Airworthiness Directives; GEVEN S.p.A. Seat Assemblies, Type D1-02 and D1-03

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50816-50818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21872]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0504; Product Identifier 2017-NE-12-AD; Amendment 
39-19415; AD 2018-19-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GEVEN S.p.A. Seat Assemblies, Type D1-
02 and D1-03

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
GEVEN S.p.A. (Geven) Type D1-02 and D1-03 seat assemblies. This AD was 
prompted by a report that seat belt attachment bolts were found 
detached or partially detached from the seat. This AD requires 
inspection, torque verification, and modification of certain model 
seats. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 14, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 14, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Geven Technical Assistance Department, Via Boscofangone, Zona 
Industriale Nola-Marigliano, 80035 Nola (NA), Italy; phone: +39 081 31 
21 396; fax: +39 081 31 21 321; 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0504.

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-
0504; 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-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Geven, Type D1-02 
and D1-03 seat assemblies. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on July 14, 2017 (82 FR 32494). The NPRM was prompted by a report that 
seat belt attachment bolts were found detached or partially detached 
from the seat. The NPRM proposed to require inspection, torque 
verification, and modification of certain model seats. 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 2014-0187, dated August 20, 2014 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    An operator reported that seat belt attachment bolts were found 
detached or partially detached from the seat. A further check on 
several aeroplanes revealed that on a large number of seats of the 
same model, the seat belt attachment bolts were not properly torqued 
and secured as defined. This condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to failure of the seats to perform their 
intended function, possibly resulting in injury to occupants in case 
of an emergency landing. To address this potential unsafe

[[Page 50817]]

condition, Geven published SB No. D103-25-004 to provide inspection 
instructions to verify if the seat belt attachment bolts are 
properly torqued and secured, and correction of any deficiencies. In 
addition, for certain D1-03 seats, the SB provides instructions to 
modify the seat belt attachment assembly. For the reasons described 
above, this EASA AD requires a one-time inspection of all safety 
belt attachment bolts and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
the applicable corrective action(s). This EASA AD also requires 
modification of the seat belt attachment assembly on certain D1-03 
seats.

    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-2017-0504.

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.

Clarification to the Number of Affected Airplanes

    Since we issued the NPRM, we determined that we needed to identify 
the specific number of affected Avions de transport regional (ATR) 42 
and ATR 72 airplanes rather than list the overall number of airplanes 
that are affected. The estimated costs have not changed.

Clarification to Required Actions

    We also determined that the compliance in the NPRM was not clear as 
to which Geven seats required modification and which required bushing 
replacement. We have clarified the Required Actions in this AD. 
Additionally, all Geven Type D1-02 and D1-03 safety belt assemblies are 
torque checked, but, only Geven Type D1-03 seat belt attachment 
assemblies on the aisle side spreader must be modified.

Clarification of Service Information Reporting Requirements

    We also determined that Geven Service Bulletin (SB) No. D103-25-
004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016, specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer. This AD does not include that 
requirement.

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:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> 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 Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 
2016. The SB describes procedures for inspection, torque verification, 
and modification 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 an unknown number of seat 
assemblies installed on, but not limited to, 25 ATR 42 airplanes and 13 
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 modification--ATR 42..........  1.5 work-hours x $85 per               $302         $429.50      $10,737.50
                                      hour = $127.50.
Torque check--ATR 42...............  0.8 work-hours x $85 per                  0           68.00        1,700.00
                                      hour = $68.00.
Seat modification--ATR 72..........  2.3 work-hours x $85 per                368          563.50        7,325.50
                                      hour = $195.50.
Seat remove and replace--ATR 72....  1.2 work-hours x $85 per                  0          102.00        1,326.00
                                      hour = $102.00.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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:
    (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.

[[Page 50818]]

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):

2018-19-15 GEVEN S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19415; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0504; Product Identifier 2017-NE-12-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 14, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to certain GEVEN S.p.A. (Geven) Type D1-02 
(also known as ``Lightweight AFT facing seats'') and D1-03 (also 
known as ``Lightweight'' Classic and Prestige) in-arm table, 
standard, and last row seats, with part numbers (P/Ns) and 
Effectivity Codes listed in Table 1.1.1 of Geven Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016.
    (2) These appliances are installed on, but not limited to, 
Avions de transport regional (ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that seat belt attachment bolts 
were found detached or partially detached from the seat. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the seats to perform their 
intended function, which, if not detected and corrected, could 
possibly result in injury to occupants in case of an emergency 
landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, in 
accordance with Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 
15, 2016, for all Geven Type D1-03 (also known as ``Lightweight'' 
Classic and Prestige) in-arm table, standard, and last row seats, P/
N D1-03-()()()-()()(), modify the safety belt attachment assemblies 
on the aisle side spreader, and torque check the safety belt 
attachment assemblies on the central and fuselage side spreaders to 
71 in-lbs. (8 nm).
    (2) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, in 
accordance with Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 
15, 2016, for all Geven Type D1-02 (also known as ``Lightweight aft 
facing seats'') in-arm table, standard, and last row seats, P/N D1-
02-()()()-()()(), perform the following:
    (i) Torque check the seat belt attachment assemblies on the 
aisle side, central, and fuselage side spreaders to 71 in-lbs., and 
verify that the safety belt attachment is free to rotate.
    (ii) If the safety belt attachment is not free to rotate 
following paragraph (g)(2)(i), replace the bushing in accordance 
with paragraph 3.3.1 of Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated 
March 15, 2016, or block each affected seat until the bushing 
replacement is accomplished.

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information identified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that reporting requirement.

(i) 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 Boston ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j)(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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, 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].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2014-
0187, dated August 20, 2014, 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 Docket No. FAA-
2017-0504.

(k) 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) GEVEN S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, 
dated March 15, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Geven 
Technical Assistance Department, Via Boscofangone, Zona Industriale 
Nola-Marigliano, 80035 Nola (NA), Italy; phone: +39 081 31 21 396; 
fax: +39 081 31 21 321; email: [email protected].
    (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 September 27, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21872 Filed 10-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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