AD 2015-24-03 Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Airplanes

Makes named: socata. Models named: TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, TB 200. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to SOCATA Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, and TB 200 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD: (1) Within 13 months after January 4, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months, do a special detailed inspection of the HS spar following the instructions of DAHER-SOCATA TB Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 10-152, Amendment 1, dated April 2015. (2) If no discrepancy is detected during any inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, protect the HS spar following the instructions of DAHER-SOCATA TB Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 10-152, Amendment 1, dated April 2015. (3) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do the applicable corrective action(s) following the instructions of DAHER-SOCATA TB Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 10-152, Amendment 1, dated April 2015. (4) Accomplishment of protection or corrective actions on an airplane as required by paragraph (f)(2) or (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD for that airplane. (5) Inspections and corrective actions on an airplane done before January 4, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) following the instructions of DAHER-SOCATA TB Aircraft Recommended Service Bulletin SB 10-152, dated May 2013, are acceptable to comply with the requirements of this AD for that airplane. After January 4, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), repetitive inspections and applicable corrective actions, as required by this AD, must be done as required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD following the instructions of DAHER-SOCATA TB Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 10-152, Amendment 1, dated April 2015.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: albert.mercado@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrosion of the horizontal stabilizer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the horizontal stabilizer (HS) spar, which could result in buckling and permanent HS distortion, possibly resulting in reduced control.

None.