Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
| Citation | 84 FR 34816 |
| Record Number | 2019-15413 |
| Published date | 19 July 2019 |
| Court | Federal Aviation Administration |
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 139 (Friday, July 19, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34816-34819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-15413]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2019 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 34816]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD)
2017-22-02, which applies to certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco)
pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re-
identification of the affected seats. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-
02, Ipeco has received reports that the tracklock spring modification
required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the issue of
unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing and the FAA also
determined the need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the
applicability. This proposed AD would continue to require modification
and re-identification of the affected seats. This proposed AD would
also require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected
tracklock springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the
tracklock springs with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
3, 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 Ipeco
Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United
Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email:
[email protected]. 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.
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-
0260; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0260;
Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552,
November 7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-02''), for Ipeco pilot and co-pilot
seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re-identification of the
affected seats. AD 2017-22-02 resulted from reports of unexpected
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff and landing. The
FAA issued AD 2017-22-02 to prevent unexpected movement of pilot and
co-pilot seats during takeoff and landing.
Actions Since AD 2017-22-02 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Ipeco has received reports that
the tracklock spring modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not
adequately address the issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff
and landing. As a result, Ipeco published Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB)
063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, providing instructions
to inspect and replace, if necessary, affected tracklock springs. Also,
since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, the European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, which
retains the requirements of EASA AD 2016-0256, dated December 16, 2016,
and also requires repetitive inspection of seats and, depending on
findings, replacement of affected tracklock springs. Based on
discussions with Ipeco and EASA, the FAA also determined the need to
add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. These
seat P/Ns are included in the applicability of EASA AD 2018-0262.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-08,
Revision 00; SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; and SB Number 063-25-10,
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016.
[[Page 34817]]
The SBs provide instructions, differentiated by the part numbers of the
affected pilot and co-pilot seats, for the modification and re-
identification of these seats. The FAA also reviewed Ipeco SB Number
063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018. This SB provides
instructions for inspection and replacement, if necessary, of affected
tracklock springs. 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
The FAA is proposing this AD because it 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 design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2017-
22-02. This proposed AD would add additional seat P/Ns to the
applicability. This proposed AD would also require initial and
repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending
on the findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part
eligible for installation.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and MCAI or Service Information
This proposed AD and EASA AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018,
include pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and co-pilot seat P/N 3A063-
0100-01-1in their respective applicability sections, while Ipeco SB
Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 110 pilot and co-
pilot seats installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de
Transport Regional (ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates that seats installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes and seats
installed on 21 ATR 72 airplanes will require modification and
inspection. The FAA is revising the estimated number of affected seats
in this cost estimate to include two affected seats per airplane.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect ATR 42 flight crew seats...... 0.1 work-hours x $85 per $0 $8.50 $289
hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 42 flight crew seats....... 2 work-hours x $85 per 56 226 7,684
hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 42 inspection... 1.0 work-hours x 85 per 1 86 2,924
hour = $85.
Inspect ATR 72 flight crew seats...... 0.1 work-hours x 85 per 0 8.50 179
hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 72 flight crew seats....... 2 work-hours x 85 per 56 226 4,746
hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 72 inspection... 1.0 work-hours x 85 per 1 86 1,806
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove seat and replace ATR 42 tracklock 1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $28 $147
spring. $119.
Remove seat and replace ATR 72 tracklock 1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour = 28 147
spring. $119.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in
our cost estimate.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
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.
The FAA is 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
[[Page 34818]]
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
The FAA has 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 that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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:
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)
2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017), and
adding the following new AD:
Ipeco Holdings Limited: Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier
2017-NE-13-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 3,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552,
November 7, 2017).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to:
(i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats with
a part number (P/N) listed in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information,
Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14,
Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and
(ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot
seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1.
(2) These seats are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE
Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight
Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of tracklock spring failures
occurring on affected seats, including those seats already modified
by AD 2017-22-02. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent unexpected
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and landing. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Action
(1) For seats that have not installed the tracklock spring
modification kit, within two years after December 12, 2017 (the
effective date of AD 2017-22-02), modify and re-identify each
affected pilot and co-pilot seat. Use the Accomplishment
Instructions of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; Ipeco SB
Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; or Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10,
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016, as appropriate, to do the
modification and re-identification.
(2) For all affected seats, within 750 flight hours (FHs) after
the effective date of this AD, and, thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 750 FHs, inspect the tracklock spring of each seat in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2, of
the Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(i) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD, any damage on, or incorrect installation of, any tracklock
spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat, before further
flight, replace both tracklock springs of the affected seat with a
part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of the
Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Within 30 days after the initial and repetitive inspections,
and thereafter for two years after the effective date of this AD,
send the inspection results, including no findings, to Ipeco at
[email protected].
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot or
co-pilot seat identified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless
the seat is modified and re-identified as specified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(i) Definition
(1) For the purpose of this AD, ``damage'' can include cracks,
breaks, corrosion, or deformation of the tracklock spring.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ``incorrect installation'' is
installing the tracklock spring at an angle or position at odds with
Figures 6 and 7 of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated
August 14, 2018.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is:
(i) A modified seat provided, before installation, it has passed
an inspection (no damage or defect found).
(ii) a tracklock spring provided that it passed an inspection
(no damage or defect found).
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(k) 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
[[Page 34819]]
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: [email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2018-0262,
dated December 6, 2018, 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 it in Docket No.
FAA-2019-0260.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Ipeco
Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United
Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email:
[email protected]. You may view this referenced 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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 12, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-15413 Filed 7-18-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
