Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14320 · SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE Model TBM 700 Airplanes
SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE Model TBM 700 Airplanes
This AD affects the following Model TBM 700 airplanes, serial numbers 1 through 255; 257 through 267; and 270, that are:
(1) equipped with a VHF1 antenna mounted under the fuselage between frame C12 and C13 or C13 and C13bis; and
(2) certificated in any category.
The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE (SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the fuselage skin in the VHF1 antenna mounting area for cracks and loose rivets. This AD also requires you to modify the area if you find cracks or loose rivets. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the fuselage skin, which could result in loss of aircraft pressurization. Loss of aircraft pressurization could lead to flight crew incapacitation.
To address this problem, you must do the following:
Note: The EADS SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-103, Amendment 1, ATA No. 53, dated September 2003, allows the pilot to perform the visual inspection of the fuselage skin in the VHF1 antenna mount area for cracks and loose rivets. The Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3) only allow the pilot to perform preventive maintenance as described in 14 CFR part 43, App. A, paragraph (c). These visual inspections are not considered preventive maintenance under 14 CFR part 43, App. A, paragraph (c). Therefore, an appropriately-rated mechanic must perform all actions of this AD.
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Inspect the fuselage skin in the VHF1 antenna mount area between frame C12 and C13 or C13 and C13bis for cracks and loose rivets | Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after November 9, 2005, (the effective date of this AD). Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS until the modification in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is done. Modifying the VHF1 antenna bracket and interface area terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD | Follow EADS SOCATA Mandatory Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-103, Amendment 1, ATA No. 53, dated September 2003. |
| (2) Modify the VHF1 antenna bracket and the antenna/fuselage interface | At whichever of the following that occurs first: (i) Before further flight anytime a crack or loose rivet is found during any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD (ii) Within 100 hours TIS or 12 months after November 9, 2005 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later | Follow EADS SOCATA Recommended Service Bulletin TBM Aircraft, SB 70-111, ATA No. 53, dated October 2003, and the applicable maintenance manual. |
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
