AD/TBM 700/14 - Side Trim Panel

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, were established to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within the country. This legislative instrument, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the problem of potential interference between the side trim panel and the roll compass on the left-hand control wheel assembly of Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series aeroplanes. The objective of AD/TBM 700/14 is to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by requiring inspections and modifications to prevent such interference, thereby enhancing flight safety. This directive applies to specific serial numbers and retrofitted aircraft, mandating compliance through preflight inspections and within a certain timeframe after its issuance. The policy objective of this regulation is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by addressing specific mechanical issues that could compromise the aircraft's operational integrity. The requirement to inspect and, where necessary, modify the side trim panel and roll control compass is aimed at preventing any potential fouling that might affect the aircraft's handling characteristics. This directive ensures that the modifications are carried out by appropriately licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and that the aircraft's maintenance records are updated accordingly.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers 24, 26, 27, 29 to 32, 34, and 36 to 106, as well as aircraft that have been retrofitted with modifications identified as Mod 70-019-25 or STC No. SA2786CE. This directive, denoted as AD/TBM 700/14, mandates specific inspections and modifications to the side trim panel and the roll control compass on the left-hand control wheel assembly to ensure they are free from fouling and securely fitted. The directive is applicable nationwide, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and must be adhered to by all operators and pilots of the specified aircraft models. The requirement to inspect and, if necessary, modify the side trim panel must be performed at each preflight inspection following the date of 25 October 1995 and within 100 hours of time in service post that date. Compliance must be documented on the Maintenance Release, with the pilot in command able to perform the initial inspection and a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME) required to conduct any necessary modifications and certifications. This directive is integral to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft, and failure to comply can result in regulatory action.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, concerning the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes, require specific inspections and modifications to the side trim panel and roll control compass on the left-hand control wheel assembly. Section 1 of AD/TBM 700/14 mandates that these components be inspected for fouling and that the side trim panel is correctly fitted and secure, as per SOCATA TBM 700 SB 70-061-25. Additionally, section 2 requires modifications to be made in accordance with the same service bulletin. Compliance with these directives is required for aircraft with serial numbers 24, 26, 27, 29 to 32, 34, and 36 to 106, as well as those retrofitted with Mod 70-019-25 or STC No. SA2786CE. The obligations imposed by these regulations are quite specific. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that each preflight inspection after 25 October 1995 includes an inspection of the side trim panel and roll control compass, as outlined in section 1 of the directive. Modifications must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 25 October 1995, as per section 2. These actions must be documented on the Maintenance Release as maintenance required, and if the pilot in command conducts the inspection, a certification must be entered against the Daily Inspection certification on the Maintenance Release at each preflight inspection. A copy of the directive and the requirement document must also be carried in the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/TBM 700/14 may result in significant consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify penalties in the legislative instrument itself, non-compliance could lead to potential safety issues, including interference between the side trim panel and the roll compass, which could compromise the aircraft's control. Operators who fail to adhere to the mandated inspections and modifications could face scrutiny from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), potentially resulting in enforcement actions or other regulatory consequences. The primary focus of the directive is on ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, and therefore, it is crucial for operators to strictly follow the outlined procedures.