[Federal Register: August 1, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 147)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 41968-41970]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01au07-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28645; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-059-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; EADS SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from 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:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) results from one report about
imperfect locking on ground of the upper access door opening
interior handle which has enabled its opening without actuating
unlocking knob.
If not corrected an inadvertent action on the handle without
actuating the unlocking knob could lead to a door opening.
Investigations identified the unsafe condition resulting from
interference between the window trim panel and the handle locking
mechanism.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.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 this proposed AD, 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.
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
28645; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-059-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those 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 we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Emergency Airworthiness (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) results from one report about
imperfect locking on ground of the upper access door opening
interior handle which has enabled its opening without actuating
unlocking knob.
If not corrected an inadvertent action on the handle without
actuating the unlocking knob could lead to a door opening.
Investigations identified the unsafe condition resulting from
interference between the window trim panel and the handle locking
mechanism.
Requirements of this AD are first, check for proper operation
the locking handle and secondly modification of the window trim
panel.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the
AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
EADS SOCATA has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft SB
70-150, dated May 2007. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Differences Between This Proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 23 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $5 per product. Where the
service information lists
[[Page 41969]]
required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed
that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control
warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs
higher than estimated here.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $3,795, or $165 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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 FAA 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 AD:
EADS SOCATA: Docket No. FAA-2007-28645; Directorate Identifier 2007-
CE-059-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August 31, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to TBM 700 airplanes, serial numbers 1
through 9, 11 through 17, 19 through 22, 25 through 27, 29 through
31, 33 and 34, 38, 46, and 49, that are:
(1) Certificated in any category;
(2) Not equipped with modification No. MOD70-019-25; and
(3) Equipped with an interior handle unlocking device through
push-button.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 52: Doors.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) results from one report about
imperfect locking on ground of the upper access door opening
interior handle which has enabled its opening without actuating
unlocking knob.
If not corrected an inadvertent action on the handle without
actuating the unlocking knob could lead to a door opening.
Investigations identified the unsafe condition resulting from
interference between the window trim panel and the handle locking
mechanism.
Requirements of this AD are first, check for proper operation
the locking handle and secondly modification of the window trim
panel.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Before each flight after the effective date of this AD until
the actions of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD have been done, check the
handle locking using paragraph A of the accomplishment instructions
in EADS SOCATA Mandatory TBM Aircraft Service Bulletin SB 70-150,
dated May 2007. If any discrepancy is found, do the following before
further flight until the modification in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD
is done:
(i) Fabricate a placard using letter at least \1/8\ inches in
height with the words ``FLIGHT ALLOWED WITH ONLY THE FLIGHT DECK
SEATS OCCUPIED.''
(ii) Install this placard on the instrument panel within clear
view of the pilot.
(iii) 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 do both the pre-flight checks and the
placard requirements of this AD. Make an entry in the aircraft
records showing compliance with this portion of the AD following
section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(2) Within the next 12 months after the effective date of this
AD modify the window trim panel using paragraph B of the
accomplishment instructions in EADS SOCATA Mandatory TBM Aircraft
Service Bulletin SB 70-150, dated May 2007. This modification
terminates the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: 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 Staff, 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.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD No: 2007-0172-E, dated June 15, 2007; and EADS SOCATA
Mandatory TBM Aircraft Service Bulletin SB 70-150, dated May 2007,
for related information.
[[Page 41970]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 26, 2007.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-14857 Filed 7-31-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P