Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Socata Model TBM 700 airplanes. The DGAC reports that, during a ground test of the flight control system on one of the affected airplanes, the pilot control wheel became jammed when performing dual actions (e.g., full up and full left) because the control wheel was turned beyond normal roll control travel limits. This was a result of a misadjustment of the roll control.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
If this condition is not corrected, it could result in the flight control wheels traveling beyond normal roll control limits, which could result in the control wheel becoming jammed. This could lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all Socata Model TBM 700 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on July 12, 2002 (67 FR 46130). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the flight control system to determine if jamming occurs and adjust the roll control stop to correct this condition.
What Are the Differences Between This AD, the Service Information, and the DGAC AD?
The DGAC AD requires inspection and, if necessary, adjustment prior to further flight after the effective date of the AD. We require that you inspect and, if necessary, adjust within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD.
We do not have justification to require this action prior to further flight. We use compliance times such as this when we have identified an urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 100 hours TIS will give the owners or operators of the affected airplanes enough time to have the actions required by this AD accomplished without compromising the safety of the airplanes.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Provide 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.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 133 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60
None
$60
$60 x 133 = $7,980.
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary modification that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such modification:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
3 workhours x $60 per hour = $180
None
$180.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of theAmendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: