Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The Direction Generale 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.
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 July 7, 2005 (70 FR 39204). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect 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. The NPRM also proposes to require you to modify the VHF1 antenna bracket and the antenna/fuselage interface.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the 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 does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 185 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 do the inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 work hour $65 per hour = $65
Not applicable
$65
$65 $185 = $12,025
We estimate the following costs to do the modification.
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
4 work hours $65 per hour = $260
$181
$441
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
Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial numberof small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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 "Docket No. FAA-2005-21464; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-32-AD" in your request.
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 anew AD to read as follows: