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
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