[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 52 (Friday, March 17, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13787-13789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-3908]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24036; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-04-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sicma Aero Seat, Passenger Seat 
Assemblies

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat assemblies. This proposed 
AD would require modifying the aft track fittings on these passenger 
seat assemblies by installing new tab locks, and then torquing the aft 
track fitting locking bolts. This proposed AD results from

[[Page 13788]]

reports of loose and unlocked aft track fittings on Sicma Aero Seat, 
passenger seat assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
detachment of passenger seat assemblies, especially during emergency 
conditions, leading to occupant injury.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 16, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Sicma Aero Seat, 7 Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 Issoudun, 
France, telephone: (33) 54 03 39 39; fax: (33) 54 03 15 16, for the 
service information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5213; telephone (781) 238-7161; fax (781) 238-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-24036; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-04-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the 
DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is on the plaza 
level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street 
address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe 
condition might exist on Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat assemblies, 
part numbers (P/Ns) 42XX series, 50XX series, 63XX series, 65XX series, 
71XX series, 78XX series, 83XX series, 85XX series, 90XX series, 91XX 
series, and 92XX series, with aft track fittings, P/N 90-000120-790-0, 
installed. The DGAC advises that reports have been received of aft 
track fittings, P/N 90-000120-790-0, becoming loose in service. Loose 
aft track fittings can lead to detachment of passenger seat assemblies, 
especially during emergency conditions, leading to occupant injury.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Sicma Aero 
Seat Service Bulletin (SB) No. 90-25-005, Issue 2, dated March 31, 
1999, that describes procedures for modifying the aft track fittings, 
P/N 90-000120-790-0, by installing new tab locks, P/N 00-4399, and 
torquing the aft track locking bolts. The tab lock prevents the locking 
bolt from loosening. The DGAC classified this SB as mandatory and 
issued airworthiness directive 1994-085(AB) R2, dated July 13, 1999, in 
order to ensure the airworthiness of these passenger seat assemblies in 
France.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Manufacturer's Service 
Information

    Although the SB allows repetitive checking for proper engagement 
and proper locking bolt torque of aft track fittings as an alternative 
method to installing the new tab locks, this proposed AD would not 
allow that alternative method.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat assemblies, manufactured in 
France, are installed in airplanes type-certificated for operation in 
the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral 
airworthiness agreement. In keeping with this bilateral airworthiness 
agreement, the DGAC kept us informed of the situation described above. 
We have examined the DGAC's findings, reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for passenger 
seat assemblies of this type design that are installed in airplanes 
certificated for operation in the United States. For this reason, we 
are proposing this AD, which would require modifying the aft track 
fittings, P/N 90-000120-790-0, by installing new tab locks, P/N 00-
4399, and torquing the aft track fitting locking bolts. The proposed AD 
would require you to use the service information described previously 
to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 239,209 Sicma Aero 
Seat, passenger seat assemblies, installed on 1,016 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4 work hours per 
airplane to perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $80 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $235 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the 
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $563,880. The manufacturer has 
indicated they might provide the parts at no cost to the operators.

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,

[[Page 13789]]

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 have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    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); and
    3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Sicma Aero Seat: Docket No. FAA-2006-24036; Directorate Identifier 
2006-NE-04-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by May 16, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat 
assemblies, part numbers (P/Ns) 42XX series, 50XX series, 63XX 
series, 65XX series, 71XX series, 78XX series, 83XX series, 85XX 
series, 90XX series, 91XX series, and 92XX series, with aft track 
fittings, P/N 90-000120-790-0, installed. Refer to Annex 1 of Sicma 
Aero Seat Service Bulletin No. 90-25-005, Issue 2, dated March 31, 
1999, for the full part numbers. These seat assemblies are installed 
on, but not limited to, Airbus A300, A310, A318, A319, A320, A321, 
and A330 series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of loose and unlocked aft track 
fittings on Sicma Aero Seat, passenger seat assemblies. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent detachment of passenger seat assemblies, 
especially during emergency conditions, leading to occupant injury.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within 600 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, unless the actions have already been done.

Aft Track Fitting Modification

    (f) Modify aft track fittings, P/N 90-000120-790-0, by 
installing new tab locks, P/N 00-4399, under the locking bolts.
    (g) Torque locking bolts to 17.4-to-34.7 inch pounds.
    (h) Stamp amendment ``Z'' on the seat assembly identification 
plate.
    (i) Use the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat 
Service Bulletin No. 90-25-005, Issue 2, dated March 31, 1999, to do 
these actions.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (j) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile, AD 1994-085(AB) R2, 
dated July 13, 1999, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 13, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-3908 Filed 3-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P