[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25439]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: October 25, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-73-AD; Amendment 39-9048; AD 94-21-06]
Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/KIN-
TECH Division, Lap Belt Assemblies and Restraint Systems
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Pacific Scientific lap belt assemblies and
restraint systems, that requires removal of certain lap belt assemblies
and restraint systems, and replacement with a differently designed
assembly. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that,
subsequent to an accident involving a transport category airplane, some
passengers experienced difficulty in attempting to release the buckle
on their lap belts. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent the inability of passengers or crew to egress from their seats
during an emergency situation, due to problems associated with the lap
belt assembly.
DATES: Effective November 25, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 25, 1994.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Pacific Scientific, HTL/KIN-TECH Division, 22715 Savi
Ranch Parkway, Yorba Linda, California 92687. This information may be
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Layton Walker, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems & Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3229 East
Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425; telephone (310) 988-
5339; fax (310) 988-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Pacific Scientific lap
belt assemblies and restraint systems was published in the Federal
Register on May 31, 1994 (59 FR 28031). That action proposed to require
the removal of certain lap belt assemblies and restraint systems, and
replacement with another design assembly.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Two commenters support the proposal.
One commenter supports the intent of the proposal, but suggests
that it should have been issued as an immediately adopted rule, without
prior notice and time for public comment. The commenter considers that
the subject lap belts pose a serious and immediate threat to passengers
and crew who could encounter difficulties in releasing the belts during
an emergency situation. The FAA does not concur with the commenter's
suggestion. In developing this rule and its associated compliance time,
the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the availability of
necessary parts and the practical aspect of accomplishing the required
actions during normal maintenance schedules. Additionally, the FAA
considered the fact there has been no adverse service history within
the last two years related to the 27,000 subject belts currently in
service. In light of all of these items, the FAA could not find that it
was impracticable to provide for prior notice and time for public
comment on the rule.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
There are approximately 27,002 lap belts of the affected design
installed in aircraft and rotorcraft worldwide. The FAA estimates that,
of this number, approximately 10,000 are to be installed on U.S.
registered aircraft and rotorcraft. It will take approximately .5 work
hour per lap belt to accomplish the required actions, at an average
labor rate of $55 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by
Pacific Scientific Company at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $275,000, or $27.50 per lap belt.
The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
94-21-06 Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/KIN-Tech Division:
Amendment 39-9048. Docket 94-NM-73-AD.
Applicability: Lap belt assemblies and restraint systems, as
listed in Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin 1108435-25-01, dated
April 28, 1994, and Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin 1108460-25-
01, dated April 28, 1994; as installed on aircraft and rotorcraft,
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the inability of passengers or crew to egress from
their seats during an emergency situation, due to problems
associated with the lap belt assembly, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, remove
the applicable lap belt assemblies and restraint systems, and
replace them with new design assemblies in accordance with Pacific
Scientific Service Bulletin 1108435-25-01, dated April 28, 1994, or
Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin 1108460-25-01, dated April 28,
1994, as applicable.
(b) As of a date 90 days after the effective date of this AD, no
person shall install on any aircraft or rotorcraft a passenger or
crew lap belt or restraint system (as listed in Pacific Scientific
Service Bulletin 1108435-25-01, dated April 28, 1994, and Pacific
Scientific Service Bulletin 1108460-25-01, dated April 28, 1994)
that incorporates the part number 1108435 ``45 degrees'' release
lift lever buckle assembly, or the part number 1108460 ``90
degrees'' release lift lever buckle assembly.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The removal and replacement shall be done in accordance with
Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin 1108435-25-01, dated April 28,
1994, or Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin 1108460-25-01, dated
April 28, 1994, as applicable. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Pacific Scientific, HTL/KIN-TECH Division, 22715 Savi Ranch Parkway,
Yorba Linda, California 92687. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3229 East Spring Street,
Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register,
800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 25, 1994.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 1994.
Neil D. Schalekamp,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-25439 Filed 10-24-94; 8:45 am]
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