Airworthiness Directives; Safran Aerosystems Life Jackets

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 158 (Thursday, August 15, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41626-41629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17402]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0207; Product Identifier 2019-NE-02-AD; Amendment 
39-19703; AD 2019-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Aerosystems Life Jackets

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Safran Aerosystems (formerly Zodiac Aerospace Services) life 
jackets. This AD was prompted by reports of defective welding on 
certain life jackets around the inflation system. This AD requires 
removal and replacement of the affected life jackets. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 19, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 19, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Zodiac Aerospace Services, 61 Rue Pierre Curie, CS20001, 78370 
Plaisir Cedex, France; phone: + 33 1 61 34 23 23; fax: + 33 1 61 34 21 
13; email: [email protected]; internet: http://tpi.services.zodiacaerospace.com. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Engine and 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-2019-0207.

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-

[[Page 41627]]

0207; 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 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: Erin King, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone 
781-238-7655; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Safran 
Aerosystems life jackets. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
April 15, 2019 (84 FR 15160). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
defective welding on certain life jackets around the inflation system. 
The NPRM proposed to require removal and replacement of the affected 
life jackets. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2019-0010, dated January 23, 2019 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    Defective welding around the inflation system has been 
reportedly found on certain life jackets on the production line. 
Subsequent investigation results identified a batch of life jackets 
which might be affected by this manufacturing defect.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to inability of the 
life jacket to perform its intended function, possible resulting in 
injury to the user of that life jacket.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Safran Aerosystems 
issued the SB, providing the list of affected parts, and the repair 
SB, providing instructions to repair affected parts. For the reason 
described above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement of affected 
life jackets, and allows their (re)installation on an aircraft only 
after having being repaired.

    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-2019-0207.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Update Service Information

    Alaska Airlines, Inc. (ASA) and Empire Airlines requested that the 
FAA update all references to Zodiac Aerospace Services Service Bulletin 
(SB) 25-65-33, Revision 01, dated January 8, 2019, and Zodiac Aerospace 
Services SB 25-65-34, Original Issue, dated January 8, 2019, to 
Revision 02 and Revision 01, respectively. ASA indicated that updated 
service information was published during the NPRM commenting period, 
and updating this information would avoid the need for operators to 
submit alternative methods of compliance requests.
    The FAA agrees to incorporate the latest service information in 
this AD.

Request for Previous Credit

    ASA requested the final rule include a ``Credit for Previous 
Actions'' paragraph allowing credit for performing the inspection using 
Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-33, Revision 01, dated January 8, 
2019, or performing the modification using Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 
25-65-34, Original Issue, dated January 8, 2019.
    The FAA partially agrees. As noted in the previous response, the 
FAA agrees with incorporating the latest service information in the 
applicability section and the definition section of this AD. The FAA 
notes the applicability of this AD and the definition of a part 
eligible of installation has not changed as the information in Table 1 
of Revision 02 and Revision 01 of Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-33 
is identical. Therefore, the FAA is not referencing Revision 01 of 
Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-33 in this AD and previous credit is 
not required.
    The FAA has also revised the Installation Prohibition section of 
this AD to allow the use of either Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-
34, Revision 01, dated March 15, 2019, or Original Issue, dated January 
8, 2019, to perform the repair and marking. The FAA, therefore, does 
not require a previous credit section in this AD.

Request To Clarify the Eligible for Installation Definition

    ASA requested that the FAA clarify the definition of a life jacket 
eligible for installation. ASA proposed defining a life jacket eligible 
for installation as one that is ``not applicable'' to Zodiac Aerospace 
Services SB 25-65-33, Revision 02, dated March 15, 2019, or one that is 
repaired in accordance with Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-34, 
Revision 01, dated March 15, 2019.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA clarifies the definition of a life jacket 
eligible for installation in this AD.

Support for the NPRM

    Several individual commenters expressed support for the NPRM. One 
commenter supported the NPRM but noted that cost should be a secondary 
consideration in determining whether to issue an AD on a potentially 
life-saving component. Another commenter supported the NPRM but added 
that all Safran Aerosystems life jackets should be removed from 
airplanes for safety precautions and passengers on the airplanes should 
be informed of the issue and know that it is being addressed.
    The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees with the importance of 
this AD action because life jackets are potentially life-saving devices 
and must be in working condition. The FAA also notes that it considers 
cost when developing rules, but its primary consideration is safety.
    The FAA disagrees with expanding the applicability of this AD to 
all Safran Aerosystems life jackets because the information relied upon 
by the FAA indicates an unsafe condition exists only with respect to 
those life jackets identified in the Applicability section of this AD. 
Passengers who wish to find information on safety issues related to 
specific model aircraft, engines, propellers, or associated appliances 
may view airworthiness directives at www.regulations.gov. The FAA did 
not change this AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has 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.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

[[Page 41628]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-33, Revision 
02, dated March 15, 2019, and Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-34, 
Revision 01, dated March 15, 2019. Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-
33 identifies the affected life jackets by part number and serial 
number. Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-34 describes procedures for 
repairing and marking the affected life jackets. 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects an unknown number of life 
jackets installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72, Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321, Airbus A330, 
Airbus A340, Airbus A350, and Airbus A380 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
Operators have the option to replace or repair the affected life 
jackets. The FAA has no way of determining the number of life jackets 
that might be replaced or repaired.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect life jacket........................  0.1 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  $0           $8.50
                                              $8.50.
Replace life jacket........................  0.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  96          138.50
                                              $42.50.
Repair life jacket.........................  0.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =                   0           42.50
                                              $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this 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.

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 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) 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.

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):

2019-15-10 Safran Aerosystems (formerly Zodiac Aerospace Services): 
Amendment 39-19703; Docket No. FAA-2019-0207; Product Identifier 
2019-NE-02-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 19, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Safran Aerosystems life jackets with part 
number (P/N) 210225-2, P/N 216200-0, or P/N 216203-0, and with a 
serial number listed in Table 1 of Zodiac Aerospace Services Service 
Bulletin (SB) 25-65-33, Revision 02, dated March 15, 2019, that are 
not marked with ``Mod.per SB 25-65-34'' in the identification area.
    (2) These appliances are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-
GIE Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72, Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, and Airbus 
A380 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2561, Life Jacket.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of defective welding on certain 
life jackets around the inflation system. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the life jacket. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in injury to the wearer of the life jacket.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within six months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
each affected life jacket from the airplane and, before further 
flight, replace the life jacket with a life jacket eligible for 
installation.

[[Page 41629]]

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
airplane an affected life jacket unless it has been repaired and 
marked to indicate compliance with such repair in accordance with 
Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-34, Revision 01, dated March 15, 
2019, or Original Issue, dated January 8, 2019; or a method approved 
by the FAA.

(i) Definition

    A life jacket eligible for installation is a new life jacket not 
listed in Table 1 of Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-33, Revision 
02, dated March 15, 2019, or a life jacket repaired in accordance 
with Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-34, Revision 01, dated March 
15, 2019, or Original Issue, dated January 8, 2019; or by a method 
approved by the FAA.

(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.
    (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 Erin King, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone 781-238-7655; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0010, dated January 23, 2019, 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-
2019-0207.

(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 Aerospace Services Service Bulletin (SB) 25-65-33, 
Revision 02, dated March 15, 2019.
    (ii) Zodiac Aerospace Services SB 25-65-34, Revision 01, dated 
March 15, 2019.
    (3) For Safran Aerosystems service information identified in 
this AD, contact Zodiac Aerospace Services, 61 Rue Pierre Curie, 
CS20001, 78370 Plaisir Cedex, France; phone: + 33 1 61 34 23 23; 
fax: + 33 1 61 34 21 13; email: 
[email protected]; internet: http://tpi.services.zodiacaerospace.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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 August 2, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-17402 Filed 8-14-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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