Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes and Helicopters, 24742-24745 [2024-07394]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 9, 2024 / Proposed Rules
CFR 113.1(g)(10)(iv) would establish
cybersecurity software, devices, and
services as a category of security
measures that may be paid for using
campaign funds for federal officeholders
and candidates. Should this proposed
rule be further limited to only those that
provide ‘‘incidental’’ benefits to persons
other than the candidate or officeholder,
such as family members or campaign
staff, who might also benefit from
enhanced cybersecurity’’ when using
the software, devices, or services
provided to the candidate or
officeholder? 34 And, if so, should the
Commission define the scope of
permissible ‘‘incidental’’ benefits?
Certification of No Effect Pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 605(b) (Regulatory Flexibility
Act)
The Commission certifies that this
proposed rule, if adopted, would not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
This proposed rule would provide
flexibility to principal campaign
committees that choose to use campaign
funds to pay for security measures for
federal candidates or officeholders. Any
proposed rule that could be construed
as placing an obligation on a principal
campaign committee would apply only
to campaigns that choose to pay for
security measures for federal candidates
or officeholders. This proposed rule
would not impose any new
recordkeeping, reporting, or financial
obligations on principal campaign
committees that do not choose to pay for
security measures for federal candidates
or officeholders, and any such new
obligations that may be imposed on
principal campaign committees that do
choose to pay for such security
measures would be minimal. Thus, to
the extent that any entities affected by
these proposed rules might fall within
the definition of ‘‘small businesses’’ or
‘‘small organizations,’’ the economic
impact of complying with this rule
would not be significant.
List of Subjects in 11 CFR Part 113
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
Campaign funds.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, the Federal Election
campaign funds for cybersecurity improvements to
her home network without violating the prohibition
against personal use ‘‘so long as the benefits
accruing to household members and visitors
required by the protection of the home network are
incidental.’’); Advisory Opinion 2018–15 (Wyden)
at 4 (concluding that the use of campaign funds to
pay for certain cybersecurity measures for United
States Senators would constitute ordinary and
necessary expenses incurred in connection with
their duties as federal officeholders.)
34 See Advisory Opinion 2022–17 (Warren) at 5.
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Commission proposes to amend 11 CFR
part 113 as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 113—PERMITTED AND
PROHIBITED USES OF CAMPAIGN
ACCOUNTS
14 CFR Part 39
1. The authority citation for part 113
continues to read as follows:
RIN 2120–AA64
Authority: 52 U.S.C. 30102(h), 30111(a)(8),
30114, and 30116.
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Airplanes and Helicopters
2. In § 113.1, add paragraph (g)(10) to
read as follows: § 113.1 Definitions (52
U.S.C. 30114).
*
*
*
*
*
(g) * * *
(10) Candidate and federal
officeholder security. The use of
campaign funds to pay for the
reasonable costs of security measures for
a federal candidate or federal
officeholder is not personal use, so long
as the security measures address
ongoing dangers or threats that would
not exist irrespective of the individual’s
status or duties as a federal candidate or
federal officeholder. Disbursements for
security measures must be for the usual
and normal charge for such goods or
services. Usual and normal charge
means, in the case of goods, the price of
those goods in the market in which they
are ordinarily purchased, and, in the
case of services, the hourly or piecework
charge for the services at a commercially
reasonable rate prevailing at the time
the services were rendered. Examples of
such security measures include, but are
not limited to:
(i) Non-structural security devices,
such as security hardware, locks, alarm
systems, motion detectors, and security
camera systems;
(ii) Structural security devices, such
as wiring, lighting, gates, doors, and
fencing, so long as such measures are
intended solely to provide security and
not to improve the property or increase
its value;
(iii) Professional security personnel
and services;
(iv) Cybersecurity software, devices,
and services.
AGENCY:
■
■
Dated: March 27, 2024.
On behalf of the Commission.
Sean J. Cooksey,
Chairman, Federal Election Commission.
[FR Doc. 2024–06863 Filed 4–8–24; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA–2024–0996; Project
Identifier AD–2023–00365–Q]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021–07–13, which applies to certain
Pacific Scientific Company rotary
buckle assemblies (buckles). AD 2021–
07–13 requires inspecting each buckle
including its buckle handle vane, and
depending on the results, removing the
buckle from service and installing an
airworthy buckle. AD 2021–07–13 also
prohibits installing affected buckles.
Since the FAA issued AD 2021–07–13,
the manufacturer published an updated
service bulletin, which revises the
applicability based on date of
manufacture of the affected buckles.
This proposed AD would retain certain
requirements of AD 2021–07–13. This
proposed AD would also reduce the
applicability to plastic buckles
manufactured on or before May 31,
2007, or any buckle assembly whose
date of manufacture cannot be
determined. Additionally, this proposed
AD would require performing corrective
actions by complying with certain
portions of the updated service bulletin.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by May 24, 2024.
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 by searching
DATES:
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 9, 2024 / Proposed Rules
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2024–
0996; 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 Parker Meggitt
Services, 1785 Voyager Ave., Simi
Valley, CA 93063; phone: (877) 666–
0712; email: TechSupport@meggitt.com.
• You may view this service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
Other Related Service Information:
For other service information identified
in this NPRM, contact Parker Meggitt
Services, at the Parker Meggitt Services
contact information under Material
Incorporated by Reference above. You
may also view this service information
at the FAA contact information under
Material Incorporated by Reference
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal
Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA;
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone (303) 342–1080; email
hal.jensen@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–2024–0996; Project Identifier AD–
2023–00365–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
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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 Hal Jensen, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone
(303) 342–1080; email hal.jensen@
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 FAA issued AD 2021–07–13,
Amendment 39–21490 (86 FR 17703,
April 6, 2021) (AD 2021–07–13), for
Pacific Scientific Company buckles part
numbers 1111430 and 1111475, all dash
numbers, installed on but not limited to
Bombardier Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, Ltd., Textron
Aviation, Inc. (type certificate (TC)
previously held by Cessna Aircraft
Company), and Viking Air Limited (TC
previously held by de Havilland, Inc.)
model airplanes and Airbus Helicopters
(TC previously held by Eurocopter
France) model helicopters. AD 2021–
07–13 was prompted by European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD 2007–0256, dated September 19,
2007 (EASA AD 2007–0256), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Pacific Scientific Company
Seat Restraint System Plastic Rotary
Buckle Handles. According to EASA,
Pacific Scientific Company reported
several instances of cracked handles on
certain buckles with a date of
manufacture from November 2004
through May 2007. EASA later
cancelled EASA AD 2007–0256 and
adopted FAA AD 2021–07–13.
Accordingly, AD 2021–07–13 requires
inspecting each buckle including its
buckle handle vane, and depending on
the results, removing the buckle from
service and installing an airworthy
buckle. AD 2021–07–13 also prohibits
installing the affected buckles on any
airplane or helicopter. The FAA issued
AD 2021–07–13 to prevent a strap from
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24743
not releasing as intended when the
buckle is rotated.
Actions Since AD 2021–07–13 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021–07–
13, the manufacturer determined that
the cracking on the buckle handle was
caused by a material process issue and
stated that the issue was resolved in
2007. Accordingly, the manufacturer
published revised service information to
revise the applicability by date of
manufacture and clarify procedures.
Consequently, this proposed AD
would revise the applicability to plastic
buckles with a date of manufacture on
or before May 31, 2007, or buckles
whose date of manufacture cannot be
determined, except not those buckles
repaired with the installation of an
airworthy buckle handle after May 31,
2007, and marked with a BLUE logo on
the center button. This proposed AD
would also clarify that the unsafe
condition could result in occupants not
being able to release the buckle in
certain emergency landing conditions.
Furthermore, this proposed AD would
also require using the revised service
information to accomplish its
requirements. Lastly, the FAA has
determined that adding a special flight
permit limitation in this proposed AD is
necessary.
Additionally, this NPRM would
update the contact information to obtain
service information, and move and
update the contents of Note 1 in AD
2021–07–13 to the preamble of this
NPRM.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes and
helicopters with a restraint system with
a certain buckle installed as part of their
type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Parker Meggitt
Service Bulletin SB 25–1111432,
Revision 002, dated September 12, 2023
(SB 25–1111432 Rev 002), which
specifies instructions for inspecting
certain buckles for a crack, and
measuring each buckle handle vane for
correct thickness. SB 25–1111432 Rev
002 also specifies instructions for
corrective actions, including but not
limited to, removing and returning the
buckle assembly or restraint assembly to
Parker Meggitt for overhaul or
replacement; and removing the buckle
assembly or restraint assembly and
replacing them with spare, new, or
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 9, 2024 / Proposed Rules
repaired assemblies. An applicable
buckle may be included as a component
of a different part-numbered restraint
system assembly. Table 1 of SB 25–
1111432 Rev 002 identifies restraint
system P/Ns that may be affected.
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 ADDRESSES.
Replacing each buckle would take
about 0.5 work-hour and parts would
cost about $636 for an estimated cost of
$679 per buckle replacement.
Replacing each restraint system
would take about 0.5 work-hour and
parts would cost about $1,031 for an
estimated cost of $1,074 per restraint
system replacement.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Meggitt
Service Information Letter SIL
Restraint–25–002–2023, dated January
24, 2023, which contains additional
information specifying how to locate the
date of manufacture on each buckle.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would retain
certain requirements of AD 2021–07–13.
This proposed AD would also reduce
the applicability paragraph to apply to
plastic buckle assemblies with a certain
date of manufacture, or with a date of
manufacture not known. This proposed
AD would require accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information already described, except as
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
this Proposed AD and the Service
Information.’’
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Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
Where the service information
specifies sending affected parts to the
manufacturer, this proposed AD would
not. The service information does not
specify a compliance time to inspect for
a crack or measure for thickness,
whereas this proposed AD would
require inspecting the buckle handle for
a crack within 6 months and measuring
the buckle handle vane thickness within
12 months.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect up to
1,435 restraint systems installed on
aircraft of U.S. registry. Labor rates are
estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based
on these numbers, the FAA estimates
the following costs to comply with this
proposed AD.
Inspecting each buckle handle for a
crack and measuring thickness would
take a nominal amount of time.
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.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
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 that the 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:
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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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
2021–07–13, Amendment 39–21490 (86
FR 17703, April 6, 2021); and
■ b. Adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
■
■
Various Airplanes and Helicopters: Docket
No. FAA–2024–0996; Project Identifier
AD–2023–00365–Q.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by May
24, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021–07–13,
Amendment 39–21490 (86 FR 17703, April 6,
2021) (AD 2021–07–13).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all airplanes and
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a restraint system with a Pacific Scientific
Company plastic rotary buckle assembly
(buckle) part number (P/N) 1111430 or P/N
1111475 (all dash numbers) installed having
a date of manufacture on or before May 31,
2007, or an unknown date of manufacture,
except not those buckles repaired with the
installation of an airworthy buckle handle
after May 31, 2007, and marked with a BLUE
logo on the center button.
Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Information
about the location of the date of manufacture
can be found in Meggitt Service Information
Letter SIL Restraint–25–002–2023, dated
January 24, 2023.
(2) The buckles identified in paragraph
(c)(1) of this AD may be installed on, but not
limited to, The Boeing Company, Bombardier
Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries, Ltd., Textron Aviation, Inc. (type
certificate (TC) previously held by Cessna
Aircraft Company), and Viking Air Limited
(TC previously held by de Havilland, Inc.)
model airplanes and Airbus Helicopters (TC
previously held by Eurocopter France) model
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code: 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracked buckle handles and updated
manufacturer service information. The FAA
is issuing this AD to inspect for cracks and
thickness of the buckle handle. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could prevent a
strap from releasing when the buckle is
rotated, which could result in occupants not
being able to release the buckle in certain
emergency landing conditions.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, inspect the buckle handle for a
crack. If there is any crack, before further
flight, remove the buckle from service and
replace it with an airworthy buckle, or
remove the restraint system from service and
replace it with an airworthy restraint system.
(2) Within 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, measure the thickness of the
buckle handle vane as depicted in Figures 3
and 4 of Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB
25–1111432, Revision 002, dated September
12, 2023 (SB 25–1111432 Rev 002). If the
buckle handle vane thickness is 0.125 inch
or greater, before further flight, remove the
buckle from service and replace it with an
airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint
system from service and replace it with an
airworthy restraint system.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): SB 25–1111432
Rev 002 refers to a buckle as both a buckle
and buckle assembly, interchangeably.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install any buckle P/N 1111430 or P/N
1111475 (all dash numbers), with a buckle
handle vane thickness of 0.125 inch or
greater, or any restraint system with a buckle
P/N 1111430 or 1111475 (all dash numbers),
with a buckle handle vane thickness of 0.125
inch or greater installed, with the buckle
having a date of manufacture on or before
May 31, 2007, or if the date of manufacture
cannot be determined, on any airplane or
helicopter, unless the buckle has been
repaired with the installation of an airworthy
buckle handle after May 31, 2007, and is
marked with a BLUE logo on the center
button.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
If you measured the thickness of the buckle
handle vane as required by paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD before the effective date of this AD
using Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin SB
25–1111432, dated May 22, 2007, or using
Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25–1111432,
Revision 001, dated May 20, 2021, you have
met that requirement.
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(i) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
provided that there are no passengers
onboard.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification
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 (k)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC@faa.gov.
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(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.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2021–07–13
are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding requirements of this AD.
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone (303) 342–1080; email
hal.jensen@faa.gov.
(2) Meggitt and Pacific Scientific service
information, that are not incorporated by
reference can be found in the contact
information identified in paragraph (l)(4) of
this AD.
(l) 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 [DATE 35 DAYS AFTER
PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25–
1111432, Revision 002, dated September 12,
2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Parker Meggitt Services,
1785 Voyager Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063;
phone: (877) 666–0712; email: TechSupport@
meggitt.com.
(5) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(6) You may view this material at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations or email: fr.inspection@
nara.gov.
Issued on April 2, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–07394 Filed 4–8–24; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2024–0995; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–01075–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
(k) Related Information
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Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ
Aviation ULC (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.)
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model
CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 &
440) airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that the
overhead bin attachment could fail
under certain conditions. This proposed
AD would require replacing existing
overhead bin hook assemblies and
support tubes with a different type, as
specified in a Transport Canada AD,
which is proposed for incorporation by
reference (IBR). 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 24, 2024.
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–2024–0995; 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 material that is proposed for
IBR in this AD, contact Transport
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\09APP1.SGM
09APP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24742-24745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07394]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; Project Identifier AD-2023-00365-Q]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes and Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021-07-13, which applies to certain Pacific Scientific Company rotary
buckle assemblies (buckles). AD 2021-07-13 requires inspecting each
buckle including its buckle handle vane, and depending on the results,
removing the buckle from service and installing an airworthy buckle. AD
2021-07-13 also prohibits installing affected buckles. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021-07-13, the manufacturer published an updated service
bulletin, which revises the applicability based on date of manufacture
of the affected buckles. This proposed AD would retain certain
requirements of AD 2021-07-13. This proposed AD would also reduce the
applicability to plastic buckles manufactured on or before May 31,
2007, or any buckle assembly whose date of manufacture cannot be
determined. Additionally, this proposed AD would require performing
corrective actions by complying with certain portions of the updated
service bulletin. 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 24,
2024.
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 by
searching
[[Page 24743]]
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; 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
Parker Meggitt Services, 1785 Voyager Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063;
phone: (877) 666-0712; email: [email protected].
You may view this service information at the FAA, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Other Related Service Information: For other service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Parker Meggitt Services, at the Parker
Meggitt Services contact information under Material Incorporated by
Reference above. You may also view this service information at the FAA
contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone (303) 342-
1080; 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-2024-0996; Project Identifier
AD-2023-00365-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 Hal
Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone (303) 342-1080; 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 FAA issued AD 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86 FR 17703,
April 6, 2021) (AD 2021-07-13), for Pacific Scientific Company buckles
part numbers 1111430 and 1111475, all dash numbers, installed on but
not limited to Bombardier Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries, Ltd., Textron Aviation, Inc. (type certificate (TC)
previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company), and Viking Air Limited (TC
previously held by de Havilland, Inc.) model airplanes and Airbus
Helicopters (TC previously held by Eurocopter France) model
helicopters. AD 2021-07-13 was prompted by European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2007-0256, dated September 19, 2007 (EASA AD
2007-0256), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for
certain Pacific Scientific Company Seat Restraint System Plastic Rotary
Buckle Handles. According to EASA, Pacific Scientific Company reported
several instances of cracked handles on certain buckles with a date of
manufacture from November 2004 through May 2007. EASA later cancelled
EASA AD 2007-0256 and adopted FAA AD 2021-07-13.
Accordingly, AD 2021-07-13 requires inspecting each buckle
including its buckle handle vane, and depending on the results,
removing the buckle from service and installing an airworthy buckle. AD
2021-07-13 also prohibits installing the affected buckles on any
airplane or helicopter. The FAA issued AD 2021-07-13 to prevent a strap
from not releasing as intended when the buckle is rotated.
Actions Since AD 2021-07-13 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-07-13, the manufacturer determined
that the cracking on the buckle handle was caused by a material process
issue and stated that the issue was resolved in 2007. Accordingly, the
manufacturer published revised service information to revise the
applicability by date of manufacture and clarify procedures.
Consequently, this proposed AD would revise the applicability to
plastic buckles with a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 2007,
or buckles whose date of manufacture cannot be determined, except not
those buckles repaired with the installation of an airworthy buckle
handle after May 31, 2007, and marked with a BLUE logo on the center
button. This proposed AD would also clarify that the unsafe condition
could result in occupants not being able to release the buckle in
certain emergency landing conditions. Furthermore, this proposed AD
would also require using the revised service information to accomplish
its requirements. Lastly, the FAA has determined that adding a special
flight permit limitation in this proposed AD is necessary.
Additionally, this NPRM would update the contact information to
obtain service information, and move and update the contents of Note 1
in AD 2021-07-13 to the preamble of this NPRM.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
airplanes and helicopters with a restraint system with a certain buckle
installed as part of their type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432,
Revision 002, dated September 12, 2023 (SB 25-1111432 Rev 002), which
specifies instructions for inspecting certain buckles for a crack, and
measuring each buckle handle vane for correct thickness. SB 25-1111432
Rev 002 also specifies instructions for corrective actions, including
but not limited to, removing and returning the buckle assembly or
restraint assembly to Parker Meggitt for overhaul or replacement; and
removing the buckle assembly or restraint assembly and replacing them
with spare, new, or
[[Page 24744]]
repaired assemblies. An applicable buckle may be included as a
component of a different part-numbered restraint system assembly. Table
1 of SB 25-1111432 Rev 002 identifies restraint system P/Ns that may be
affected.
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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Meggitt Service Information Letter SIL
Restraint-25-002-2023, dated January 24, 2023, which contains
additional information specifying how to locate the date of manufacture
on each buckle.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2021-07-
13. This proposed AD would also reduce the applicability paragraph to
apply to plastic buckle assemblies with a certain date of manufacture,
or with a date of manufacture not known. This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already
described, except as discussed under ``Differences Between this
Proposed AD and the Service Information.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Where the service information specifies sending affected parts to
the manufacturer, this proposed AD would not. The service information
does not specify a compliance time to inspect for a crack or measure
for thickness, whereas this proposed AD would require inspecting the
buckle handle for a crack within 6 months and measuring the buckle
handle vane thickness within 12 months.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect up to 1,435 restraint systems installed on aircraft of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD.
Inspecting each buckle handle for a crack and measuring thickness
would take a nominal amount of time.
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.
Replacing each buckle would take about 0.5 work-hour and parts
would cost about $636 for an estimated cost of $679 per buckle
replacement.
Replacing each restraint system would take about 0.5 work-hour and
parts would cost about $1,031 for an estimated cost of $1,074 per
restraint system replacement.
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 that the 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86
FR 17703, April 6, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Various Airplanes and Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; Project
Identifier AD-2023-00365-Q.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by May 24, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86 FR 17703,
April 6, 2021) (AD 2021-07-13).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to all airplanes and helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a restraint system with a Pacific
Scientific Company plastic rotary buckle assembly (buckle) part
number (P/N) 1111430 or P/N 1111475 (all dash numbers) installed
having a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 2007, or an
unknown date of manufacture, except not those buckles repaired with
the installation of an airworthy buckle handle after May 31, 2007,
and marked with a BLUE logo on the center button.
Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Information about the location of
the date of manufacture can be found in Meggitt Service Information
Letter SIL Restraint-25-002-2023, dated January 24, 2023.
(2) The buckles identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD may be
installed on, but not limited to, The Boeing Company, Bombardier
Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Textron
Aviation, Inc. (type certificate (TC) previously held by Cessna
Aircraft Company), and Viking Air Limited (TC previously held by de
Havilland, Inc.) model airplanes and Airbus Helicopters (TC
previously held by Eurocopter France) model helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked buckle handles and
updated manufacturer service information. The FAA is issuing this AD
to inspect for cracks and thickness of the buckle handle. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could prevent a strap from releasing
when the buckle is rotated, which could result in occupants not
being able to release the buckle in certain emergency landing
conditions.
[[Page 24745]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the buckle handle for a crack. If there is any crack, before further
flight, remove the buckle from service and replace it with an
airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint system from service and
replace it with an airworthy restraint system.
(2) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
measure the thickness of the buckle handle vane as depicted in
Figures 3 and 4 of Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432,
Revision 002, dated September 12, 2023 (SB 25-1111432 Rev 002). If
the buckle handle vane thickness is 0.125 inch or greater, before
further flight, remove the buckle from service and replace it with
an airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint system from service and
replace it with an airworthy restraint system.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): SB 25-1111432 Rev 002 refers to a
buckle as both a buckle and buckle assembly, interchangeably.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any
buckle P/N 1111430 or P/N 1111475 (all dash numbers), with a buckle
handle vane thickness of 0.125 inch or greater, or any restraint
system with a buckle P/N 1111430 or 1111475 (all dash numbers), with
a buckle handle vane thickness of 0.125 inch or greater installed,
with the buckle having a date of manufacture on or before May 31,
2007, or if the date of manufacture cannot be determined, on any
airplane or helicopter, unless the buckle has been repaired with the
installation of an airworthy buckle handle after May 31, 2007, and
is marked with a BLUE logo on the center button.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
If you measured the thickness of the buckle handle vane as
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD before the effective date of
this AD using Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432,
dated May 22, 2007, or using Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432,
Revision 001, dated May 20, 2021, you have met that requirement.
(i) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 provided that there are no passengers onboard.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification 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 (k)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2021-07-13 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding requirements of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone (303) 342-1080; email [email protected].
(2) Meggitt and Pacific Scientific service information, that are
not incorporated by reference can be found in the contact
information identified in paragraph (l)(4) of this AD.
(l) 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
[DATE 35 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, Revision 002,
dated September 12, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Parker Meggitt Services, 1785 Voyager Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063;
phone: (877) 666-0712; email: [email protected].
(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(6) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email: [email protected].
Issued on April 2, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-07394 Filed 4-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
