FAA Mandates Better Bolt Checks for DAHER TBM 700 Airplane Safety
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly a DAHER AEROSPACE (formerly SOCATA) TBM 700 airplane, this new rule updates old safety checks on the vertical stabilizer bolts to prevent cracks and corrosion. You still need to inspect regularly, but now you can choose to install improved parts that stop the need for constant checks. The rule kicks in February 12, 2026, and while fixing issues might cost some money, it keeps your plane safer and flying strong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Ongoing Inspections Still Required
If you own or operate a DAHER AEROSPACE (formerly SOCATA) TBM 700 covered by this AD, you must keep doing the repetitive inspections of the vertical stabilizer attachment fittings and bolts. Inspections must be done at intervals not to exceed 1,200 hours time-in-service or 24 months, and the AD references an initial inspection window of 600 hours TIS or 12 months (after April 20, 2007) for the retained actions. The FAA estimates each inspection costs 4 work-hours at $85/hour = $340 per inspection cycle (total U.S. cost per inspection cycle for 309 airplanes = $105,060).
Pay Once to End Rechecks (Optional)
You may choose to install new design vertical stabilizer attachment fittings to stop the need for repetitive inspections. The AD says installing the new zero-time fittings per DAHER Recommended Service Bulletin SB 70-255 (Dec 2018) is an optional terminating action, and the FAA estimates the installation or replacement costs 10 work-hours x $85 = $850 plus $5,000 in parts, for a total of $5,850 per airplane.
Which Planes Are Covered
This AD applies to DAHER AEROSPACE (SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes with serial numbers 001 through 308 and 310, and the FAA estimates it affects 309 airplanes on the U.S. registry. The AD also prohibits, after the optional modification, re-installing any affected part listed by part number on an airplane that received the new fittings.
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