Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats, 60325-60328 [2019-24378]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0260; Product
Identifier 2017–NE–13–AD; Amendment 39–
19772; AD 2019–21–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot
and Co-Pilot Seats
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–22–
02 for certain Ipeco Holdings Limited
(Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. AD
2017–22–02 required modification and
re-identification of the affected seats.
This AD continues to require
modification and re-identification of the
affected seats. This AD also requires
initial and repetitive inspections of the
affected tracklock springs and,
depending on the findings, replacement
of the tracklock springs with a part
eligible for installation. This AD was
prompted by reports that the tracklock
spring modification required by AD
2017–22–02 does not adequately
address the issue of unexpected seat
movement during takeoff and landing
and the need to add additional seat part
numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
13, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 13, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of December 12, 2017 (82 FR
51552, November 7, 2017).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way,
Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United
Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax:
44 1702 540782; email: sales@
Ipeco.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine and
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781–238–
7759. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2019–0260.
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SUMMARY:
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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–2019–
0260; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is Document
Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil
Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7757; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
neil.doh@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2017–22–02,
Amendment 39–19082 (82 FR 51552,
November 7, 2017), (‘‘AD 2017–22–02’’).
AD 2017–22–02 applied to certain Ipeco
pilot and co-pilot seats. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
July 19, 2019 (84 FR 34816). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of tracklock
spring failures occurring on affected
seats, including those seats already
modified by AD 2017–22–02. The
NPRM proposed to retain all the
requirements of AD 2017–22–02 and
add additional seat P/Ns to the
applicability. The NPRM also proposed
to require initial and repetitive
inspections of the affected tracklock
springs and, depending on the findings,
replacement of the tracklock springs
with a part eligible for installation. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2018–0262, dated December 6, 2018,
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of pilot/
co-pilot unexpected rearward movement
during take-off and landing. Investigations
determined that horizontal guide block wear,
presence of burrs on horizontal centre track
and horizontal track lock system weakness
(spring tension too low) were causes which
contributed to the seat not being correctly
locked.
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This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to further cases of unwanted flight crew seat
movement, possibly resulting in reduced
control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
IPECO improved the quality control on the
final assembly line and issued the applicable
modification SB, providing modification
instructions, and EASA issued AD 2016–
0256, requiring modification of pre-mod seats
and subsequent re-identification with a new
P/N.
Since that AD was issued, occurrences of
track lock spring failures have been reported
on affected seats (including seats already
modified as required by EASA AD 2016–
0256). Consequently, IPECO published the
inspection SB, providing applicable
instructions to inspect and replace, if
necessary, any affected spring of each
affected seat.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2016–0256, which is superseded, and
requires repetitive inspection of seats and,
depending on findings, replacement of
affected springs and reporting to IPECO.
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–2019–
0260.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. The FAA has determined that
these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service
Bulletin (SB) Number 063–25–08,
Revision 00; SB Number 063–25–09,
Revision 00; and SB Number 063–25–
10, Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016.
The SBs provide instructions,
differentiated by the part numbers of the
affected pilot and co-pilot seats, for the
modification and re-identification of
these seats. The FAA also reviewed
Ipeco SB Number 063–25–14, Revision
00, dated August 14, 2018. This SB
provides instructions for inspection and
replacement, if necessary, of affected
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
tracklock springs. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 110 pilot and co-pilot seats
installed on, but not limited to, ATR–
GIE Avions de Transport Regional
(ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates that seats
installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes and
seats installed on 21 ATR 72 airplanes
will require modification and
inspection. The FAA revised the
estimated number of affected seats in
this cost estimate to include two
affected seats per airplane.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per
product
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspect ATR 42 flight crew seats ............
Modify ATR 42 flight crew seats .............
Report results of ATR 42 inspection .......
Inspect ATR 72 flight crew seats ............
Modify ATR 72 flight crew seats .............
Report results of ATR 72 inspection .......
0.1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $8.50
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 .....
1.0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 ....
0.1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $8.50
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 .....
1.0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 ....
$0 ..................................
56 ..................................
1 ....................................
0 ....................................
56 ..................................
1 ....................................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
results of the inspection. The FAA has
no way of determining the number of
Cost on U.S.
operators
$8.50
226
86
8.50
226
86
$289
7,684
2,924
179
4,746
1,806
aircraft that might need these
replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Remove seat and replace ATR 42 tracklock spring ....
Remove seat and replace ATR 72 tracklock spring ....
1.4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $119 ........................
1.4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $119 ........................
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. The
FAA does not control warranty coverage
for affected individuals. As a result, the
FAA has included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to a penalty for failure to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of
information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:59 Nov 07, 2019
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suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
Section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with
authority delegated by the Executive
Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
In accordance with that order, issuance
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Parts cost
$28
28
Cost per
product
$147
147
of ADs is normally a function of the
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, but during this transition
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager,
Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,
Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (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
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2017–22–02, Amendment 39–19082 (82
FR 51552, November 7, 2017), and
adding the following new AD:
■
2019–21–06 Ipeco Holdings Limited:
Amendment 39–19772; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0260; Product Identifier
2017–NE–13–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 13, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017–22–02,
Amendment 39–19082 (82 FR 51552,
November 7, 2017).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to:
(i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and
co-pilot seats with a part number (P/N) listed
in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information,
Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB)
Number 063–25–14, Revision 00, dated
August 14, 2018, and
(ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063–0099–01–
1 and Ipeco co-pilot seat P/N 3A063–0100–
01–1.
(2) These seats are installed on, but not
limited to, ATR–GIE Avions de Transport
Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2510, Flight Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
tracklock spring failures occurring on
affected seats, including those seats already
modified by AD 2017–22–02. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent unexpected
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on
takeoff and landing. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in reduced
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Required Action
(1) For seats that have not installed the
tracklock spring modification kit, within two
years after December 12, 2017 (the effective
date of AD 2017–22–02), modify and reidentify each affected pilot and co-pilot seat.
Use the Accomplishment Instructions of
Ipeco SB Number 063–25–08, Revision 00;
Ipeco SB Number 063–25–09, Revision 00; or
Ipeco SB Number 063–25–10, Revision 00; all
dated May 31, 2016, as appropriate, to do the
modification and re-identification.
(2) For all affected seats:
(i) Within 750 flight hours (FHs) after the
effective date of this AD, and, thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 750 FHs, inspect the
tracklock spring of each seat in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.2, of the Ipeco SB Number 063–
25–14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) If, during any inspection as required by
paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, any damage on,
or incorrect installation of, any tracklock
spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat,
before further flight, replace both tracklock
springs of the affected seat with a part
eligible for installation using the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of the Ipeco
SB Number 063–25–14, Revision 00, dated
August 14, 2018.
(3) Within 30 days after the initial and
repetitive inspections, and thereafter for two
years after the effective date of this AD, send
the inspection results, including no findings,
to Ipeco at technicalsupport@ipeco.com.
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not
install any pilot or co-pilot seat identified in
paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless the seat
is modified and re-identified as specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(i) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘damage’’
includes cracks, breaks, corrosion, or
deformation of the tracklock spring.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘incorrect
installation’’ is installing the tracklock spring
at an angle or position different from the
angle or postion shown in Figures 6 and 7
of Ipeco SB Number 063–25–14, Revision 00,
dated August 14, 2018.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part
eligible for installation’’ is:
(i) A modified seat provided, before
installation, it has passed an inspection (no
damage or defect found); and
(ii) a tracklock spring provided that it
passed an inspection (no damage or defect
found).
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
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60327
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of
this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7757; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
neil.doh@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0262, dated
December 6, 2018, for more information. You
may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA–2019–0260.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 13, 2019.
(i) Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number
063–25–14, Revision 00, dated August 14,
2018.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 12, 2017 (82
FR 51552, November 7, 2017).
(i) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–08, Revision
00, dated May 31, 2016.
(ii) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–09, Revision
00, dated May 31, 2016.
(iii) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–10, Revision
00, dated May 31, 2016.
(5) For Ipeco service information identified
in this AD, contact Ipeco Holdings Limited,
Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN,
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371;
fax: 44 1702 540782; email: sales@Ipeco.com.
(6) You may view this service information
at FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
781–238–7759.
(7) You may view this service information
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
October 25, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller
Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–24378 Filed 11–7–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0690; Product
Identifier 2018–CE–022–AD; Amendment
39–19761; AD 2019–20–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
(Gulfstream) Model G–IV and Model
GIV–X airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a revision to the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS)
of the aircraft maintenance manual
(AMM) based on fatigue and damage
tolerance testing and updated analysis.
This AD requires revising the
maintenance or inspection program to
incorporate updated inspection
requirements and life limits that address
fatigue cracking of principal structural
elements. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
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SUMMARY:
This AD is effective December
13, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:59 Nov 07, 2019
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 13, 2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation,
Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box
2206, Savannah, GA 31402–2206;
telephone: (800) 810–4853; fax: (912)
965–3520; email: pubs@gulfstream.com;
internet: https://www.gulfstream.com/
en/contact/support/#form. You may
view this service information at the
FAA, Policy and Innovation Division,
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0690.
Jkt 250001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0690; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald ‘‘Ron’’ Wissing, Airframe
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA,
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5552;
fax: (404) 474–5606; email:
ronald.wissing@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental
notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an
AD that would apply to certain
Gulfstream Model G–IV and Model
GIV–X airplanes. The SNPRM published
in the Federal Register on April 2, 2019
(84 FR 12530). The FAA preceded the
SNPRM with a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) that published in
the Federal Register on August 2, 2018
(83 FR 37771). The NPRM proposed to
require revising the ALS in the AMM to
incorporate new inspections and life
limits contained in Gulfstream
Document No. GIV–GER–0008,
Summary of Changes to the GIV Series
and GIV–X Series Airworthiness
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Limitations, Revision B, dated March
12, 2018. The NPRM was prompted by
a revision to the ALS of the AMM based
on fatigue and damage tolerance testing
and updated analysis.
After the FAA issued the NPRM,
Gulfstream updated the life limits in the
ALS and issued Gulfstream Document
No. GIV–GER–0008, Summary of
Changes to the GIV Series and GIV–X
Series Airworthiness Limitations,
Revision D, dated August 20, 2018.
Revision D differs from Revision B in
that the part number (P/N) for the
rudder for Model GIV airplanes has
been corrected to reflect P/N
1159CS30004, and new life limits for
fuselage cockpit side post P/N
1159BM50025–5 and P/N
1159BM50025–6 have been added per
Revision C. The SNPRM proposed to
require the later revision of the service
information. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the SNPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream
Document No. GIV–GER–0008,
Summary of Changes to the GIV Series
and GIV–X Series Airworthiness
Limitations, Revision D, dated August
20, 2018. This document contains new
and revised inspections and life limits
pertaining to fatigue cracking of
principal structural elements. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 711 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60325-60328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24378]
[[Page 60325]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD; Amendment
39-19772; AD 2019-21-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-22-02
for certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. AD
2017-22-02 required modification and re-identification of the affected
seats. This AD continues to require modification and re-identification
of the affected seats. This AD also requires initial and repetitive
inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending on the
findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part eligible for
installation. This AD was prompted by reports that the tracklock spring
modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the
issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing and the
need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 13,
2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of
December 12, 2017 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017).
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN,
United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email:
[email protected]. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also available on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0260.
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-2019-
0260; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI),
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The address for Docket Operations is Document Operations, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR
51552, November 7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-02''). AD 2017-22-02 applied to
certain Ipeco pilot and co-pilot seats. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on July 19, 2019 (84 FR 34816). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of tracklock spring failures occurring on affected seats,
including those seats already modified by AD 2017-22-02. The NPRM
proposed to retain all the requirements of AD 2017-22-02 and add
additional seat P/Ns to the applicability. The NPRM also proposed to
require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock
springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tracklock
springs with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of pilot/co-pilot unexpected
rearward movement during take-off and landing. Investigations
determined that horizontal guide block wear, presence of burrs on
horizontal centre track and horizontal track lock system weakness
(spring tension too low) were causes which contributed to the seat
not being correctly locked.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of
unwanted flight crew seat movement, possibly resulting in reduced
control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, IPECO improved the
quality control on the final assembly line and issued the applicable
modification SB, providing modification instructions, and EASA
issued AD 2016-0256, requiring modification of pre-mod seats and
subsequent re-identification with a new P/N.
Since that AD was issued, occurrences of track lock spring
failures have been reported on affected seats (including seats
already modified as required by EASA AD 2016-0256). Consequently,
IPECO published the inspection SB, providing applicable instructions
to inspect and replace, if necessary, any affected spring of each
affected seat.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0256, which is superseded, and requires
repetitive inspection of seats and, depending on findings,
replacement of affected springs and reporting to IPECO.
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-2019-0260.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-08,
Revision 00; SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; and SB Number 063-25-10,
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016. The SBs provide instructions,
differentiated by the part numbers of the affected pilot and co-pilot
seats, for the modification and re-identification of these seats. The
FAA also reviewed Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August
14, 2018. This SB provides instructions for inspection and replacement,
if necessary, of affected
[[Page 60326]]
tracklock springs. This service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 110 pilot and co-pilot seats
installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Regional
(ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that
seats installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes and seats installed on 21 ATR 72
airplanes will require modification and inspection. The FAA revised the
estimated number of affected seats in this cost estimate to include two
affected seats per airplane.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect ATR 42 flight crew seats.. 0.1 work-hours x $85 $0................... $8.50 $289
per hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 42 flight crew seats... 2 work-hours x $85 56................... 226 7,684
per hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 42 1.0 work-hours x $85 1.................... 86 2,924
inspection. per hour = $85.
Inspect ATR 72 flight crew seats.. 0.1 work-hours x $85 0.................... 8.50 179
per hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 72 flight crew seats... 2 work-hours x $85 56................... 226 4,746
per hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 72 1.0 work-hours x $85 1.................... 86 1,806
inspection. per hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Remove seat and replace ATR 42 tracklock 1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $28 $147
spring. $119.
Remove seat and replace ATR 72 tracklock 1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour = 28 147
spring. $119.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in our cost
estimate.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
[[Page 60327]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017), and
adding the following new AD:
2019-21-06 Ipeco Holdings Limited: Amendment 39-19772; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 13, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552,
November 7, 2017).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to:
(i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats with
a part number (P/N) listed in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information,
Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14,
Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and
(ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot
seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1.
(2) These seats are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE
Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight
Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of tracklock spring failures
occurring on affected seats, including those seats already modified
by AD 2017-22-02. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent unexpected
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and landing. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Action
(1) For seats that have not installed the tracklock spring
modification kit, within two years after December 12, 2017 (the
effective date of AD 2017-22-02), modify and re-identify each
affected pilot and co-pilot seat. Use the Accomplishment
Instructions of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; Ipeco SB
Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; or Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10,
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016, as appropriate, to do the
modification and re-identification.
(2) For all affected seats:
(i) Within 750 flight hours (FHs) after the effective date of
this AD, and, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 FHs, inspect
the tracklock spring of each seat in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2, of the Ipeco SB Number
063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, any damage on, or incorrect installation of,
any tracklock spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat, before
further flight, replace both tracklock springs of the affected seat
with a part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of the
Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(3) Within 30 days after the initial and repetitive inspections,
and thereafter for two years after the effective date of this AD,
send the inspection results, including no findings, to Ipeco at
[email protected].
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot or
co-pilot seat identified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless
the seat is modified and re-identified as specified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(i) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, ``damage'' includes cracks,
breaks, corrosion, or deformation of the tracklock spring.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ``incorrect installation'' is
installing the tracklock spring at an angle or position different
from the angle or postion shown in Figures 6 and 7 of Ipeco SB
Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is:
(i) A modified seat provided, before installation, it has passed
an inspection (no damage or defect found); and
(ii) a tracklock spring provided that it passed an inspection
(no damage or defect found).
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2019-0260.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 13, 2019.
(i) Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14, Revision 00,
dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 12, 2017 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017).
(i) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00, dated May 31, 2016.
(ii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00, dated May 31, 2016.
(iii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00, dated May 31,
2016.
(5) For Ipeco service information identified in this AD, contact
Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN,
[[Page 60328]]
United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email:
[email protected].
(6) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
(7) You may view this service information at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, email: [email protected],
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 25, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24378 Filed 11-7-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
