.00; facsimile: 33 (0)5
62.41.76.54; or SOCATA AIRCRAFT, North Perry Airport, 7501 Pembroke
Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023. To view the AD docket, go to
the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington,
DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. This is docket number
FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-32-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 28, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13333 Filed 7-6-05; 8:45 am]
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