AD/TBM 700/15 Amdt 1 - Starter Generator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, govern various aspects of civil aviation safety within the country. This legislative instrument, F2006B07362 (AD/TBM 700/15), was introduced to address specific safety concerns associated with the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series aeroplanes. This particular amendment, effective from 20 March 1996, was prompted by reports of potential cracking in the Auxilec starter generator mounting adapters of these aircraft, particularly after heavy landings. The objective of this directive is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aeroplanes by mandating regular inspections and, if necessary, replacements of the affected components. The directive aims to ensure that any identified issues are promptly addressed, thereby mitigating the risk of in-flight failures and contributing to the overall safety of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 series aeroplanes. The directive AD/TBM 700/15 Amendment 1 focuses on the starter generator and applies to TBM 700 airplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 109 inclusive. The requirements outlined in this directive mandate a visual inspection of the Auxilec starter generator mounting adapter, as per Socata TBM 700 Alert Service Bulletin SB 70-071-24 dated November 1995. Furthermore, the directive stipulates either replacing the mounting adapter or replacing both the mounting adapter and the attachment clamp in accordance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin SB 70-072-24 dated January 1996. The actions are intended to address the potential for cracking of the mounting adapters, particularly following heavy landings, and to enhance the detection and replacement processes. Compliance with these requirements must occur before further flight, with specific intervals and deadlines depending on whether the inspection reveals any cracks. This directive extends to the Commonwealth of Australia, applying uniformly across state and territory boundaries. It does not specify exclusions or exemptions but is targeted at a defined serial number range of aircraft. Any extensions or restrictions in application are managed through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the directive remains relevant and effective in addressing identified safety concerns.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, outlines specific airworthiness directives for particular aircraft models, including the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/TBM 700/15 Amendment 1, dated 5 September 1996, pertains to the starter generator of these aircraft and is applicable to aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 109 inclusive. The directive requires that the Auxilec starter generator mounting adapter be visually inspected in accordance with Socata TBM 700 Alert Service Bulletin SB 70-071-24 dated November 1995. Depending on the findings of this initial inspection, either the mounting adapter itself must be replaced or both the mounting adapter and the attachment clamp must be replaced in accordance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin SB 70-072-24 dated January 1996. The obligations imposed by this directive include conducting these inspections and replacements at specific intervals. For Requirement 1, inspections must occur before further flight if not previously completed and then at intervals not exceeding 25 hours in service. If cracks are detected during this inspection, Requirement 2 necessitates immediate action to replace the mounting adapter and the attachment clamp. Requirement 3 mandates that if the actions of Requirement 2 have not been completed, the replacement must occur within 100 hours of service after 20 March 1996 or before 30 April 1996, whichever is earlier. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to serious consequences. Operators of the TBM 700 aeroplanes must adhere to these directives to maintain airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives could result in penalties, including fines and potential legal action. The maximum penalties for such violations can be substantial and are commensurate with the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The directive is effective from 20 March 1996, underscoring the urgency and importance of timely compliance to ensure the safety and reliability of these aircraft.