[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24360-24362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9790]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0334; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-001-AD;
Amendment 39-17024; AD 2012-08-07]
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 superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9505, 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. That AD currently requires repetitive detailed
inspections for cracking of the central and lateral spreaders of the
affected seats, and repair or replacement of the spreader if necessary.
This AD was prompted by a determination that the existing AD included
Model 9505 series passenger seat assemblies in the applicability
instead of Model 9405 series passenger seat assemblies. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct cracking of the central and lateral
spreaders, which could 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.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 9, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 21,
2011 (76 FR 68304, November 4, 2011).
We must receive comments on this AD by June 8, 2012.
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:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 20, 2011, we issued AD 2011-23-
06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304, November 4, 2011). That AD
required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on Sicma Aero
Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9505, 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.
Since we issued AD 2011-23-06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304,
November 4, 2011), we have determined that the applicability of that AD
included Model 9505 series passenger seat assemblies in the
applicability instead of Model 9405 series passenger seat assemblies.
We have revised the applicability of this AD accordingly and added new
paragraph (h) for Sicma Aero Seat Model 9405 series passenger seat
assemblies.
Change to Existing AD
Since we issued AD 2011-23-06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304,
November 4, 2011), the AD format has been revised, and certain
paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding
paragraph identifiers have changed in this AD, as listed in the
following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
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Requirement in AD 2011-23-06,
Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304, Corresponding requirement in this
November 4, 2011) AD
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paragraph (c) paragraph (c)(1)
Note 1 paragraph (c)(2)
paragraph (h) paragraph (i)
paragraph (i) paragraph (j)
paragraph (j) paragraph (k)
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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.
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-2012-0334; Directorate
Identifier 2012-NM-001-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
[[Page 24361]]
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 that 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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2011-23-06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304, November 4, 2011), and
adding the following new AD:
2012-08-07 Sicma Aero Seat: Amendment 39-17024. Docket No. FAA-2012-
0334; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-001-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 9, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2011-23-06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR
68304, November 4, 2011).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404,
9405, 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.
(2) 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
(l)(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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked central and lateral
spreaders on passenger seats assemblies. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracking of the central and lateral spreaders,
which could 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.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections, Repair, and Replacement
This paragraphs restates the actions required by paragraph (g)
of AD 2011-23-06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304, November 4,
2011). For Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9406, 9407, 9408,
and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies: Within 6 months after
November 21, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-23-06), 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 (i) 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 (i) 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 (i) 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.
(h) New Requirements: Repetitive Inspections, Repair, and Replacement
for Model 9405 Series Passenger Seat Assemblies
For Sicma Aero Seat Model 9405 series passenger seat assemblies:
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
[[Page 24362]]
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 (i) of this AD is
done.
(2) If no cracking or only cracks that are shorter than 8 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 (i) 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 (h) of this AD, and repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement
specified in paragraph (i) 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.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
Replacing all central and lateral spreaders on an affected seat
assembly (modifying 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.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by this
AD, if the actions were performed before the effective date of this
AD using 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.
(k) Parts Installation
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.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
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: [email protected]. 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.
(m) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2008-0097, dated May 20, 2008;
and the service information identified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2),
and (m)(3) of this AD; for related information.
(1) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Revision 3,
dated June 30, 2008.
(2) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1,
dated June 26, 2008.
(3) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-013, Issue 4, dated
February 12, 2008.
(n) Contact 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: [email protected], for more
information about this AD.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. If
you accomplish the optional actions specified by this AD, you must
use the service information specified in paragraph (o)(1)(ii) of
this AD to perform those actions, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 on November 21, 2011 (76 FR 68304, November
4, 2011):
(i) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Revision 3,
dated June 30, 2008.
(ii) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1,
dated June 26, 2008.
(iii) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-013, Issue 4, dated
February 12, 2008.
(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:
[email protected]; 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 an NARA facility, 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 April 9, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-9790 Filed 4-23-12; 8:45 am]
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