Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France, Cabin Attendant Seats, 60690-60692 [2017-27570]

Download as PDF 60690 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 245 / Friday, December 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. Finally, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this proposed rule. Regarding outreach efforts, as previously mentioned, this action was discussed at a subcommittee in October 2015. The Board conducted outreach over the following six months to beekeeping associations to gather input about the need to reduce the annual production volume requirement for eligible producers on the Board. The Board met in April 2016 and unanimously recommended reducing the production volume requirement from 150,000 to 50,000 pounds annually. The Board also recommended prescribing late payment charges and interest on past due assessments in the part’s regulations. All of the Board’s meetings are open to the public and interested persons are invited to participate and express their views. AMS has performed this initial RFA regarding the impact of this proposed action on small entities and invites comments concerning potential effects of this action. USDA has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with and would effectuate the purposes of the 1996 Act. A 30-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to respond to this proposal. Thirty days is deemed appropriate because this action would relax the minimum production requirement for producers to serve on the Board, thereby allowing more producers to be eligible to serve on the Board. This action would also prescribe late payment and interest charges for past due assessments which would facilitate the collection of assessments under the program. All written comments received in response to this proposed rule by the date specified will be considered prior to finalizing this action. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1212 Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer information, Honey Packer and Importer promotion, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 1212 is proposed to be amended as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 244001 PART 1212—HONEY PACKERS AND IMPORTERS RESEARCH, PROMOTION, CONSUMER EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY INFORMATION ORDER 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1212 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411–7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401. continue to accrue monthly until the outstanding balance is paid to the Board. Dated: December 18, 2017. Bruce Summers, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2017–27526 Filed 12–21–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P 2. Section 1212.40 is revised to read as follows: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION § 1212.40 Federal Aviation Administration ■ Establishment and membership. The Honey Packers and Importers Board is established to administer the terms and provisions of this part. The Board shall have ten members, composed of three first handler representatives, two importer representatives, one importer-handler representative, three producer representatives, and one marketing cooperative representative. The importer-handler representative must import at least 75 percent of the honey or honey products they market in the United States and handle at least 250,000 pounds annually. In addition, the producer representatives must produce a minimum of 50,000 pounds of honey in the United States annually based on the best three-year average of the most recent five calendar years, as certified by producers. The Secretary will appoint members to the Board from nominees submitted in accordance with § 1212.42. The Secretary shall also appoint an alternate for each member. ■ 3. Subpart C—Regulations Regarding Past Due Assessments is added to read as follows: Subpart C—Regulations Regarding Past Due Assessments § 1212.520 Late payment and interest charges for past due assessments. (1) A late payment charge will be imposed on any first handler or importer who fails to make timely remittance to the Board of the total assessments for which they are liable. The late payment will be imposed on any assessments not received within 30 calendar days of the date when assessments are due. This one-time late payment charge will be 10 percent of the assessments due before interest charges have accrued. (2) In addition to the late payment charge, 2⁄3 of 1 percent per month (or an annual rate of 8 percent) interest on the outstanding balance, including any late payment and accrued interest, will be added to any accounts for which payment has not been received within 30 calendar days of the date when assessments are due. Interest will PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0632; Product Identifier 2017–NE–16–AD] RIN 2120–AA6 Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France, Cabin Attendant Seats 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 France, 536 Series Cabin Attendant Seats. This proposed AD was prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated stress area of the seat pan hinges. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections and replacement of the seat pan. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this NPRM by February 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 202–493–2251. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100 Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70 83 08 30; email: zs.tac@zodiac aerospace.com; internet: https:// www.services.zodiacaerospace.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22DEP1.SGM 22DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 245 / Friday, December 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. 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–2017– 0632; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 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: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7693; fax: 781–238–7199; email: dorie.resnik@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2017–0632; Product Identifier 2017–NE–16–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. 60691 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 with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0632. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2017– 0001, dated January 6, 2017 (referred to hereinafter as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Zodiac Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 536–25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. The SB describes procedures for inspection, modification, or replacement of the seat pan, of certain model seats known to be installed on ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Cases of cracks were found on Zodiac Seats France cabin attendant seats 536 series installed on some ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. The detected damage was located in the area of the seat pan hinges. Investigations identified that fatigue had caused these cracks in a highly concentrated stress area. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the seat, possibly resulting in injury to the seat occupant. To address this potential unsafe condition, Zodiac Seats France issued Service Bulletin (SB) 536–25–003 to provide inspection and replacement instructions. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016–0164, requiring repetitive visual inspections of the affected cabin attendant seats and, depending on findings, replacement of the seat pan. Since that AD was issued, Zodiac Seats France developed a reinforced seat pan, and revised SB 536–25–003 accordingly. After installation of a reinforced seat pan, the seat P/N amendment status is updated. For the reason described above, this AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2016–0164, which is superseded, prohibits installation of unreinforced seat pans on seats already modified, and introduces the reinforced seat pan installation as optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by EASA, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require inspection, and modification of certain model seats. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 55 seat assemblies installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Labor cost Seat inspection, modification, or replacement sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Action 1.2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $102 .......... According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Dec 21, 2017 Jkt 244001 Parts cost 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 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $1,500 Cost per product $1,602 Cost on U.S. operators $88,110 the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the E:\FR\FM\22DEP1.SGM 22DEP1 60692 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 245 / Friday, December 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division. Regulatory Findings 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS ■ Zodiac Seats France (formerly SICMA Aero Seat): Docket No. FAA–2017–0632; Product Identifier 2017–NE–16–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by February 5, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Dec 21, 2017 (1) This AD applies to all Zodiac Seats France, Cabin Attendant Seat 536 Series, part numbers (P/N) 53600, all dash numbers, all serial numbers, with seat pan P/N F0433453, installed. (2) These appliances are installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. (d) Subject 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. § 39.13 (c) Applicability Jkt 244001 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated stress area of the seat pan hinges. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of affected seats. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Before exceeding 2,500 flight cycles (FC), or within 100 FC after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect the seat pan structure in both deployed and stowed positions using paragraph 2.A., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France Service Bulletin (SB) No. 536– 25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. (2) If cracks are found, before next flight: (i) Replace seat pan with reinforced seat pan, P/N F0511530, using paragraph 2.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. (ii) Re-mark the seat using paragraph 2.C., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. (3) If no cracks are found, do the following: (i) Re-mark the seat using paragraph 2.C., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. (ii) Reinspect the seat pan within every 100 FC since last inspection, or replace seat pan with reinforced seat pan, P/N F0511530, using paragraph 2.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. (4) Until compliance with this AD is accomplished, stow and secure an affected attendant seat in the retracted position to prevent occupancy, in accordance with the provisions and limitations of the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List item. (g) Optional Terminating Action Installation of a reinforced seat pan, P/N F0511530, using paragraph 2.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017, is terminating action to this AD. (h) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for inspections and modifications performed in accordance with Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, first issued May 24, 2016, or Zodiac Seats France PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 1, dated August 29, 2016 or Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25–003, Revision 2, dated September 16, 2016, if you performed these actions before the effective date of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 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 Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: 9-ane-boston-aco-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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– 238–7693; fax: 781–238–7199; email: dorie.resnik@faa.gov. (2) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2017–0001, dated January 6, 2017, for more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–0632. (3) Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536–25– 003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017, can be obtained from Zodiac Seats France, using the contact information in paragraph (j)(4) of this proposed AD. (4) For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100 Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70 83 08 30; email: zs.tac@zodiac aerospace.com; internet: https:// www.services.zodiacaerospace.com. (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 18, 2017. Robert J. Ganley, Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–27570 Filed 12–21–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\22DEP1.SGM 22DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 245 (Friday, December 22, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60690-60692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27570]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0632; Product Identifier 2017-NE-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA6


Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France, Cabin Attendant 
Seats

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 France, 536 Series Cabin Attendant Seats. This 
proposed AD was prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated 
stress area of the seat pan hinges. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections and replacement of the seat pan. We are 
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this NPRM by February 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Zodiac 
Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100 Issoudun, 
France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70 83 08 30; email: 
[email protected]; internet: https://www.services.zodiacaerospace.com. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For

[[Page 60691]]

information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7125.

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-2017-
0632; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The 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: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0632; 
Product Identifier 2017-NE-16-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 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2017-0001, dated January 6, 2017 (referred to hereinafter as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Cases of cracks were found on Zodiac Seats France cabin 
attendant seats 536 series installed on some ATR 42 and ATR 72 
aeroplanes. The detected damage was located in the area of the seat 
pan hinges. Investigations identified that fatigue had caused these 
cracks in a highly concentrated stress area. This condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the seat, possibly 
resulting in injury to the seat occupant. To address this potential 
unsafe condition, Zodiac Seats France issued Service Bulletin (SB) 
536-25-003 to provide inspection and replacement instructions. 
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0164, requiring repetitive visual 
inspections of the affected cabin attendant seats and, depending on 
findings, replacement of the seat pan. Since that AD was issued, 
Zodiac Seats France developed a reinforced seat pan, and revised SB 
536-25-003 accordingly. After installation of a reinforced seat pan, 
the seat P/N amendment status is updated. For the reason described 
above, this AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2016-0164, which 
is superseded, prohibits installation of unreinforced seat pans on 
seats already modified, and introduces the reinforced seat pan 
installation as optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0632.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Zodiac Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 536-25-003, 
Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017. The SB describes procedures for 
inspection, modification, or replacement of the seat pan, of certain 
model seats known to be installed on ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by EASA, and is approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced 
above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information 
provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. 
This proposed AD would require inspection, and modification of certain 
model seats.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 55 seat assemblies 
installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 and ATR 72 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seat inspection, modification, or       1.2 work-hours x $85 per          $1,500          $1,602         $88,110
 replacement.                            hour = $102.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the

[[Page 60692]]

Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition 
period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs 
applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the 
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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 France (formerly SICMA Aero Seat): Docket No. FAA-2017-
0632; Product Identifier 2017-NE-16-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 5, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to all Zodiac Seats France, Cabin Attendant 
Seat 536 Series, part numbers (P/N) 53600, all dash numbers, all 
serial numbers, with seat pan P/N F0433453, installed.
    (2) These appliances are installed on, but not limited to, ATR 
42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated 
stress area of the seat pan hinges. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of affected seats.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Before exceeding 2,500 flight cycles (FC), or within 100 FC 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect 
the seat pan structure in both deployed and stowed positions using 
paragraph 2.A., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 
2017.
    (2) If cracks are found, before next flight:
    (i) Replace seat pan with reinforced seat pan, P/N F0511530, 
using paragraph 2.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats 
France SB No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) Re-mark the seat using paragraph 2.C., Accomplishment 
Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, 
dated June 2, 2017.
    (3) If no cracks are found, do the following:
    (i) Re-mark the seat using paragraph 2.C., Accomplishment 
Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, 
dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) Reinspect the seat pan within every 100 FC since last 
inspection, or replace seat pan with reinforced seat pan, P/N 
F0511530, using paragraph 2.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of 
Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 
2017.
    (4) Until compliance with this AD is accomplished, stow and 
secure an affected attendant seat in the retracted position to 
prevent occupancy, in accordance with the provisions and limitations 
of the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List item.

(g) Optional Terminating Action

    Installation of a reinforced seat pan, P/N F0511530, using 
paragraph 2.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of Zodiac Seats France 
SB No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, dated June 2, 2017, is terminating 
action to this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for inspections and modifications performed 
in accordance with Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, first 
issued May 24, 2016, or Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, 
Revision 1, dated August 29, 2016 or Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-
25-003, Revision 2, dated September 16, 2016, if you performed these 
actions before the effective date of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, 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 Branch, 
send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph 
(j)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2017-0001, dated January 6, 2017, for 
more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0632.
    (3) Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, Revision 3, dated 
June 2, 2017, can be obtained from Zodiac Seats France, using the 
contact information in paragraph (j)(4) of this proposed AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 
36100 Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70 83 08 30; email: 
[email protected]; internet: https://www.services.zodiacaerospace.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 18, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-27570 Filed 12-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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