Airworthiness Directives; EADS SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 91 (Friday, May 9, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26318-26321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-10066]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0527; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-027-AD; 
Amendment 39-15520; AD 2008-10-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; EADS SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct

[[Page 26319]]

an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the 
unsafe condition as:

    A rupture of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling system 
pulley drive assembly has reportedly been found. Such a failure 
could lead to the loss of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling 
systems and could also cause mechanical damage inside the powerplant 
compartment.

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 29, 2008.
    On May 29, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 9, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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 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:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2008-0067-E, dated April 3, 2008 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    A rupture of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling system 
pulley drive assembly has reportedly been found. Such a failure 
could lead to the loss of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling 
systems and could also cause mechanical damage inside the powerplant 
compartment.
    To address this condition, AD 2008-0063-E had been published to 
require a check of the pulley drive assembly for leakage and, as an 
interim action, removal of the compressor drive belt from the 
assembly, and adoption of a new operational procedure to keep the 
air-conditioning system deactivated.
    This AD retains the requirements of AD 2008-0063-E which is 
superseded, introduces a mandatory terminating action which consists 
in replacing the original pulley drive assembly by a new one of an 
improved design--corresponding to the EADS SOCATA modification MOD 
70-0231-21--that permits reinstallation of the compressor drive 
belt.

The MCAI requires you to deactivate the air conditioning system, 
inspect the pulley drive assembly for leaks, and replace the pulley 
drive assembly if leaks are found.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    EADS SOCATA has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70-156, 
Amendment 1, dated March 2008. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.
    The MCAI and the service information require replacement of the 
pulley drive assembly part number (P/N) T700G215504900000 with the new 
P/N T700G215505710000 and reinstallation of the compressor drive belt 
by no later than March 31, 2009. This AD is considered an interim 
action because we are only mandating this replacement if a leak is 
found. The Administrative Procedure Act does not permit the FAA to 
``bootstrap'' a long-term requirement into an urgent safety of flight 
action where the rule becomes effective at the same time the public has 
the opportunity to comment. The short-term action and the long-term 
action are analyzed separately for justification to bypass prior public 
notice.
    After issuing this AD, we may initiate further AD action (notice of 
proposed rulemaking followed by a final rule) to require such a 
terminating action.

Differences Between This 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 have also required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take 
precedence over those copied from the MCAI.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because a 
rupture of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling system pulley drive 
assembly has been reported. Such a failure could lead to the loss of 
the alternator and vapor cycle cooling systems and could cause 
mechanical damage inside the powerplant compartment.
    Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public 
comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0527; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-CE-027-

[[Page 26320]]

AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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 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.
    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 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-10-13 EADS SOCATA: Amendment 39-15520; Docket No. FAA-2008-
0527; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-027-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 29, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models TBM 700 airplanes, serial numbers 
434 through 455, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 24: Electric 
Power.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A rupture of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling system 
pulley drive assembly has reportedly been found. Such a failure 
could lead to the loss of the alternator and vapour cycle cooling 
systems and could also cause mechanical damage inside the powerplant 
compartment.
    To address this condition, AD 2008-0063-E had been published to 
require a check of the pulley drive assembly for leakage and, as an 
interim action, removal of the compressor drive belt from the 
assembly, and adoption of a new operational procedure to keep the 
air-conditioning system deactivated.
    This AD retains the requirements of AD 2008-0063-E which is 
superseded, introduces a mandatory terminating action which consists 
in replacing the original pulley drive assembly by a new one of an 
improved design--corresponding to the EADS SOCATA modification MOD 
70-0231-21--that permits reinstallation of the compressor drive 
belt.

The MCAI requires you to deactivate the air conditioning system, 
inspect the pulley drive assembly for leaks, and replace the pulley 
drive assembly if leaks are found.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, before further flight after May 29, 
2008 (the effective date of this AD), do the following actions:
    (1) Position to ``OFF'' the air-conditioning ``AIR COND'' 
switch.
    (2) Check for oil leakage in the pulley drive assembly by 
following EADS SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156 Amendment 1, 
dated March 2008.
    (3) If any leak is found, before further flight, replace the 
pulley drive assembly part number (P/N) T700G215504900000 with P/N 
T700G215505710000 following EADS SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
70-156 Amendment 1, dated March 2008.
    (4) If no leak is found, before further flight, remove the 
compressor drive belt from the pulley drive assembly following 
either EADS SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156, original issue; 
or EADS SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156, Amendment 1; both 
dated March 2008.
    (5) The air-conditioning ``AIR COND'' switch must be in the 
``OFF'' position and the compressor drive belt must remain removed 
until the pulley drive assembly part number (P/N) T700G215504900000 
is replaced with P/N T700G215505710000 following EADS SOCATA Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156 Amendment 1, dated March 2008. This 
replacement must be done before further flight if any leak is found 
and may be done at any time as terminating action to this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) The MCAI and the service information require replacement of 
the pulley drive assembly part number (P/N) T700G215504900000 with 
the improved design P/N T700G215505710000 and reinstallation of the 
compressor drive belt by no later than March 31, 2009.
    (2) This AD is considered an interim action because we are only 
mandating this replacement if a leak is found. The Administrative 
Procedure Act does not permit the FAA to ``bootstrap'' a long-term 
requirement into an urgent safety of flight action where the rule 
becomes effective at the same time the public has the opportunity to 
comment. The short-term action and the long-term action are analyzed 
separately for justification to bypass prior public notice.
    (3) After issuing this AD, we may initiate further AD action 
(notice of proposed rulemaking followed by a final rule) to require 
the replacement of the pulley drive assembly part number (P/N) 
T700G215504900000 with the new P/N T700G215505710000, and 
reinstallation of the compressor drive belt as a terminating action. 
Appropriate credit would be given for the initial actions done under 
this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to

[[Page 26321]]

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.

Special Flight Permit

    (h) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting the special flight 
permits for this AD under the following condition: The air-
conditioning ``AIR-COND'' switch is set to the ``OFF'' position.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Emergency AD No.: 2008-0067-E, dated April 3, 2008, and EADS SOCATA 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156, Amendment 1, dated March 2008, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use EADS SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156, 
original issue; or EADS SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. 70-156, 
Amendment 1, both dated March 2008, to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact EADS 
SOCATA--Direction des Services, 65921 Tarbes Cedex 9, France; 
telephone: +33 (0)5 62 41 73 00; fax: +33 (0)5 62 41 7-54; or in the 
United States contact EADS SOCATA North America, Inc., North Perry 
Airport, 7501 South Airport Road., Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023; 
telephone: (954) 893-1400; fax: (954) 964-4141.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 30, 2008.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-10066 Filed 5-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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