[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47817-47819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20551]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0688; Product Identifier 2017-NE-23-AD; Amendment
39-19353; AD 2018-16-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France, Cabin Attendant
Seats
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Zodiac Seats France, 537-Series Cabin Attendant Seats. This AD was
prompted by operator reports that safety belt wear was found at the
attachment to the cabin attendant seat. This AD requires inspecting the
safety belt webbing, and modifying and re-marking each affected cabin
attendant seat. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 26, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 26,
2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100
Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70 83 08 30; fax: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39
00; email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.services.zodiacaerospace.com. You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also available on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2017-0688.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0688; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Zodiac Seats
France, 537-Series Cabin Attendant Seats. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 11, 2017 (82 FR 58137). The NPRM was
prompted by operator reports that safety belt wear was found at the
attachment to the cabin attendant seat. The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting the safety belt webbing, and modifying and re-marking each
affected cabin attendant seat. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2016-0163, dated August 10, 2016 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI
states:
Cases were reported by operators of finding safety belt worn out
at the attachment to the cabin attendant seat. This kind of belt
damage is due to chafing between the belt and the surrounding metal
lap belt fitting of the cabin attendant seat. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the attendant seat
to perform its intended function, possibly resulting in injury to
the seat occupant. Prompted by these occurrences, Zodiac Seats
France issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 537-25-003, providing
instructions to modify the affected seats. For the reason described
above, this [EASA] AD requires a modification of the seat pan shaft
by installing new seat pan spacers, and subsequent re-identification
with a new P/N.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0688.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
[[Page 47818]]
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed except
for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Zodiac Seats France Service Bulletin (SB) No. 537-25-
003, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2016. The SB describes procedures for
installing an anti-rotation device on the seat pan shaft to limit the
rotation of the safety belt. We also reviewed Zodiac Seats France
Service Information Letter (SIL) 537-01, dated July 31, 2015. The SIL
provides details to identify if the safety belt must be removed and
replaced and provides instructions on safety belt storage to avoid this
premature wear. This service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 55 seat assemblies installed on,
but not limited to, Avions de transport regional (ATR) 42 and ATR 72
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Seat inspection and modification...... 0.5 work-hours x $85 per $300 $342.50 $18,837.50
hour = $42.50.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
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),
(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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2018-16-13 Zodiac Seats France (formerly SICMA Aero Seat): Amendment
39-19353; Docket No. FAA-2017-0688; Product Identifier 2017-NE-23-
AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 26, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all Zodiac Seats France, 537-Series Cabin
Attendant Seats, part number (P/N) 53701-( )( )-( )( )( ).
(2) These appliances are installed on, but not limited to,
Avions de transport regional (ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 2500 Code, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by operator reports that safety belt wear
was found at the attachment to the cabin attendant seat. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of these attendant seats. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in possible injury
to the seat occupant.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 720 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
inspect safety belt webbing, modify and re-mark each affected cabin
attendant seat using Zodiac Seats France Service Information Letter
537-01, dated July 31, 2015, and the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 2.A. through 2.B., of
[[Page 47819]]
Zodiac Seats France Service Bulletin No. 537-25-003, Revision 1,
dated August 29, 2016.
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any affected
Zodiac Seats France cabin attendant seat on any aircraft.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, 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
manager of the Boston ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
(2) 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2016-
0163, dated August 10, 2016, for more information. You may examine
the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2017-0688.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Zodiac Seats France Service Bulletin No. 537-25-003,
Revision 1, dated August 29, 2016.
(ii) Zodiac Seats France Service Information Letter 537-01,
dated July 31, 2015.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100
Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70 83 08 30; fax: +33 (0) 2 54 03
39 00; email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.services.zodiacaerospace.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine &
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 7, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20551 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P