84 FR 34816 - Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats

The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-22-02, which applies to certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re- identification of the affected seats. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22- 02, Ipeco has received reports that the tracklock spring modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing and the FAA also determined the need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. This proposed AD would continue to require modification and re-identification of the affected seats. This proposed AD would also require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34816-34819]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2019-15413]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2019 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 34816]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 
2017-22-02, which applies to certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) 
pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re-
identification of the affected seats. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-
02, Ipeco has received reports that the tracklock spring modification 
required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the issue of 
unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing and the FAA also 
determined the need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the 
applicability. This proposed AD would continue to require modification 
and re-identification of the affected seats. This proposed AD would 
also require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected 
tracklock springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the 
tracklock springs with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
3, 2019.

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 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Ipeco 
Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United 
Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email: 
[email protected]. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0260; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; 
Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, 
November 7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-02''), for Ipeco pilot and co-pilot 
seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re-identification of the 
affected seats. AD 2017-22-02 resulted from reports of unexpected 
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff and landing. The 
FAA issued AD 2017-22-02 to prevent unexpected movement of pilot and 
co-pilot seats during takeoff and landing.

Actions Since AD 2017-22-02 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Ipeco has received reports that 
the tracklock spring modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not 
adequately address the issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff 
and landing. As a result, Ipeco published Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) 
063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, providing instructions 
to inspect and replace, if necessary, affected tracklock springs. Also, 
since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, the European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, which 
retains the requirements of EASA AD 2016-0256, dated December 16, 2016, 
and also requires repetitive inspection of seats and, depending on 
findings, replacement of affected tracklock springs. Based on 
discussions with Ipeco and EASA, the FAA also determined the need to 
add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. These 
seat P/Ns are included in the applicability of EASA AD 2018-0262.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-08, 
Revision 00; SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; and SB Number 063-25-10, 
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016.

[[Page 34817]]

The SBs provide instructions, differentiated by the part numbers of the 
affected pilot and co-pilot seats, for the modification and re-
identification of these seats. The FAA also reviewed Ipeco SB Number 
063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018. This SB provides 
instructions for inspection and replacement, if necessary, of affected 
tracklock springs. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2017-
22-02. This proposed AD would add additional seat P/Ns to the 
applicability. This proposed AD would also require initial and 
repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending 
on the findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part 
eligible for installation.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and MCAI or Service Information

    This proposed AD and EASA AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, 
include pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and co-pilot seat P/N 3A063-
0100-01-1in their respective applicability sections, while Ipeco SB 
Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 110 pilot and co-
pilot seats installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de 
Transport Regional (ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
FAA estimates that seats installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes and seats 
installed on 21 ATR 72 airplanes will require modification and 
inspection. The FAA is revising the estimated number of affected seats 
in this cost estimate to include two affected seats per airplane.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect ATR 42 flight crew seats......  0.1 work-hours x $85 per              $0           $8.50            $289
                                         hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 42 flight crew seats.......  2 work-hours x $85 per                56             226           7,684
                                         hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 42 inspection...  1.0 work-hours x 85 per                1              86           2,924
                                         hour = $85.
Inspect ATR 72 flight crew seats......  0.1 work-hours x 85 per                0            8.50             179
                                         hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 72 flight crew seats.......  2 work-hours x 85 per                 56             226           4,746
                                         hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 72 inspection...  1.0 work-hours x 85 per                1              86           1,806
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove seat and replace ATR 42 tracklock        1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour =              $28            $147
 spring.                                         $119.
Remove seat and replace ATR 72 tracklock        1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour =               28             147
 spring.                                         $119.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of 
information. All responses to this collection of information are 
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other 
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for 
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 
76177-1524.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

[[Page 34818]]

Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 
8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a 
function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this 
transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority 
to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated 
appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 
Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

Ipeco Holdings Limited: Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 
2017-NE-13-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 3, 
2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, 
November 7, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to:
    (i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats with 
a part number (P/N) listed in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information, 
Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14, 
Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and
    (ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot 
seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1.
    (2) These seats are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE 
Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight 
Compartment Equipment.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of tracklock spring failures 
occurring on affected seats, including those seats already modified 
by AD 2017-22-02. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent unexpected 
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and landing. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

    (1) For seats that have not installed the tracklock spring 
modification kit, within two years after December 12, 2017 (the 
effective date of AD 2017-22-02), modify and re-identify each 
affected pilot and co-pilot seat. Use the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; Ipeco SB 
Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; or Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, 
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016, as appropriate, to do the 
modification and re-identification.
    (2) For all affected seats, within 750 flight hours (FHs) after 
the effective date of this AD, and, thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 750 FHs, inspect the tracklock spring of each seat in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2, of 
the Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
    (i) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, any damage on, or incorrect installation of, any tracklock 
spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat, before further 
flight, replace both tracklock springs of the affected seat with a 
part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of the 
Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Within 30 days after the initial and repetitive inspections, 
and thereafter for two years after the effective date of this AD, 
send the inspection results, including no findings, to Ipeco at 
[email protected].

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot or 
co-pilot seat identified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless 
the seat is modified and re-identified as specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Definition

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, ``damage'' can include cracks, 
breaks, corrosion, or deformation of the tracklock spring.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``incorrect installation'' is 
installing the tracklock spring at an angle or position at odds with 
Figures 6 and 7 of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated 
August 14, 2018.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is:
    (i) A modified seat provided, before installation, it has passed 
an inspection (no damage or defect found).
    (ii) a tracklock spring provided that it passed an inspection 
(no damage or defect found).

 (j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing 
the collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden 
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District

[[Page 34819]]

Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2018-0262, 
dated December 6, 2018, for more information. You may examine the 
EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0260.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Ipeco 
Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United 
Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email: 
[email protected]. You may view this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 12, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-15413 Filed 7-18-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P