AD/TBM 700/44 Elevator Trim Tab Lateral Play (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes

AD/TBM 700/44 Elevator Trim Tab Lateral Play 4/2006

Applicability:

EADS SOCATA TBM 700 aircraft, from serial number 271 to 328 inclusive.

Requirement:

Verify there is no lateral play for both elevator trim tabs and correct, as necessary, by installing a setting washer as instructed in the Service Bulletin EADS SOCATA TBM 700 No 70-135 dated December 2005 or later DGAC approved revision.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2006-028 EASA approval No. No 2006-0024 dated
24 January 2006 refers.

Compliance:

On the next scheduled 100-hour inspection, or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs earliest after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 April 2006.

Background:

Excessive lateral play caused by a non conforming washer might lead to the deterioration of the elevator trim tab bearing fatigue resistance.

Jayaprakashan Ambali
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 February 2006