Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France (Formerly Sicma Aero Seat) Passenger Seat Assemblies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30349-30352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11392]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1282; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-007-AD; 
Amendment 39-18157; AD 2015-10-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France (Formerly Sicma 
Aero Seat) Passenger Seat Assemblies

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-20-11, 
for Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 
91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, and 9501 series passenger 
seat assemblies. AD 2014-20-11 required a general visual inspection for 
cracking of

[[Page 30350]]

backrest links; replacement with new links if cracking is found; and 
eventual replacement of all links with new links. This AD was prompted 
by a determination that a model designation specified in paragraph 
(c)(1) of that AD was incorrect. This new AD identifies the correct 
model designation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks 
in the backrest links, which could affect the structural integrity of 
seat backrests. Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to 
an occupant during emergency landing conditions.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 12, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22, 
2014 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014).
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 13, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac Seats 
France, 7, Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 ISSOUDUN, France; telephone +33 (0) 
2 54 03 39 39; fax +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.sicma.zodiacaerospace.com/en/. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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-2015-
1282; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Lucas, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) ANE-150, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7170; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On September 23, 2014, we issued AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 
(79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), to supersede AD 2011-07-05, Amendment 
39-16642 (76 FR 18020, April 1, 2011). AD 2014-20-11 applied to certain 
Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 
91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, and 9501 series passenger 
seat assemblies; identified in Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 
2012, of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated 
January 25, 2012. AD 2014-20-11 was prompted by a report that new seat 
backrest links could be affected by cracks similar to those identified 
on the backrest links with the previous design. AD 2014-20-11 required 
a general visual inspection for cracking of backrest links, which 
includes new seat backrest links; replacement with new links if 
cracking is found; and eventual replacement of all links with new 
links. We issued AD 2014-20-11 to detect and correct cracking of 
backrest links, which could affect the structural integrity of seat 
backrests. Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an 
occupant during emergency landing conditions.
    AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), 
corresponds to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0038, 
dated March 12, 2012. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-1282.
    Since we issued AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, 
October 7, 2014), we have determined that, in paragraph (c)(1) of AD 
2014-20-11, a model designation incorrectly specified ``A320-300'' 
instead of ``A330-300'' as one of the models that the affected 
passenger seats might be installed on. Therefore, we have determined 
that paragraph (c)(1) of this AD should read as follows: Airbus Model 
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes.
    We have also re-designated paragraph (l) of AD 2014-20-11, 
Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), as paragraph (l)(1) 
of this AD. We also added a new paragraph (l)(2) to this AD to provide 
information on the availability of service information that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of airplanes that 
are equipped with this product, notice and opportunity for public 
comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-1282; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-007-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 0 seat assemblies installed on, 
but not limited to, transport airplanes of U.S. registry.

[[Page 30351]]

    The actions required by AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 
60322, October 7, 2014), and retained in this AD take about 1 work-hour 
per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required 
parts cost about $227 per product. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 2014-20-11 is 
$312 per product.
    Since this AD only clarifies airplane models on which the affected 
passenger seat assemblies might be installed, this AD adds no 
additional economic burden.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-10-02 Zodiac Seats France (formerly Sicma Aero Seat): Amendment 
39-18157. Docket No. FAA-2015-1282; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
007-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 12, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, 
October 7, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 
9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, 
and 9501 series passenger seat assemblies; identified in Annex 1, 
Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012, of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 
90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012. These passenger seat 
assemblies are installed on, but not limited to, the airplanes 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, 
certificated in any category.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 
series airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 
series airplanes.
    (3) The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300, 777-
300ER, and 777F series airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracks in the backrest links 
on certain seats and also by a determination that a model 
designation specified in paragraph (c)(1) of AD 2014-20-11, 
Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014) was incorrect. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the backrest 
links, which could affect the structural integrity of seat 
backrests. Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to 
an occupant during emergency landing conditions.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with 
no changes. At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for cracking 
of seat backrest links having part number (P/N) 90-000200-104-1, P/N 
90-000200-104-2, P/N 90-000202-104-1, and P/N 90-000202-104-2, in 
accordance with the ``PART ONE: GENERAL INTERMEDIATE CHECKING 
PROCEDURE'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat 
Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012, 
including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012. If no cracking 
is found on any link, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 900 flight hours on the seat or 5 months since the 
most recent inspection, whichever occurs later, until the 
replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
    (1) Within 6,000 flight hours on the seat or 2 years, whichever 
occurs later after the seat manufacturing date or after the backrest 
link replacement.
    (2) Within 900 flight hours on the seat after October 22, 2014 
(the effective date AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, 
October 7, 2014)), but no later than 5 months after October 22, 
2014.

(h) Retained Corrective Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with 
no changes.
    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any cracking is found on the link and no crack length exceeds 
the lock-out pin-hole as specified in Figure 2 or 4, as applicable, 
of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated 
January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 
2012: Within 600 flight hours on the seat or 3 months, whichever 
occurs later after crack identification, replace the cracked link 
with a new link, in accordance with ``PART TWO: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT 
PROCEDURE (EXCEPT FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)'' or ``PART THREE: 
ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)'' of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 
90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 
3, dated January 25, 2012.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, any cracking is found on the link and any crack length exceeds 
the lock-out pin-hole as specified in Figure 2 or 4, as applicable, 
of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated 
January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 
2012: Before

[[Page 30352]]

further flight, replace the cracked link with a new link, in 
accordance with ``PART TWO: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (EXCEPT 
FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)'' or ``PART THREE: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT 
PROCEDURE (FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)'' of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, 
dated January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 
25, 2012.

(i) Retained Replacement, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with 
no changes. At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) 
and (i)(2) of this AD: Replace all seat backrest links, having P/N 
90-000200-104-1, P/N 90-000200-104-2, P/N 90-000202-104-1, and P/N 
90-000202-104-2, with new links, in accordance with ``PART TWO: 
ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (EXCEPT FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 
91C5)'' or ``PART THREE: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (FOR SERIES 
91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma 
Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 
2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012.
    (1) Within 12,000 flight hours on the seat or 4 years, whichever 
occurs later after the seat manufacturing date or after the backrest 
link replacement.
    (2) Within 3,500 flight hours on the seat after October 22, 2014 
(the effective date AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, 
October 7, 2014), but no later than 18 months after October 22, 
2014.

(j) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (j) of 
AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), 
with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for actions required 
by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before October 22, 2014 (the effective date AD 2014-20-11, 
Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), using the service 
information specified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this 
AD.
    (1) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 3, dated 
October 3, 2001, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 4, dated 
December 19, 2001, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    (3) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 5, dated 
March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated March 19, 2004, 
which was incorporated by reference in AD 2011-07-05, Amendment 39-
16642 (76 FR 18020, April 1, 2011).

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Ian Lucas, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO, 
ANE-150, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-
238-7170; email: [email protected]. 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. The AMOC approval letter 
must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Boston ACO, 
FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0038, dated March 12, 2012, 
for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-1282.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(4) and (m)(5) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 22, 2014 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014).
    (i) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated 
January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 
2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Zodiac Seats France, 7, Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 ISSOUDUN, France; 
telephone +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.sicma.zodiacaerospace.com/en/.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (6) 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 Renton, Washington, on May 4, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-11392 Filed 5-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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