Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 117 (Friday, June 19, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29126-29128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14220]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0557; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-031-AD; 
Amendment 39-15944; AD 2009-13-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

    During a SOCATA flight test, it has been noted some difficulties 
for the pilot to release oxygen.
    After investigation it has been found that, due to the design of 
the oxygen generator release pin, one of the mask's lanyard linked 
to the pin can be jammed when it is pulled by a pilot or a 
passenger.
    This condition, if not corrected, would lead, in case of an 
emergency procedure due to decompression to a risk of generator 
fault with subsequent lack of oxygen on crew and/or passenger.

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 9, 2009.
    On July 9, 2009, 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 July 20, 2009.

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 
Emergency AD No. 2009-0096-E, dated April 21, 2009, (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    During a SOCATA flight test, it has been noted some difficulties 
for the pilot to release oxygen.
    After investigation it has been found that, due to the design of 
the oxygen generator release pin, one of the mask's lanyard linked 
to the pin can be jammed when it is pulled by a pilot or a 
passenger.
    This condition, if not corrected, would lead, in case of an 
emergency procedure due to decompression to a risk of generator 
fault with subsequent lack of oxygen on crew and/or passenger.
    For the reason described above, SOCATA has released Pilot 
Operating Handbook (POH) Temporary Revision (TR) 03 which asks, in 
case of failure to release oxygen, to pull on the other mask lanyard 
in order to activate the oxygen generator.
    A SOCATA modification enabling to solve this issue is under 
preparation. Once this modification release, this AD is expected to 
be revised to confirm the acceptability of that modification.

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

Relevant Service Information

    SOCATA has issued SOCATA TBM 700 A & B Pilot Operating Handbook 
(POH), Temporary Revision No. 3, dated March 2009. The actions 
described in page 3.13.5 of 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.

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

[[Page 29127]]

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 if 
not corrected, in an emergency procedure due to decompression, this 
condition could lead to a risk of generator fault with subsequent lack 
of oxygen for crew and/or passenger. 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-2009-0557; Directorate 
Identifier 2009-CE-031-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:

2009-13-05 Socata: Amendment 39-15944; Docket No. FAA-2009-0557; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-031-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 9, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following model and serial number 
airplanes that are:
    (i) certificated in any category; and
    (ii) equipped with a chemical oxygen generation system.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TBM 700........................  1 through 204, 206 through 239, and 241
                                  through 244.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 35: Oxygen.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During a SOCATA flight test, it has been noted some difficulties 
for the pilot to release oxygen.
    After investigation it has been found that, due to the design of 
the oxygen generator release pin, one of the mask's lanyards linked 
to the pin can be jammed when it is pulled by a pilot or a 
passenger.
    This condition, if not corrected, would lead, in case of an 
emergency procedure due to decompression to a risk of generator 
fault with subsequent lack of oxygen on crew and/or passenger.
    For the reason described above, SOCATA has released Pilot 
Operating Handbook (POH) Temporary Revision (TR) 03 which asks, in 
case of failure to release oxygen, to pull on the other mask lanyard 
in order to activate the oxygen generator.
    A SOCATA modification enabling to solve this issue is under 
preparation. Once this modification is released, this AD is expected 
to be revised to confirm the acceptability of that modification.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Before further flight after July 9, 2009 (the effective date 
of this AD), insert Page 3.13.5 of Temporary Revision No. 3, dated 
March 2009, into the Emergency Procedures section and the 
Limitations sections of SOCATA TBM 700 A & B Pilot Operating 
Handbook (POH).
    (2) Under 14 CFR 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Administration 
Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), the owner/operator holding at least a 
private pilot certificate is allowed to insert the temporary 
revision into the POH. Make an entry into the aircraft logbook 
showing compliance with this portion of the AD per compliance with 
section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: None.

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 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,

[[Page 29128]]

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.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Emergency AD No. 2009-0096-E, dated April 21, 2009, and SOCATA TBM 
700 A & B Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), Temporary Revision No. 3, 
dated March 2009, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use page 3.13.5 of Temporary Revision No. 3, dated 
March 2009, of SOCATA TBM 700 A & B Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), 
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 
SOCATA, 65921--TARBES Cedex 9, France; telephone: +33 6 07 32 62 24; 
or SOCATA, North Perry Airport, 7501 South Airport Rd., Pembrokes 
Pines, FL 33023; telephone: (954) 893-1400; fax: (954) 964-4141; 
Internet: http://mysocata.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on June 10, 2009.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-14220 Filed 6-18-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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