Airworthiness Directives; Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Life Jackets, 21117-21120 [2023-07397]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 68 / Monday, April 10, 2023 / Proposed Rules
(i) 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.
(j) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘damage’’
includes cracks, breaks, corrosion, or
deformation of the track lock spring.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘incorrect
installation’’ is installing the track lock
spring at an angle or position different from
the angle or position 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 is found); and
(ii) A track lock spring provided that it
passed an inspection (no damage is found).
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions
required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD if
the actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using ATR SB No.
ATR42–25–0191, Original Issue, dated July 4,
2016; ATR SB No. ATR42–25–0191, Revision
No. 01, dated July 20, 2016; or ATR SB No.
ATR72–25–1157, Revision No. 02, dated
March 9, 2017.
(l) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
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 (n)(2) of this AD.
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.
(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 [DATE 35 DAYS AFTER
PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number
063–25–15, Issue 2, dated March 8, 2022.
(ii) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–16, Issue 2,
dated March 8, 2022.
(iii) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–17, Issue 2,
dated March 8, 2022.
(iv) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–18, Issue 2,
dated March 8, 2022.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 13, 2019 (84
FR 60325, November 8, 2019).
(i) Ipeco SB Number 063–25–14, Revision
00, dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) 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.
(6) For Ipeco service information identified
in this AD, contact Ipeco Holdings Limited,
Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN,
United Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118;
fax: +44 1702 540782; email:
Customersupport@ipeco.com.
(7) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(8) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on April 1, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–07177 Filed 4–7–23; 8:45 am]
(n) Additional Information
(1) Refer to United Kingdom (UK) Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) AD G–2022–0011,
dated June 9, 2022, for related information.
This UK CAA AD may be found in the AD
docket at regulations under Docket No. FAA–
2023–0661.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kevin Kung, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238–7244; email: 9-AVS-AIRBACO-COS@faa.gov.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(p) 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.
Airworthiness Directives; Survitec
Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Life
Jackets
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Jkt 259001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–0666; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00555–Q]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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21117
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Survitec Group Limited (RFD
Beaufort Ltd.) Type 102 Mk 3, 102 Mk
4, and 105 Mk 1 life jackets. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report
that some life jackets were found packed
in the wrong valise (container). This
proposed AD would require an
inspection for a discrepancy (mismatch
of the valise/container description and
life jacket type) of life jackets and, if
necessary, replacement of the life jacket.
This proposed AD would also limit the
installation of affected parts under
certain conditions. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by May 25, 2023.
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
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–0666; 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 NPRM, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
in this NPRM, contact Survitec Group
Limited, t/a RFD Beaufort Ltd,
Kingsway, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17
9AF, United Kingdom; telephone +44
2890 301531; fax +44 2890 621765;
email steve.pickering@
survitecgroup.com; website
survitecgroup.com.
• You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206–231–3195.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 68 / Monday, April 10, 2023 / Proposed Rules
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kevin Kung, Aerospace Engineer,
Aviation Safety Section AIR–7B1,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone 781–238–7244; email 9-AVSAIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2023–0666; Project Identifier
MCAI–2022–00555–Q’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The agency
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received
about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Kevin Kung,
Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Safety
Section AIR–7B1, Boston ACO Branch,
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
MA 01803; telephone 781–238–7244;
email 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov.
Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
which is the aviation authority for the
United Kingdom (U.K.), has issued U.K.
CAA AD G–2022–0009, dated April 21,
2022 (U.K. CAA AD G–2022–0009) (also
referred to after this as the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition on certain
Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort
Ltd.) Type 102 Mk 3, 102 Mk 4, and 105
Mk 1 life jackets. The MCAI states Type
102 Mk 3 and Type 102 Mk 4 life jackets
are designed for use by an adult or
child. Type 105 Mk 1 life jackets are
designed for use by an infant. Each is
packed in a clear polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) valise, which is marked ADULT/
CHILD, CREW, or INFANT. Due to
differences in parameters such as neck
aperture and buoyancy, an infant life
jacket cannot be used by an adult or
child; likewise, an adult/child life jacket
cannot be used by an infant. The MCAI
stated that Survitec has found that some
life jackets were packed in the wrong
valise. This could cause incorrect life
jackets to be provided for passengers
onboard an aircraft.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address incorrectly labeled life jackets,
which could, in the event of a water
landing or evacuation, result in the
unavailability of a life jacket with
correct flotation, and possible drowning.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–0666.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Survitec [RFD]
Alert Service Bulletin 25–207–A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
This service information specifies
procedures for a general visual
inspection for a discrepancy (mismatch
of valise/container description and life
jacket type) of affected life jackets,
reporting of all inspection results to
Survitec, and if a discrepancy is found,
replacement of affected life jackets.
(This service information is identified
throughout as ‘‘Survitec,’’ while ‘‘RFD’’
is identified on only the first page of the
document. Although both ‘‘Survitec’’
and ‘‘RFD’’ are current company names,
the service information applies to RFD
life jackets.) 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
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with this
State of Design Authority, it has notified
the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and service
information described above. The FAA
is issuing this NPRM after determining
that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information already
described. This proposed AD would
also limit the installation of affected
parts under certain conditions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 4 life
jackets installed on, but not limited to,
aircraft of U.S. registry. The FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...............................
None .............................................................................
$85
$340
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
action that would be required based on
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the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
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number of aircraft that might need this
on-condition action:
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ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..........................................................................................................................
$55
$140
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some or all
of the costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators.
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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 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 take
approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and 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
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develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd):
Docket No. FAA–2023–0666; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00555–Q.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by May 25,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Survitec Group Limited
(RFD Beaufort Ltd.) life jackets identified in
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paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, having
a part number and serial number identified
in tables 2 through 13 of Survitec [RFD] Alert
Service Bulletin 25–207–A, Version 1, dated
November 24, 2021, and a date of
manufacture between October 1, 2018, and
April 30, 2019, inclusive.
Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph
(c): This alert service bulletin is identified
throughout as ‘‘Survitec,’’ while ‘‘RFD’’ is
identified on only the first page of the
document. Although both ‘‘Survitec’’ and
‘‘RFD’’ are current company names, the alert
service bulletin applies to RFD life jackets.
(1) Type 102 Mk 3 and 102 Mk 4 life
jackets, approved under European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Technical
Standard Order Authorization
EASA.21O.799.
(2) Type 105 Mk 1 life jackets, approved
under United Kingdom Civil Aviation
Authority (U.K. CAA) Aircraft Equipment
Approval (AEAR) E15841.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that
some life jackets were found packed in the
wrong valise (container). The FAA is issuing
this AD to address incorrectly labeled life
jackets. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, and combined with a water
landing or evacuation, could result in
inability to use a life jacket with correct
flotation and possible drowning.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection
Within 4 months after the effective date of
this AD, do a general visual inspection for a
discrepancy (mismatch of the valise/
container description and life jacket type) of
the life jacket, in accordance with paragraphs
2.A. through 2.C. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service
Bulletin 25–207–A, Version 1, dated
November 24, 2021.
(h) Follow-on and Corrective Action
Before further flight after accomplishing
the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD,
do the applicable actions required by
paragraph (h)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) If no discrepancies are found during the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, re-identify that part in accordance with
paragraph 2.D.(1) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service
Bulletin 25–207–A, Version 1, dated
November 24, 2021.
(2) If any discrepancy is found during the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
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AD, do the actions required by paragraphs
(h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Record the unserviceable part in
accordance with paragraph 2.E.(1) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Survitec
[RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25–207–A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
(ii) Replace the discrepant part with a new
or serviceable part, in accordance with
paragraph 2.E.(2) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service
Bulletin 25–207–A, Version 1, dated
November 24, 2021.
(m) Additional Information
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a life jacket identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD on any airplane,
unless the life jacket and its valise/container
have been inspected, and re-identified or
replaced as applicable, in accordance with
the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this AD.
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin
25–207–A, Version 1, dated November 24,
2021.
Note 2 to paragraph (n)(2)(i): This alert
service bulletin is identified throughout as
‘‘Survitec,’’ while ‘‘RFD’’ is identified on
only the first page of the document. Although
both ‘‘Survitec’’ and ‘‘RFD’’ are current
company names, the alert service bulletin
applies to RFD life jackets.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Survitec Group Limited,
Kingsway, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9AF,
United Kingdom; phone: +44 2890 301531,
fax: +44 2890 621765; email:
steve.pickering@survitecgroup.com; website
survitecgroup.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
(j) Reporting Requirement
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (j)(1) or (2) of this AD, submit a
report of the inspection results to Survitec, in
accordance with paragraph 2.F. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Survitec
[RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25–207–A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(k) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(l) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager, Boston
ACO Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD or email to:
9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. If mailing
information, also submit information by
email. Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA;
or the United Kingdom Civil Aviation
Authority (U.K. CAA); or Survitec Group
Limited’s U.K. CAA’s Alternative Procedure
for Design Organization Approval (ADOA). If
approved by the ADOA, the approval must
include the ADOA-authorized signature.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(1) Refer to U.K. CAA AD G–2022–0009,
dated April 21, 2022, for related information.
This U.K. CAA AD may be found in the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket No.
FAA–2023–0666.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kevin Kung, Aerospace Engineer,
Aviation Safety Section AIR–7B1, Boston
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 781–238–
7244; email 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov.
Issued on April 4, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–07397 Filed 4–7–23; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–0657; Project
Identifier AD–2022–01351–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 787–8,
787–9, and 787–10 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of undetected water leaks from the
faucet control module (FCM) migrating
below the passenger floor in multiple
lavatory locations during flight, and into
the electronic equipment bay(s). This
proposed AD would require repetitive
general visual inspections of the area
under all lavatory washbasins for
evidence of intermittent and active leaks
at the FCM and applicable on-condition
actions. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by May 25, 2023.
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
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–0657; 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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention:
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10APP1.SGM
10APP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 68 (Monday, April 10, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21117-21120]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07397]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0666; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00555-Q]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort
Ltd.) Life Jackets
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Type 102 Mk 3,
102 Mk 4, and 105 Mk 1 life jackets. This proposed AD was prompted by a
report that some life jackets were found packed in the wrong valise
(container). This proposed AD would require an inspection for a
discrepancy (mismatch of the valise/container description and life
jacket type) of life jackets and, if necessary, replacement of the life
jacket. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected
parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 25,
2023.
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 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0666; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Survitec Group Limited, t/a RFD Beaufort Ltd, Kingsway, Dunmurry,
Belfast BT17 9AF, United Kingdom; telephone +44 2890 301531; fax +44
2890 621765; email survitecgroup.com">[email protected]survitecgroup.com; website
survitecgroup.com.
You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
[[Page 21118]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Kung, Aerospace Engineer,
Aviation Safety Section AIR-7B1, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 781-238-7244; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0666; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00555-Q'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kevin
Kung, Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Safety Section AIR-7B1, Boston ACO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 781-
238-7244; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority
for the United Kingdom (U.K.), has issued U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0009,
dated April 21, 2022 (U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0009) (also referred to after
this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Survitec
Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Type 102 Mk 3, 102 Mk 4, and 105 Mk 1
life jackets. The MCAI states Type 102 Mk 3 and Type 102 Mk 4 life
jackets are designed for use by an adult or child. Type 105 Mk 1 life
jackets are designed for use by an infant. Each is packed in a clear
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) valise, which is marked ADULT/CHILD, CREW, or
INFANT. Due to differences in parameters such as neck aperture and
buoyancy, an infant life jacket cannot be used by an adult or child;
likewise, an adult/child life jacket cannot be used by an infant. The
MCAI stated that Survitec has found that some life jackets were packed
in the wrong valise. This could cause incorrect life jackets to be
provided for passengers onboard an aircraft.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address incorrectly labeled life
jackets, which could, in the event of a water landing or evacuation,
result in the unavailability of a life jacket with correct flotation,
and possible drowning.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0666.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021. This service information specifies
procedures for a general visual inspection for a discrepancy (mismatch
of valise/container description and life jacket type) of affected life
jackets, reporting of all inspection results to Survitec, and if a
discrepancy is found, replacement of affected life jackets. (This
service information is identified throughout as ``Survitec,'' while
``RFD'' is identified on only the first page of the document. Although
both ``Survitec'' and ``RFD'' are current company names, the service
information applies to RFD life jackets.) 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
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority,
it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described. This proposed AD would
also limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 4 life jackets installed on, but not limited to, aircraft of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............. None........................... $85 $340
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
[[Page 21119]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...... $55 $140
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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 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 take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and 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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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:
Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd): Docket No. FAA-2023-0666;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00555-Q.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 25, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.)
life jackets identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD,
having a part number and serial number identified in tables 2
through 13 of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021, and a date of manufacture
between October 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, inclusive.
Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (c): This alert
service bulletin is identified throughout as ``Survitec,'' while
``RFD'' is identified on only the first page of the document.
Although both ``Survitec'' and ``RFD'' are current company names,
the alert service bulletin applies to RFD life jackets.
(1) Type 102 Mk 3 and 102 Mk 4 life jackets, approved under
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Technical Standard
Order Authorization EASA.21O.799.
(2) Type 105 Mk 1 life jackets, approved under United Kingdom
Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA) Aircraft Equipment Approval
(AEAR) E15841.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that some life jackets were
found packed in the wrong valise (container). The FAA is issuing
this AD to address incorrectly labeled life jackets. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, and combined with a water landing or
evacuation, could result in inability to use a life jacket with
correct flotation and possible drowning.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection for a discrepancy (mismatch of the valise/
container description and life jacket type) of the life jacket, in
accordance with paragraphs 2.A. through 2.C. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
(h) Follow-on and Corrective Action
Before further flight after accomplishing the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, do the applicable actions required by
paragraph (h)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) If no discrepancies are found during the inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this AD, re-identify that part in accordance
with paragraph 2.D.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, dated
November 24, 2021.
(2) If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this
[[Page 21120]]
AD, do the actions required by paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this
AD.
(i) Record the unserviceable part in accordance with paragraph
2.E.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert
Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
(ii) Replace the discrepant part with a new or serviceable part,
in accordance with paragraph 2.E.(2) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A,
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
life jacket identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any airplane,
unless the life jacket and its valise/container have been inspected,
and re-identified or replaced as applicable, in accordance with the
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
(j) Reporting Requirement
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (2) of
this AD, submit a report of the inspection results to Survitec, in
accordance with paragraph 2.F. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, dated
November 24, 2021.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(k) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(l) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If
sending information directly to the manager, Boston ACO Branch, mail
it to the address identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD or email
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit
information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Boston ACO
Branch, FAA; or the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (U.K.
CAA); or Survitec Group Limited's U.K. CAA's Alternative Procedure
for Design Organization Approval (ADOA). If approved by the ADOA,
the approval must include the ADOA-authorized signature.
(m) Additional Information
(1) Refer to U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0009, dated April 21, 2022, for
related information. This U.K. CAA AD may be found in the AD docket
at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0666.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Kung,
Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Safety Section AIR-7B1, Boston ACO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone
781-238-7244; email [email protected].
(n) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1,
dated November 24, 2021.
Note 2 to paragraph (n)(2)(i): This alert service bulletin is
identified throughout as ``Survitec,'' while ``RFD'' is identified
on only the first page of the document. Although both ``Survitec''
and ``RFD'' are current company names, the alert service bulletin
applies to RFD life jackets.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Survitec Group Limited, Kingsway, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9AF, United
Kingdom; phone: +44 2890 301531, fax: +44 2890 621765; email:
survitecgroup.com">[email protected]survitecgroup.com; website survitecgroup.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on April 4, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07397 Filed 4-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
