[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 189 (Monday, September 30, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79485-79488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22209]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2321; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00126-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DAHER AEROSPACE (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by SOCATA) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain DAHER AEROSPACE (DAHER) (type certificate previously held 
by SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 
reports of wear of the inner flap actuator drive nut. This proposed AD 
would require cleaning and lubricating the internal actuator rods, 
measuring the play between the drive nuts and the internal actuator 
rods, and if any play is found, replacing the drive nuts. This proposed 
AD would also allow replacing the drive nuts with certain other design 
drive nut as terminating action for the proposed requirements. The FAA 
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by November 14, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2321; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

[[Page 79486]]

    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For DAHER AEROSPACE material identified in this proposed 
AD, contact DAHER AEROSPACE, Customer Support, Airplane Business Unit, 
Tarbes Cedex 9, France; phone: (833) 826-2273; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83f7e1eee0e2f1e6c3bfe2a3ebf1e6e5be" http: daher.com">daher.com</a>">tbmcare@daher.com</a>; website: daher.com.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 
231-2346; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0c6d2c5c48ec7d5c5d2c9cee0c6c1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85e3f7e0e1abe2f0e0f7ecebc5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2321; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2024-00126-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Fred 
Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2013-0104R3, dated February 20, 2024 (also referred to as the 
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all DAHER AEROSPACE Model TBM 
700 airplanes that do not have DAHER Modification (MOD) 70-0777-27 
embodied in production. The MCAI states that wear of the inner flap 
actuator drive nut was detected, which could result in improper play 
between the actuator threaded rod and the drive nut with potential loss 
of flap control and consequent reduced or loss of control of the 
airplane. The MCAI requires cleaning and lubricating the internal 
actuator rods, measuring the play between the drive nuts and the 
internal actuator rods, and if any play is found, replacing the drive 
nuts. The MCAI also allows replacing the drive nuts with newly designed 
drive nuts as terminating action for the repetitive cleaning, 
lubricating, and measuring for play.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2321.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Daher Aerospace Service Bulletin SB 70-118 
Revision 3, dated December 2023. This material specifies procedures for 
cleaning and lubricating the internal actuator rods, measuring the play 
between the drive nut and the internal actuator rods, and replacing the 
drive nut. This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM 
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the material already described.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 807 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clean and lubricate left-hand      1 work-hour x $85                $0  $85................  $68,595 per
 (LH) and right-hand (RH)           per hour = $85,                                           cleaning and
 internal actuator rods.            per cleaning and                                          lubricating cycle.
                                    lubricating cycle.
Measure the play for the LH and    1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85 per measurement  $68,595 per
 RH drive nuts.                     per hour = $85,                      cycle.               measurement cycle.
                                    per measurement
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If, during any proposed measurement for play, no discrepancy is 
found, operators have the option to replace the LH and RH drive nuts. 
If, during any proposed measuring for play, any discrepancy is found, 
the LH and RH drive nuts must be replaced. Replacing the LH and RH 
drive nuts would be terminating action for the proposed repetitive 
cleaning, lubricating, and measuring play. The FAA estimates the

[[Page 79487]]

following costs for replacing the LH and RH drive nuts:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace drive nuts...........................  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =              $200             $540
                                                $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 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 airworthiness 
directive:

DAHER AEROSPACE (Type Certificate Previously Held by SOCATA): Docket 
No. FAA-2024-2321; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00126-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by November 14, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to DAHER AEROSPACE (type certificate previously 
held by SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category except those with DAHER Modification 
(MOD) 70-0777-27 installed during production.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2750, TE Flap 
Control System; 2752, TE Flap Actuator.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of wear of the inner flap 
actuator drive nut. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent wear of 
the drive nut threading on the internal actuator flaps. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in improper play between 
the actuator threaded rod and the drive nut, which could result in 
loss of flap control, resulting in reduced or loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Clean and lubricate the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
inner actuator rods in accordance with Paragraph C. in the 
Description of Accomplishment Instructions of Daher Aerospace 
Service Bulletin SB 70-118 Revision 3, dated December 2023 (Daher SB 
70-118) within the compliance times identified in paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 400 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
or 12 months, whichever occurs first, since the first installation 
of a LH and RH inner flap actuator, and thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 400 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first.
    (2) Within the compliance time identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) 
or (ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter, at 
intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs 
first, for each inner flap actuator, measure the play between the 
drive nut and the internal actuator rod in accordance with Section 
A, Paragraphs (1) through (9), in the Description of Accomplishment 
Instructions of Daher SB 70-118. Where Section A, Paragraph (3), in 
the Description of Accomplishment Instructions of Daher SB 70-118 
specifies ``With the help of a second operator'' this AD requires 
this action be performed by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    (i) 3,000 hours TIS since first installation of the inner flap 
actuator on your airplane.
    (ii) 400 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first since 
the last play measurement accomplished for that inner flap actuator 
in accordance with Section A, Paragraphs (1) through (9), in the 
Description of Accomplishment Instructions of Daher SB 70-118.
    (3) If, during any measurement required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, any play is found, as identified in Section A, Paragraphs 
(8)(b) and (9)(b), of the Description of Accomplishment 
Instructions, Daher SB 70-118, before further flight, accomplish the 
applicable corrective actions in accordance with Section A, 
Paragraphs (10) through (15) and (17), and Section C, Paragraph (1), 
in the Description of Accomplishment Instructions of Daher SB 70-
118. Where Section B, Paragraph (4), in the Description of 
Accomplishment Instructions of Daher SB 70-118, specifies to discard 
an old drive nut, this AD requires removing the old drive nut from 
service.
    (4) If, during any measurement as required by paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD, no play is found, as identified in Section A, Paragraphs 
(8)(a) and (9)(a), in the Description of Accomplishment Instructions 
of Daher SB 70-118, before further flight, accomplish the actions in 
accordance with Section A, Paragraphs (13) through (15) and (17), 
and Section C, Paragraph (1), in the Description of Accomplishment 
Instructions of Daher SB 70-118.

[[Page 79488]]

(h) Terminating Action

    Replacing the drive nuts in accordance with Section B, 
Paragraphs (1) through (10), in the Description of Accomplishment 
Instructions of Daher SB 70-118, constitutes terminating action for 
all of the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, 
provided, after that replacement, no LH flap actuator having part 
number (P/N) 1-5295-B or RH flap actuator having P/N 2-5295-B is 
installed. Where Section B, Paragraph (4) in the Description of 
Accomplishment Instructions of Daher SB 70-118, specifies to discard 
an old drive nut, this AD requires removing the old drive nut from 
service.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (j) of this AD or email 
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c1d11131f1c3a3d3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d7969a989497b1b6b6f9b0b8a1">[email protected]</span></a>. If mailing information, also submit information by 
email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Fred Guerin, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-2346; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbddc9dedf95dccedec9d2d5fbdddada95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d2b3f2829632a38283f24230d2b2c2c632a223b">[email protected]</span></a>.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Daher Aerospace Service Bulletin SB 70-118, Revision 3, 
dated December 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For DAHER AEROSPACE material identified in this AD, contact 
DAHER AEROSPACE, Customer Support, Airplane Business Unit, Tarbes 
Cedex 9, France; phone: (833) 826-2273; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb9f8986888a998eabd78acb83998e8dd6" http: daher.com">daher.com</a>">tbmcare@daher.com</a>; 
website: daher.com.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1573673b7c7b66657076617c7a7b557b7467743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e687c2067607d7e6b6d7a6761604e606f7c6f20696178">[email protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on September 24, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-22209 Filed 9-27-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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