[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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