[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 36 (Friday, February 22, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5620-5622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02933]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0021; Product Identifier 2018-NM-038-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AmSafe Inc. Seatbelts
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
AmSafe Inc. seatbelts, as installed in, but not limited to, various
airplanes and rotorcraft. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of
multiple failed keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies. This proposed AD
would require an inspection for affected parts, repetitive general
visual inspections of the seatbelt hook assembly for damage, repetitive
functional checks, and replacement of all affected parts. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 8, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact AmSafe
Inc., 1043 N 47th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043; telephone: 602-850-2850;
fax: 602-850-2812; internet: https://www.amsafe.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
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-2019-
0021; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Farina, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0021;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-038-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that failed keepers on
seatbelt hook assemblies have been found on multiple transport category
airplanes. These seatbelt hook assemblies might also be installed on
other types of aircraft. The keepers have been found with the metal
bridge above the spring bent or broken in a way that does not allow the
seatbelt hook assemblies to be securely fastened to the seat structure.
Failure of keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies, if not addressed, could
result in the seatbelt disengaging from and detaching from the seat
structure under certain conditions, and could result in injury to
passengers or flightcrew.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated
August 6, 2018. The service information describes procedures for an
inspection for affected
[[Page 5621]]
parts, repetitive general visual inspections of the seatbelt hook
assembly for damage (including compressed springs, bends, rotation or
deformation of the bridge), repetitive functional checks and
replacement. 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.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018,
specifies to return parts to the manufacturer. This proposed AD would
not include that requirement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 100,000 appliances
installed on, but not limited to, various airplanes and rotorcraft of
U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for affected part..... 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................ $8,500,000.
per hour = $85.
Repetitive inspections and 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85 per inspection $8,500,000 per
functional checks. per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Replacement...................... 1 work-hour x $85 28 $113............... $11,300,000.
per hour = $85.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $28 $113
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed 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 known 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 proposed 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 transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the
Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
(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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 5622]]
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):
AmSafe Inc. Seatbelts: Docket No. FAA-2019-0021; Product Identifier
2018-NM-038-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 8, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to AmSafe Inc. seatbelts installed on various
airplanes and rotorcraft, certificated in any category, including,
but not limited to, the airplanes of the manufacturers specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
(1) Airbus SAS
(2) The Boeing Company
(3) Bombardier, Inc.
(4) Embraer S.A.
(5) Fokker Services B.V.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of multiple failed keepers on
seatbelt hook assemblies. We are issuing this AD to address failed
keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies. Failure of keepers on seatbelt
hook assemblies, if not addressed, could result in the seatbelt
disengaging from and detaching from the seat structure under certain
conditions, and could result in injury to passengers or flightcrew.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection for Affected Parts
For any seatbelt buckle half and connector half having a part
number listed in Table 1 of paragraph ``1.1., Effectivity'' of
AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018:
Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, do a general
visual inspection of each seatbelt buckle half and connector half to
determine whether the seatbelt hook assembly has exposed springs, in
accordance with AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated
August 6, 2018.
(1) An affected part is any seatbelt buckle half or connector
half that has a seatbelt hook assembly with exposed springs.
(2) An unaffected part is any seatbelt buckle half or connector
half that has a seatbelt hook assembly without exposed springs.
(h) Repetitive Inspections and Functional Checks
Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection of each affected part for damage to the
seatbelt hook assembly and do a functional check in accordance with
AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018.
(1) If any seatbelt hook assembly is damaged or the part fails
the functional check, before further flight, replace the part with a
new or serviceable part. If an affected part is installed, repeat
the inspection and functional check at intervals not to exceed 24
months or at the next scheduled heavy maintenance check, whichever
occurs first, until the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD are done.
(2) If an affected part is undamaged and passes the functional
check, repeat the inspection and functional check at intervals not
to exceed 24 months or at the next scheduled heavy maintenance
check, whichever occurs first, until the actions specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD are done.
(i) Terminating Action
Within 58 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
all affected parts with unaffected parts in accordance with AmSafe
Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018.
Replacing all affected parts with unaffected parts on a seatbelt
hook assembly terminates the repetitive inspections and functional
checks specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for that seatbelt hook
assembly. Replacing all affected parts with unaffected parts on an
airplane or rotorcraft terminates the repetitive inspections and
functional checks specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for that
airplane or rotorcraft.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
No person may install on any seat an affected part as of the
time specified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For seats on which, as of the effective date of this AD any
affected part is found during the inspection required by paragraph
(g) of this AD: After replacement of the affected part(s) with
unaffected part(s).
(2) For seats on which no affected parts are found during the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: As of the date of
the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(3) For seats on which both the seatbelt buckle half and
connector half have part numbers not listed in Table 1 of paragraph
``1.1., Effectivity'' of AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue
5, dated August 6, 2018: As of the effective date of this AD.
(k) No Return of Parts
Although AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated
August 6, 2018, specifies to return parts to the manufacturer, this
AD does not require the return of the parts to the manufacturer.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using the service
information specified in paragraphs (l)(1) or (l)(2), of this AD.
(1) AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 3, dated April 19,
2018.
(2) AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 4, dated July 12,
2018.
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected].
(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.
(n) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Patrick Farina,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
AmSafe Inc., 1043 N 47th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043; telephone: 602-
850-2850; fax: 602-850-2812; internet: https://www.amsafe.com. You
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on February 8, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-02933 Filed 2-21-19; 8:45 am]
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