Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE Model TBM 700 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 8 (Thursday, January 11, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2212-2214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-307]



[[Page 2212]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-82-AD; Amendment 39-12069; AD 2000-26-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE Model TBM 
700 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE (Socata) Model TBM 700 
airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect for a low point in the fuel 
tank air vent valve hose; and reroute the hose as necessary. This AD is 
the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued by the airworthiness authority for France. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent in-flight damage to the wing skins 
caused by abnormal venting conditions of the wing fuel tank, which 
could result in severe handling problems or reduced structural 
capability. Continued operation with such structural deformation or 
handling problems could result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 2, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of 
February 2, 2001.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule by February 15, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send three copies of comments to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-82-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get service information referenced in this AD from SOCATA 
Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Customer Support, Aerodrome Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes, 
BP 930--F65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; telephone: (33) (0)5.62.41.73.00; 
facsimile: (33) (0)5.62.41.76.54; or the Product Support Manager, 
SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, North Perry Airport, 7501 Pembroke Road, 
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023; telephone: (954) 894-1160; facsimile: 
(954) 964-4191. You may read this information at FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-
821-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The Direction Geenerale 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 two 
occurrences on Socata Model TBM 700 airplanes of abnormal venting 
conditions of the wing fuel tank.
    One occurrence was where an airplane experienced leaking during 
refueling. Inspection revealed the wing skin had come apart from the 
rib breaking the sealer, allowing the fuel to leak.
    Another reported occurrence was in-flight where the pilot saw a 
wing skin deformation. These occurrences are caused by low pressure 
resulting from a misrouted fuel tank air vent valve hose and the fuel 
tank vent not operating.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in severe handling problems 
or reduced structural capability. Continued operation with such 
structural deformation or handling problems could result in loss of 
control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Socata 
has issued Service Bulletin SB 70-088, dated November 2000. This 
service bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting for a low point in the fuel tank air vent valve hose; and
--Rerouting the hose as necessary.

    What action did DGAC take? The DGAC classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued French AD T2000-545(A), dated December 
20, 2000, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France.
    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
These airplane models 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.
    In carrying out this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC 
has kept FAA informed of the situation described above.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the 
DGAC; reviewed all available information, including the service 
information referenced above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Socata Model TBM 700 airplanes of the same type 
design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information (as specified in this AD) should be accomplished on the 
affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to do the actions 
previously specified in accordance with Socata Service Bulletin SB 70-
088, dated November 2000.
    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in structural failure with possible loss of control of the 
airplane, FAA finds that notice and opportunity for public prior 
comment are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of 
a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public 
comment, we invite your comments on the rule. You may send whatever 
written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the 
rule's docket number and send three copies of your comments to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date specified above. We may change 
this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to 
take additional rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of

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the rule that might require a change to the rule. You may look at all 
comments we receive. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that 
summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of this proposal.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of June 1, 1998. 
That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate more clearly 
with the public. We are interested in your comments on whether the 
style of this document is clear, and any other suggestions you might 
have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect you. You 
can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and the 
plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2000-CE-82-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact various entities? These regulations 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, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? The 
FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that 
must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, 
and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. 
It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency 
regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, 
February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation 
otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed 
in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy 
of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.

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 airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2000-26-19 SOCATA--Groupe Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-12069; Docket 
No. 2000-CE-82-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Model TBM 700 airplanes, serial numbers 1 through 182, that are 
certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent in-flight damage to the wing skins 
caused by abnormal venting conditions of the wing fuel tank, which 
could result in severe handling problems or reduced structural 
capability. Continued operation with such structural deformation 
could result in loss of control of the airplane.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, unless already done, you must do the following actions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                 Compliance time       Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect for a low point in    Within the next 5   Do this action
 the fuel tank air vent valve      hours time-in-      following the
 hose.                             service (TIS)       ACCOMPLISHMENT
                                   after February 2,   INSTRUCTIONS
                                   2001 (the           paragraph in
                                   effective date of   Socata Service
                                   this AD).           Bulletin SB 70-
                                                       088, dated
                                                       November 2000,
                                                       and the
                                                       applicable
                                                       maintenance
                                                       manual.
(2) If there is a low point in    Before further      Do this action
 the fuel tank air vent valve      flight after the    following the
 hose, reroute the hose.           inspection.         ACCOMPLISHMENT
                                                       INSTRUCTIONS
                                                       paragraph in
                                                       Socata Service
                                                       Bulletin SB 70-
                                                       088, dated
                                                       November 2000,
                                                       and the
                                                       applicable
                                                       maintenance
                                                       manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your 
alternative. Send your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, 
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For 
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the 
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Karl Schletzbaum, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done following Socata 
Service Bulletin 70-088, dated November 2000. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from SOCATA 
Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Customer Support, Aerodrome Tarbes-Ossun-
Lourdes, BP 930-F65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; or the Product Support 
Manager, SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, North Perry Airport, 7501 
Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023. You can look at copies 
at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional

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Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 
700, Washington, DC .
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on February 2, 2001.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD T2000-
545(A), dated December 20, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 29, 2000.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-307 Filed 1-10-01; 8:45 am]
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