AD 2021-24-13 Requires Modifying Certain Dump Switches

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Daher Aerospace (type certificate previously held by SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes.

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 a non-conforming dump switch ejecting from its slot. This AD requires modifying certain dump switches. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 12, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered Daher Aerospace (type certificate previously held by SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021 (86 FR 51033). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2019-0306, dated December 18, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address the unsafe condition on certain serial-numbered Daher Aerospace (formerly SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes.

The MCAI states:

• It has been determined that, in certain conditions, an affected switch [dump switch part number 7388475012 without a seal] may eject from its slot. Investigations identified the root cause in a nonconformity of the affected switch.
• This condition, if not corrected, could, in case of smoke/fumes in the cabin, prevent evacuation of the smoke/fumes, possibly resulting in excessive flight crew workload and/or injury to aeroplane occupants.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, DAHER AEROSPACE issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide modification instructions.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires modification of the affected parts by installation of a seal, and introduces requirements for installation of a dump switch.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0778.

FMI: www.regulations.gov