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CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. FAA-2007-0349; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-094-AD]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; EADS SOCATA Model TBM 700 Airplanes

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 16, 2008.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

A nonrespect of the pilot door adjustment procedure could have damaged the stop fitting and could result in a consequent
depressurization of the airplane.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

SUMMARY: EADS SOCATA,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA20070349; Directorate Identifier 2007CE094AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite
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comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments.

We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

On February 6, 2007, we issued AD 20070408, Amendment 3914939 (72 FR 7559 February 16, 2007). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.

Since we issued AD 20070408, EADS SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007, was issued, which adds a procedure in the replacement of the stop fittings.

The Direction g[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'aviation civile (DGAC), which is the aviation authority for France, has issued AD No. F2007 016, October 10, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

A nonrespect of the pilot door adjustment procedure could have damaged the stop fitting and could result in a consequent
depressurization of the airplane.
This proposed AD requires you to inspect the pilot door locking stop fittings for correct length and replace any incorrect length pilot door locking stop fittings found.

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

Relevant Service Information

EADS SOCATA has issued TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70131, Amendment 1, dated June 2007. 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 Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This Proposed 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 also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 157 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4.5 workhours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Required parts would cost about $15 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $58,875, or $375 per product.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:

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 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39AIRWORTHINESS 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 3914939 (72 FR 7559, February 16, 2007), and adding the following new AD:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Albert J. Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 3294119; facsimile: (816) 3294090.