Airworthiness Directives; Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN), Series 312 Box Mounted Seats, 18322-18324 [05-7152]
Download as PDF
18322
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Proposed Rules
include any other model that
incorporates the same novel or unusual
design feature, or should any other
model already included on the same
type certificate be modified to
incorporate the same novel or unusual
design feature, the special conditions
would also apply to the other model
under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Airbus Model A318 airplane,
equipped with Pratt and Whitney
PW6000 engines, will incorporate novel
or unusual design features involving
engine size and torque load that affect
sudden engine stoppage conditions.
Discussion
The limit engine torque load imposed
by sudden engine stoppage due to
malfunction or structural failure (such
as compressor jamming) has been a
specific requirement for transport
category airplanes since 1957. The size,
configuration, and failure modes of jet
engines have changed considerably from
those envisioned when the engine
seizure requirement of § 25.361(b) was
first adopted. Current engines are much
larger and are now designed with large
bypass fans capable of producing much
larger torque loads if they become
jammed. It is evident from service
history that the frequency of occurrence
of the most severe sudden engine
stoppage events is rare.
Relative to the engine configurations
that existed when the rule was
developed in 1957, the present
generation of engines is sufficiently
different and novel to justify issuance of
special conditions to establish
appropriate design standards. The latest
generation of jet engines is capable of
producing, during failure, transient
loads that are significantly higher and
more complex than the generation of
engines that were present when the
existing standard was developed.
Therefore, the FAA has determined that
special conditions are needed for Airbus
Models A318–121 and A318–122
(equipped with Pratt and Whitney
PW6000 engines).
Airbus Models A318–111 and A318–
112 (equipped with CFMI CFM56–5B
engines) will not be subject to the same
special conditions because these
engines and their supporting structure
are unchanged from the basic Model
A320, for which no special conditions
were applied.
In order to maintain the level of safety
envisioned in § 25.361(b), more
comprehensive criteria are needed for
the new generation of high bypass
engines. The proposed special
conditions would distinguish between
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:24 Apr 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
the more common seizure events and
those rare seizure events resulting from
structural failures. For these rare but
severe seizure events, the proposed
criteria could allow some deformation
in the engine supporting structure
(ultimate load design) in order to absorb
the higher energy associated with the
high bypass engines, while at the same
time protecting the adjacent primary
structure in the wing and fuselage by
providing a higher safety factor. The
criteria for the more severe events
would no longer be a pure static torque
load condition, but would account for
the full spectrum of transient dynamic
loads developed from the engine failure
condition.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to Airbus
Models A318–121 and A318–122
airplanes equipped with Pratt and
Whitney PW6000 engines. Should
Airbus apply at a later date for a change
to the type certificate to include another
model incorporating the same novel or
unusual design feature, these special
conditions would apply to that model as
well under the provisions of § 21.101.
Conclusion
This action affects certain novel or
unusual design features on the Airbus
Model A318 airplane equipped with
Pratt and Whitney PW6000 engines. It is
not a rule of general applicability, and
it affects only the applicant who applied
to the FAA for approval of these features
on the airplane.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
44702, 44704.
The Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of
the type certification basis for Airbus
Model A318 airplane equipped with
Pratt and Whitney PW6000 engines.
In lieu of compliance with 14 CFR
25.361(b), the following special
condition applies:
1. Sudden Engine Stoppage.
(a) For turbine engine installations,
the engine mounts, pylons and adjacent
supporting airframe structure must be
designed to withstand 1g level flight
loads acting simultaneously with the
maximum limit torque loads imposed
by each of the following:
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(1) Sudden engine deceleration due to
a malfunction which could result in a
temporary loss of power or thrust.
(2) The maximum acceleration of the
engine.
(b) For auxiliary power unit
installations, the power unit mounts
and adjacent supporting airframe
structure must be designed to withstand
1g level flight loads acting
simultaneously with the maximum limit
torque loads imposed by each of the
following:
(1) Sudden auxiliary power unit
deceleration due to malfunction or
structural failure.
(2) The maximum acceleration of the
auxiliary power unit.
(c) For engine supporting structure, an
ultimate loading condition must be
considered that combines 1g flight loads
with the transient dynamic loads
resulting from each of the following:
(1) The loss of any fan, compressor, or
turbine blade.
(2) Where applicable to a specific
engine design, and separately from the
conditions specified in paragraph
1(c)(1), any other engine structural
failure that results in higher loads.
(d) The ultimate loads developed from
the conditions specified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) above are to be
multiplied by a factor of 1.0 when
applied to engine mounts and pylons
and multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when
applied to adjacent supporting airframe
structure.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March
24, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–7192 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20848; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NE–02–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviointeriors
S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN), Series 312
Box Mounted Seats
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN),
E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM
11APP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Proposed Rules
series 312 box mounted seats. This
proposed AD would require initial and
repetitive inspections of the seat
attachments for cracks, and if necessary,
replacing the attachments. This
proposed AD results from 10 reports of
cracked attachments of series 312 box
mounted seats. We are proposing this
AD to prevent series 312 box mounted
seats from detaching from the passenger
compartment floor, which could result
in injury to the occupant of the seat, and
prevent evacuation of passengers in the
event of an emergency.
DATES: We must receive any comments
on this proposed AD by June 10, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide Rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
001.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Aviointeriors S.p.A., Via
Appia Km. 66.4—04013 Latina, Italy;
telephone: 39–0773–6891; fax: 39–
0773–631546 for the service information
identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803–5299; telephone:
781–238–7161; fax: 781–238–7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send us any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2005–20848; Directorate Identifier
2005–NE–02–AD’’ in the subject line of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:24 Apr 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of the DMS
Web site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78) or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that
contains the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person at the DMS Docket Offices
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is on the plaza level of the
Department of Transportation Nassif
Building at the street address stated in
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
The Ente Nazionale per ’Aviazione
Civile (ENAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for Italy,
notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on Aviointeriors
S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN) series 312 box
mounted seats, part number (P/N) 312()(
)27–()()()()() and P/N 312()()36–()()()()().
The ENAC advises that 10 reports have
been received of cracked seat
attachments found during routine
maintenance. The parentheses
appearing in the seat P/N indicate the
presence or absence of an additional
letter(s), or numbers(s), that varies the
basic seat configuration. This proposed
AD still applies regardless of whether
these letters, or numbers, are present or
absent in the seat P/N designation.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the
technical contents of Aviointeriors
Service Bulletin (SB) No 312/912–05,
Revision 1, dated August 24, 2001. This
SB describes the procedures for
inspecting series 312 box mounted seat
outboard and seat inboard attachments
for cracks, replacing cracked
attachments, and replacing attachments
when they have accumulated 8,000
hours time-in-service (TIS). The ENAC
classified this service bulletin as
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
18323
mandatory and issued AD 2001–479,
dated November 12, 2001, in order to
ensure the airworthiness of these seats
in Italy.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
These Aviointeriors S.p.A. series 312
box mounted seats, manufactured in
Italy, are approved for use on airplanes
that are type certificated for operation in
the United States under the provisions
of § 21.617 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 21.617) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness
agreement. In keeping with this bilateral
airworthiness agreement, the ENAC kept
us informed of the situation described
above. We have examined the findings
of ENAC, reviewed all available
information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this
type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States. For this
reason, we are proposing this AD, which
would require:
• Initial and repetitive inspections of
the seat outboard and inboard
attachments for cracks.
• Replacing cracked attachments.
• Within 90 days after the effective
date of the proposed AD, replacing
attachments if they have accumulated
8,000 hours or more TIS on the effective
date of the proposed AD.
• Replacing attachments when they
have accumulated 8,000 hours TIS.
The proposed AD would require you to
use the service information described
previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 68 Aviointeriors
S.p.A. series 312 box mounted seats
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry
that would be affected by this proposed
AD. We estimate that it would take
about 0.5 work hour per seat to perform
the proposed inspections, and about 0.5
work hour per seat to perform the
proposed replacement of an attachment.
The average labor rate is $65 per work
hour. Required parts would cost about
$297.50 per seat. Based on these figures,
we estimate the total cost of one
inspection and total parts replacement
to U.S. operators to be $24,650.
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,
E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM
11APP1
18324
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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 have 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. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Would 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 summary of the costs
to comply with this proposal and placed
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy
of this summary at the address listed
under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me
by the Administrator, the Federal
Aviation Administration proposes to
amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN):
Docket No. FAA–2005–20848;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–02–AD.
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:24 Apr 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by June
10, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Aviointeriors S.p.A.
(formerly ALVEN), series 312 box mounted
seats, part number (P/N) 312()()27–()()()()()
and P/N 312()()36–()()()()(). These seats are
installed in, but not limited to, Fokker Model
F27 Mark 050, Mark 500, and Mark 600
airplanes.
(d) The parentheses appearing in the seat
P/N indicate the presence or absence of an
additional letter(s), or number(s), that varies
the basic seat configuration. This AD still
applies regardless of whether these letters, or
numbers, are present or absent in the seat P/
N designation.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from 10 reports of
cracked attachments of series 312 box
mounted seats. We are issuing this AD to
prevent series 312 box mounted seats from
detaching from the passenger compartment
floor, which could result in injury to the
occupant of the seat, and prevent evacuation
of passengers in the event of an emergency.
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.
Attachments That Have Already
Accumulated 8,000 Hours Time-In-Service
(TIS) or More
(g) For attachments that have already
accumulated 8,000 hours TIS or more on the
effective date of this AD, do the following:
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD, replace attachments with new
attachments of the same P/N, using Section
2., Replacement Procedure, Steps 2.4 though
2.6 of Aviointeriors Service Bulletin No. 312/
912–05, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2001.
(2) Perform repetitive visual inspections as
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Initial Visual Inspection
(h) Perform an initial visual inspection of
the seat outboard and inboard attachments
for cracks, within 90 days after the effective
date of this AD, as follows:
(1) Inspect seat outboard attachment, part
number (P/N) DM03313–1, and seat inboard
attachment, P/N DM03314–1, using Section
2., Inspection Procedure, Steps 2.1 through
2.5 of Aviointeriors Service Bulletin (SB) No.
312/912–05, Revision 1, dated August 24,
2001.
(2) Replace any cracked attachment with a
new attachment of the same P/N, using
Section 2., Replacement Procedure, Steps 2.4
though 2.6 of Aviointeriors SB No. 312/912–
05, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2001.
(3) Replace attachments when they have
accumulated 8,000 hours time-in-service
(TIS), with new attachments of the same P/
N, using Section 2., Replacement Procedure,
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Steps 2.4 though 2.6 of Aviointeriors SB No.
312/912–05, Revision 1, dated August 24,
2001.
Repetitive Visual Inspections
(i) Within 650 hours TIS after the last
inspection, or within 650 hours TIS after
attachment was replaced, and whenever the
seat is being installed or removed, perform
repetitive visual inspections for cracks, and
replace cracked seat outboard and inboard
attachments. Use paragraphs (h)(1) through
(h)(3) of this AD to inspect and disposition
the attachments.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) The Manager, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, has the authority to
approve alternative methods of compliance
for this AD if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile
airworthiness directive AD 2001–479, dated
November 12, 2001, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
April 4, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–7152 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20881; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–253–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Transport Category Airplanes
Manufactured by McDonnell Douglas
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to revise
an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to various transport
category airplanes manufactured by
McDonnell Douglas. The existing AD
currently requires a one-time test of the
fire extinguishers for the engine and
auxiliary power unit (APU), as
applicable, to determine the capability
of the Firex electrical circuits to fire
discharge cartridges, and
troubleshooting actions if necessary.
This proposed AD would remove
certain transport category airplanes from
the applicability of the existing AD.
This proposed AD is prompted by
E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM
11APP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 68 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18322-18324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7152]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20848; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-02-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN),
Series 312 Box Mounted Seats
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN),
[[Page 18323]]
series 312 box mounted seats. This proposed AD would require initial
and repetitive inspections of the seat attachments for cracks, and if
necessary, replacing the attachments. This proposed AD results from 10
reports of cracked attachments of series 312 box mounted seats. We are
proposing this AD to prevent series 312 box mounted seats from
detaching from the passenger compartment floor, which could result in
injury to the occupant of the seat, and prevent evacuation of
passengers in the event of an emergency.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by June 10,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide Rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Aviointeriors S.p.A., Via Appia Km. 66.4--04013 Latina,
Italy; telephone: 39-0773-6891; fax: 39-0773-631546 for the service
information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299;
telephone: 781-238-7161; fax: 781-238-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20848;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-02-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the
DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is on the plaza
level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street
address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Ente Nazionale per 'Aviazione Civile (ENAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for Italy, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN) series 312
box mounted seats, part number (P/N) 312( )( )27-( )( )( )( )( ) and P/
N 312( )( )36-( )( )( )( )( ). The ENAC advises that 10 reports have
been received of cracked seat attachments found during routine
maintenance. The parentheses appearing in the seat P/N indicate the
presence or absence of an additional letter(s), or numbers(s), that
varies the basic seat configuration. This proposed AD still applies
regardless of whether these letters, or numbers, are present or absent
in the seat P/N designation.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of
Aviointeriors Service Bulletin (SB) No 312/912-05, Revision 1, dated
August 24, 2001. This SB describes the procedures for inspecting series
312 box mounted seat outboard and seat inboard attachments for cracks,
replacing cracked attachments, and replacing attachments when they have
accumulated 8,000 hours time-in-service (TIS). The ENAC classified this
service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 2001-479, dated November
12, 2001, in order to ensure the airworthiness of these seats in Italy.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These Aviointeriors S.p.A. series 312 box mounted seats,
manufactured in Italy, are approved for use on airplanes that are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.617 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.617) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. In keeping with this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the ENAC kept us informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of ENAC,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States. For this reason, we are proposing this
AD, which would require:
Initial and repetitive inspections of the seat outboard
and inboard attachments for cracks.
Replacing cracked attachments.
Within 90 days after the effective date of the proposed
AD, replacing attachments if they have accumulated 8,000 hours or more
TIS on the effective date of the proposed AD.
Replacing attachments when they have accumulated 8,000
hours TIS.
The proposed AD would require you to use the service information
described previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 68 Aviointeriors S.p.A. series 312 box mounted
seats installed on airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by
this proposed AD. We estimate that it would take about 0.5 work hour
per seat to perform the proposed inspections, and about 0.5 work hour
per seat to perform the proposed replacement of an attachment. The
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $297.50 per seat. Based on these figures, we estimate the total
cost of one inspection and total parts replacement to U.S. operators to
be $24,650.
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,
[[Page 18324]]
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 have 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Would 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 summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the
address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN): Docket No. FAA-2005-20848;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-02-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by June 10,
2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Aviointeriors S.p.A. (formerly ALVEN),
series 312 box mounted seats, part number (P/N) 312( )( )27-( )( )(
)( )( ) and P/N 312( )( )36-( )( )( )( )( ). These seats are
installed in, but not limited to, Fokker Model F27 Mark 050, Mark
500, and Mark 600 airplanes.
(d) The parentheses appearing in the seat P/N indicate the
presence or absence of an additional letter(s), or number(s), that
varies the basic seat configuration. This AD still applies
regardless of whether these letters, or numbers, are present or
absent in the seat P/N designation.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from 10 reports of cracked attachments of
series 312 box mounted seats. We are issuing this AD to prevent
series 312 box mounted seats from detaching from the passenger
compartment floor, which could result in injury to the occupant of
the seat, and prevent evacuation of passengers in the event of an
emergency.
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.
Attachments That Have Already Accumulated 8,000 Hours Time-In-Service
(TIS) or More
(g) For attachments that have already accumulated 8,000 hours
TIS or more on the effective date of this AD, do the following:
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, replace
attachments with new attachments of the same P/N, using Section 2.,
Replacement Procedure, Steps 2.4 though 2.6 of Aviointeriors Service
Bulletin No. 312/912-05, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2001.
(2) Perform repetitive visual inspections as specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
Initial Visual Inspection
(h) Perform an initial visual inspection of the seat outboard
and inboard attachments for cracks, within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, as follows:
(1) Inspect seat outboard attachment, part number (P/N) DM03313-
1, and seat inboard attachment, P/N DM03314-1, using Section 2.,
Inspection Procedure, Steps 2.1 through 2.5 of Aviointeriors Service
Bulletin (SB) No. 312/912-05, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2001.
(2) Replace any cracked attachment with a new attachment of the
same P/N, using Section 2., Replacement Procedure, Steps 2.4 though
2.6 of Aviointeriors SB No. 312/912-05, Revision 1, dated August 24,
2001.
(3) Replace attachments when they have accumulated 8,000 hours
time-in-service (TIS), with new attachments of the same P/N, using
Section 2., Replacement Procedure, Steps 2.4 though 2.6 of
Aviointeriors SB No. 312/912-05, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2001.
Repetitive Visual Inspections
(i) Within 650 hours TIS after the last inspection, or within
650 hours TIS after attachment was replaced, and whenever the seat
is being installed or removed, perform repetitive visual inspections
for cracks, and replace cracked seat outboard and inboard
attachments. Use paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this AD to
inspect and disposition the attachments.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, has the
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile airworthiness
directive AD 2001-479, dated November 12, 2001, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 4, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7152 Filed 4-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P