Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats California LLC Seating Systems, 23212-23214 [2016-09004]

Download as PDF 23212 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / Proposed Rules Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited’s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. (3) Reporting Requirements: 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 current 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 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (o) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014–0047, correction dated February 26, 2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–5465. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email RApublications@ baesystems.com; Internet https:// www.baesystems.com/Businesses/ RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 26, 2016. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–08957 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:51 Apr 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–5595; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–087–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats California LLC Seating Systems Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that the affected seating systems may cause serious injury to the occupant during forward impacts when subjected to certain inertia forces. This proposed AD would require removing affected seating systems. We are proposing this AD to prevent serious injury to the occupant during forward impacts in emergency landing conditions. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 6, 2016. 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 https://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. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 5595; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Farina, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM–150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5344; fax: 562–627–5210; email: patrick.farina@faa.gov. 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– 2016–5595; Directorate Identifier 2015– NM–087–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We determined that occupants of certain Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems having model numbers 4157, 4170, and 4184, may experience serious injury during forward impacts when subjected to inertia forces as defined by 14 CFR 25.561 and 14 CFR 25.562 (and thus are noncompliant with 14 CFR 25.785). The affected seating systems are installed on, but not limited to, various transport category airplanes. The impact of the head onto a typical transport passenger seat back during seat qualification testing normally results in an initial contact followed by an unimpeded sliding motion down the back of the seat. That type of interaction does not typically result in excessive neck loading or direct concentrated loading on the neck. The design of the affected seating systems introduce new injury mechanisms such that the chin can catch on the seat, causing high neck bending loads and direct concentrated loading on the neck. This interaction between the head and the seat during forward impacts can result in serious injury to the occupant. 14 CFR 25.785 states that seat designs cannot cause a serious injury to the occupant when making proper use of the seat and restraint and subjected to the inertia forces specified in 14 CFR E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM 20APP1 23213 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / Proposed Rules 25.561 and 14 CFR 25.562. Specifically, 14 CFR 25.785(b) states: occupant during forward impacts in emergency landing conditions. Each seat, berth, safety belt, harness, and adjacent part of the airplane at each station designated as occupiable during takeoff and landing must be designed so that a person making proper use of these facilities will not suffer serious injury in an emergency landing as a result of the inertia forces specified in sections 25.561 and 25.562. FAA’s Determination Use of the affected seating systems could result in serious injury to the 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 these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require removing affected seating systems. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 10,482 seating systems installed on but not limited to various transport category airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Removal .......................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $890,970 Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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. 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:51 Apr 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 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: (3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. (4) Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC–8–400, –401, and –402 airplanes. (5) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB–145XR airplanes. (6) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170–100 LR airplanes. (7) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170–200 LR, and –200 STD airplanes. (8) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190–100 STD, –100 LR, and –100 IGW airplanes. (9) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190–200 LR airplanes. TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPHS (c), (g), (i), (j) AND (k) OF THIS AD—AFFECTED SEATING SYSTEMS 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 Model No. Part No. 4157 .... [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 4157( )–( )–( ) 4157 .... 4158( )–( )–( ) 4157 .... 4175( )–( )–( ) Zodiac Seats California LLC: Docket No. FAA–2016–5595; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–087–AD. 4157 .... 4176( )–( )–( ) (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 6, 2016. 4157 .... 4177( )–( )–( ) 4157 .... 4178( )–( )–( ) 4170 .... 4170( )–( ) 4170 .... 4169( )–( ) 4170 .... 4171( )–( ) 4170 .... 4172( )–( ) 4184 .... 4184( )–( )–( ) (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems, having model numbers and part numbers identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j) and (k) of this AD, installed on, but not limited to, the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(9) of this AD, all type certificated models in any category. (1)The Boeing Company Model 717–200 airplanes. (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes. PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Description Double Seat Assembly System. Double Seat Assembly System. Double Seat Assembly System. Double Seat Assembly System. Double Seat Assembly System. Double Seat Assembly System. Triple Seat Assembly System. Double Seat Assembly System. Single Seat Assembly System Exit Row. Double Seat Assembly System Exit Row. Double Seat Assembly System. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2520, Passenger Compartment Equipment. E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM 20APP1 23214 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / Proposed Rules (e) Unsafe Condition This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that the affected seating systems may cause serious injury to the occupant during forward impacts when subjected to certain inertia forces. We are issuing this AD to prevent serious injury to the occupant during forward impacts in emergency landing conditions. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Seating System Removal Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, remove all seating systems having a model number and part number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD. (h) Definition of a Direct Spare For the purposes of this AD, a ‘‘direct’’ spare has the same part number as the part it replaces. Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Parts Installation Limitations: Seating Systems As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane any Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems having any model number and part number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD that are approved under TSO–C127a; except as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. (1) Seating systems may be removed from service for the purpose of performing maintenance activities and reinstalled on airplanes operated by the same operator but only until the operator complies with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) New seating systems may be installed as direct spares for the same part number seating systems but only until the operator complies with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Seating systems installed as direct spares are subject to the applicable requirements and compliance times specified in this AD. (j) Parts Installation Provisions: Installation and Rearrangement Installation of a seating system having any model number and part number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD, other than those installed as direct spares, is considered a new installation that needs approval; except re-arrangement of the existing installed seating systems on an airplane is acceptable until the operator complies with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph (g) of this AD, provided the re-arrangement follows the same installation instructions and limitations as the original certification (e.g., if the original limitations allowed 32″ to 34″ pitch, the new layout must be pitched within that range). model number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD that is approved under TSO–C127a; except as specified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD. (1) Components of seating systems specified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be removed from service and re-installed on airplanes operated by the same operator but only until the operator complies with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) New components of seating systems may be installed as direct spares for the same part number components but only until the operator complies with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (3) Components of seating systems specified in paragraph (g) of this AD that are installed as direct spares are subject to the applicable requirements and compliance times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (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. (m) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Patrick Farina, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM–150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5344; fax: 562– 627–5210; email: patrick.farina@faa.gov. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2016. Victor Wicklund, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–09004 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (k) Parts Installation Prohibition: Components of Seating Systems As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane any component of any seating system having any VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:51 Apr 19, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–5594; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–169–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a review that identified a nonconformity between the torque value applied to the screw-nuts of aileron servo actuators, and the torque value specified by the type design. This proposed AD would require replacing certain aileron servo actuators with serviceable servo actuators. We are proposing this AD to prevent desynchronization between two servo actuator barrels, which could lead to reduced control of the airplane during roll maneuvers at low altitude. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 6, 2016. 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 https://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 Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201–440–6700; Internet https://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM 20APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23212-23214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09004]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5595; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-087-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats California LLC Seating 
Systems

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems. This proposed AD 
was prompted by a determination that the affected seating systems may 
cause serious injury to the occupant during forward impacts when 
subjected to certain inertia forces. This proposed AD would require 
removing affected seating systems. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
serious injury to the occupant during forward impacts in emergency 
landing conditions.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 6, 2016.

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 https://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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
5595; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (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 Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 
562-627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: patrick.farina@faa.gov.

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-2016-5595; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-087-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We determined that occupants of certain Zodiac Seats California LLC 
seating systems having model numbers 4157, 4170, and 4184, may 
experience serious injury during forward impacts when subjected to 
inertia forces as defined by 14 CFR 25.561 and 14 CFR 25.562 (and thus 
are noncompliant with 14 CFR 25.785). The affected seating systems are 
installed on, but not limited to, various transport category airplanes.
    The impact of the head onto a typical transport passenger seat back 
during seat qualification testing normally results in an initial 
contact followed by an unimpeded sliding motion down the back of the 
seat. That type of interaction does not typically result in excessive 
neck loading or direct concentrated loading on the neck. The design of 
the affected seating systems introduce new injury mechanisms such that 
the chin can catch on the seat, causing high neck bending loads and 
direct concentrated loading on the neck. This interaction between the 
head and the seat during forward impacts can result in serious injury 
to the occupant.
    14 CFR 25.785 states that seat designs cannot cause a serious 
injury to the occupant when making proper use of the seat and restraint 
and subjected to the inertia forces specified in 14 CFR

[[Page 23213]]

25.561 and 14 CFR 25.562. Specifically, 14 CFR 25.785(b) states:

    Each seat, berth, safety belt, harness, and adjacent part of the 
airplane at each station designated as occupiable during takeoff and 
landing must be designed so that a person making proper use of these 
facilities will not suffer serious injury in an emergency landing as 
a result of the inertia forces specified in sections 25.561 and 
25.562.

    Use of the affected seating systems could result in serious injury 
to the occupant during forward impacts in emergency landing conditions.

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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require removing affected seating systems.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 10,482 seating systems 
installed on but not limited to various transport category airplanes of 
U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal.............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85         $890,970
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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:

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):

Zodiac Seats California LLC: Docket No. FAA-2016-5595; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-087-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 6, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems, 
having model numbers and part numbers identified in table 1 to 
paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j) and (k) of this AD, installed on, but 
not limited to, the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(9) of this AD, all type certificated models in any 
category.
    (1)The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 
701, & 702) airplanes.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes.
    (4) Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes.
    (5) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-
145XR airplanes.
    (6) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170-100 LR airplanes.
    (7) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170-200 LR, and -200 STD airplanes.
    (8) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, and -100 IGW 
airplanes.
    (9) Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-200 LR airplanes.

  Table 1 to Paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j) and (k) of This AD--Affected
                             Seating Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Model No.             Part No.              Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4157.....................   4157( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
4157.....................   4158( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
4157.....................   4175( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
4157.....................   4176( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
4157.....................   4177( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
4157.....................   4178( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
4170.....................     4170( )-( )  Triple Seat Assembly System.
4170.....................     4169( )-( )  Double Seat Assembly System.
4170.....................     4171( )-( )  Single Seat Assembly System
                                            Exit Row.
4170.....................     4172( )-( )  Double Seat Assembly System
                                            Exit Row.
4184.....................   4184( )-( )-(  Double Seat Assembly System.
                                        )
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2520, Passenger 
Compartment Equipment.

[[Page 23214]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that the 
affected seating systems may cause serious injury to the occupant 
during forward impacts when subjected to certain inertia forces. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent serious injury to the occupant during 
forward impacts in emergency landing conditions.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Seating System Removal

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, remove all 
seating systems having a model number and part number identified in 
table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD.

(h) Definition of a Direct Spare

    For the purposes of this AD, a ``direct'' spare has the same 
part number as the part it replaces.

(i) Parts Installation Limitations: Seating Systems

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane any Zodiac Seats California LLC seating systems having 
any model number and part number identified in table 1 to paragraphs 
(c), (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD that are approved under TSO-
C127a; except as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Seating systems may be removed from service for the purpose 
of performing maintenance activities and reinstalled on airplanes 
operated by the same operator but only until the operator complies 
with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD.
    (2) New seating systems may be installed as direct spares for 
the same part number seating systems but only until the operator 
complies with the removal of affected seating systems required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD. Seating systems installed as direct spares 
are subject to the applicable requirements and compliance times 
specified in this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Provisions: Installation and Rearrangement

    Installation of a seating system having any model number and 
part number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), 
and (k) of this AD, other than those installed as direct spares, is 
considered a new installation that needs approval; except re-
arrangement of the existing installed seating systems on an airplane 
is acceptable until the operator complies with the removal of 
affected seating systems required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
provided the re-arrangement follows the same installation 
instructions and limitations as the original certification (e.g., if 
the original limitations allowed 32'' to 34'' pitch, the new layout 
must be pitched within that range).

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition: Components of Seating Systems

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane any component of any seating system having any model 
number identified in table 1 to paragraphs (c), (g), (i), (j), and 
(k) of this AD that is approved under TSO-C127a; except as specified 
in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Components of seating systems specified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD may be removed from service and re-installed on airplanes 
operated by the same operator but only until the operator complies 
with the removal of affected seating systems required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD.
    (2) New components of seating systems may be installed as direct 
spares for the same part number components but only until the 
operator complies with the removal of affected seating systems 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (3) Components of seating systems specified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD that are installed as direct spares are subject to the 
applicable requirements and compliance times specified in paragraph 
(g) of this AD.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (m) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Patrick Farina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; 
email: patrick.farina@faa.gov.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-09004 Filed 4-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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