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 certain SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes. The DGAC reports an incident in which the elevator controls jammed on one of the affected airplanes.
Jamming of the elevator controls occurred because water accumulated in the fuselage and froze. Water had accumulated in the fuselage because the strainer and draining hole became clogged.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
If this condition is not corrected, water may accumulate in the fuselage, freeze and interfere with or cause the elevator controls to seize. This could result in loss of elevator control.
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 certain SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on November 14, 2001 (66 FR 57007). The NPRM proposed to require you to install a new strainer draining system in the cabin fuselage.
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 79 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 modification:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
2 workhours x $60 = $120
$114
$234
$18,486
Compliance Time of This AD
What Is the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is "within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD".
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours Time-in-Service (TIS)?
Although water in the cabin fuselage could interfere with the elevator controls and become unsafe during flight, the condition is not a direct result of airplane operation. The chance of this situation occurring is the same for an airplane with 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) as it would be for an airplane with 500 hours TIS. A calendar time for compliance will assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable time period.
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 the Amendment
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: