83 FR 59288 - Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France Cabin Attendant Seats

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 226 (November 23, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Zodiac Seats France 536 Series Cabin Attendant Seats. This AD was prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated stress area of the seat pan hinges. This AD requires repetitive inspections and replacement of the seat pan. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 226 (Friday, November 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59288-59290]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25436]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0632; Product Identifier 2017-NE-16-AD; Amendment 
39-19487; AD 2018-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France Cabin Attendant 
Seats

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Zodiac Seats France 536 Series Cabin Attendant Seats. This AD was 
prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated stress area of the 
seat pan hinges. This AD requires repetitive inspections and 
replacement of the seat pan. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 28, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 28, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100 
Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 
00; email: [email protected]; internet: https://services.zodiacaerospace.com. 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. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0632.

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-2017-
0632; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-

[[Page 59289]]

30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC, 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 
39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Zodiac Seats France 536 
Series Cabin Attendant Seats. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on December 22, 2017 (82 FR 60690). The NPRM was prompted by 
cracks found in a highly concentrated stress area of the seat pan 
hinges. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the 
affected cabin attendant seats and, depending on findings, replacement 
of the seat pan. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2017-0001, dated January 6, 2017 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI'') to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

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

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

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed except 
for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

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

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 55 seat assemblies installed on, 
but not limited to, ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seat inspection, modification, or       1.2 work-hours x $85 per          $1,500          $1,602         $88,110
 replacement.                            hour = $102.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:

[[Page 59290]]

    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-23-01 Zodiac Seats France (formerly SICMA Aero Seat): Amendment 
39-19487; Docket No. FAA-2017-0632; Product Identifier 2017-NE-16-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 28, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by cracks found in a highly concentrated 
stress area of the seat pan hinges. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of affected seats. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in injury to the seat occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

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

(h) Optional Terminating Action

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

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for inspections and modifications performed 
in accordance with Zodiac Seats France SB No. 536-25-003, Rev. 2, 
dated September 16, 2016, or earlier versions, if you performed 
these actions before the effective date of this AD.

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

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2017-0001, dated January 6, 2017, for 
more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0632.

(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.
    (i) Zodiac Seats France Service Bulletin No. 536-25-003, Rev. 3, 
dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved.]
    (3) For Zodiac Seats France service information identified in 
this AD, contact Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert Marechal Senior 
B.P. 69, 36100 Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax: 
+33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; email: [email protected]; internet: 
https://services.zodiacaerospace.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 16, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25436 Filed 11-21-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P