FAA Says Swap Rusty Bolts on Your Fancy TBM 700 Plane
Published Date: 8/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a SOCATA (now DAHER AEROSPACE) TBM 700 airplane, the FAA wants you to keep checking the vertical stabilizer bolts for cracks or rust like before. But now, there’s a new option to replace those parts with stronger, rust-resistant ones to stop the inspections early. This update keeps your plane safe without adding big costs or tight deadlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Keep Inspecting Vertical Stabilizer
If you own a SOCATA (now DAHER AEROSPACE) Model TBM 700 airplane, you must continue the repetitive inspections required by AD 2007-06-11 of the vertical stabilizer attachment fittings and bolts for cracks or corrosion. If you find damage, you must repair or replace the damaged part and then apply the corrosion protection reinforcement specified in the AD.
Option to Replace Fittings to Stop Inspections
The proposed AD keeps the inspection rules but adds an optional terminating action: you may install new vertical stabilizer attachment fittings made of improved corrosion-resistant material (per EASA service information) to end the repetitive inspections required by AD 2007-06-11. Installing the new fittings is presented as an optional method to stop the recurring inspection requirement.
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Key Dates
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