[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68304-68306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28357]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1163; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-022-AD;
Amendment 39-16857; AD 2011-23-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sicma Aero Seat Passenger Seat
Assemblies, Installed on, But Not Limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de
Transport R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sicma
Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9405, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409
series passenger seat assemblies, installed on, but not limited to,
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72
airplanes. This AD results from 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:
Several occurrences of cracked central and lateral spreaders on
passenger seats models 9401 and 9402 * * *.
This condition, if not corrected, can lead to further cracking
of the seat spreaders, causing injury to passengers or crew members
during heavy turbulence in flight or in the event of an emergency
landing.
* * * * *
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 21, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 21,
2011.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 19, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone (781) 238-7161; fax (781) 238-7170; email:
jeffrey.lee@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0097, dated May 20, 2008 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Several occurrences of cracked central and lateral spreaders on
passenger seats models 9401 and 9402 have been reported to Sicma
Aero Seat.
This condition, if not corrected, can lead to further cracking
of the seat spreaders, causing injury to passengers or crew members
during heavy turbulence in flight or in the event of an emergency
landing.
For the reasons stated above, this [EASA] Airworthiness
Directive (AD) requires repetitive [detailed] inspections of the
affected seats and, depending on findings, the repair or replacement
of damaged spreaders with an improved design (`Amendment B'
standard). The replacement of all spreaders (i.e. modification to
`Amendment B' standard) terminates the repetitive inspection
requirements.
* * * * *
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Sicma Aero Seat has issued the following service information. The
actions described in this service information are intended to correct
the
[[Page 68305]]
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Revision 3,
dated June 30, 2008.
Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1,
dated June 26, 2008.
Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-013, Issue 4, dated
February 12, 2008.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
There are no products of this type currently registered in the
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a note within the AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product,
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
unnecessary.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1163; Directorate
Identifier 2011-NM-022-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ''significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2011-23-06 Sicma Aero Seat: Amendment 39-16857. Docket No. FAA-2011-
23-06; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-022-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November
21, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404,
9505, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies,
all part numbers, except front row and aft facing seats, and those
modified to ``Amendment B'' standard. These passenger seat
assemblies are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500
airplanes and Model ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes.
Note 1: This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat passenger seat
assemblies as installed on any airplane, regardless of whether the
airplane has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the
area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have
been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. The request should include an
assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair
on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe
condition has not been eliminated, the request should include
specific proposed actions to address it.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25:
Equipment/Furnishings.
[[Page 68306]]
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Several occurrences of cracked central and lateral spreaders on
passenger seats models 9401 and 9402 * * *.
This condition, if not corrected, can lead to further cracking
of the seat spreaders, causing injury to passengers or crew members
during heavy turbulence in flight or in the event of an emergency
landing.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Inspections, Repair, and Replacement
(g) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform
a detailed inspection for cracking of the central and lateral
spreaders of the affected seats, in accordance with paragraph 2/A1.,
``Checking procedures of lateral and central spreaders,'' of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-
25-013, Issue 4, dated February 12, 2008.
(1) If no cracking is found on any central spreader, repeat the
detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight
hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is
done.
(2) If no cracking or only cracks that are shorter than 8
millimeters (mm) (0.315 inch) are found on any lateral spreader,
repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD is done.
(3) If all cracks found on any central spreader are shorter than
8 mm (0.315 inch), before further flight, repair the affected
spreader, in accordance with paragraphs 2/A through C2. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-
25-011, Revision 3, dated June 30, 2008. Within 550 flight hours
after doing the repair, do the detailed inspection specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, and repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is done.
(4) If one or more cracks are found that are 8 mm (0.315 inch)
or longer on any lateral or central spreader, before further flight,
replace the affected spreader, in accordance with paragraphs 2/A
through D2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat
Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2008.
Optional Terminating Action
(h) Replacing all central and lateral spreaders on an affected
seat assembly (modify to ``Amendment B'' standard), in accordance
with paragraphs 2/A through D2. of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1, dated
June 26, 2008, terminates the inspections required by this AD for
that seat assembly.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Issue 2,
dated November 6, 2007; and Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-
012, dated September 25, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with
the corresponding actions of this AD.
Parts Installation
(j) As of 6 months after the effective date of this AD, no
person may install any passenger seat assembly identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD, on any airplane, unless it has been
modified to ``Amendment B'' standard in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-
25-012, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2008.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(k) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the ACO,
send it to Attn: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7161; fax (781) 238-7170; email; jeffrey.lee@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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.
Related Information
(l) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2008-0097, dated May 20,
2008; Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Revision 3, dated
June 30, 2008; Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision
1, dated June 26, 2008; and Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-
013, Issue 4, dated February 12, 2008; for related information.
(m) Contact Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7161; fax (781) 238-7170; email; jeffrey.lee@faa.gov, for more
information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011,
Revision 3, dated June 30, 2008; Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin
94-25-012, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2008; and Sicma Aero Seat
Service Bulletin 94-25-013, Issue 4, dated February 12, 2008; as
applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Sicma
Aero Seat, 7 Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 ISSOUDUN, France, telephone:
+33 (0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; email
Customerservices.sas @zodiacaerospace.com; Internet http://www.sicma.zodiacaerospace.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-28357 Filed 11-3-11; 8:45 am]
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