[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 202 (Wednesday, October 19, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64795-64798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26083]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0040; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-203-AD; 
Amendment 39-16831; AD 2011-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sicma Aero Seat Passenger Seat 
Assemblies Installed on Various Transport Category Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sicma 
Aero Seat 88xx, 89xx, 90xx, 91xx, 92xx, 93xx, 95xx, and 96xx series 
passenger seat assemblies, installed on various transport category 
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Cracks have been found on seats [with] backrest links P/N (part 
number) 90-000200-104-1 and 90-000200-104-2. These cracks can 
significantly affect the structural integrity of seat backrests.

Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an occupant 
during emergency landing conditions. We are issuing this AD to require 
actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 23, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 23, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified 
products. That supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register 
on April 25, 2011 (76 FR 22830). That supplemental NPRM proposed to 
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    Cracks have been found on seats [with] backrest links P/N (part 
number) 90-000200-104-1 and 90-000200-104-2. These cracks can 
significantly affect the structural integrity of seat backrests.

Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an occupant 
during emergency landing conditions. The required actions include a 
general visual inspection for cracking of backrest links; replacement 
with new, improved links if cracking is found; and eventual replacement 
of all links with new, improved links. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

[[Page 64796]]

Support for the Supplemental NPRM (76 FR 22830, April 25, 2011)

    Boeing concurs with content of the supplemental NPRM (76 FR 22830, 
April 25, 2011).

Request to Remove Airplanes From the Proposed Applicability

    Airbus stated that the Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes 
that were included in table 1 of the supplemental NPRM (76 FR 22830, 
April 25, 2011) were delivered with 16G-rated seats, not the 9G-rated 
seats affected by the proposed AD. Airbus requested that Model A330-200 
and -300 series airplanes be removed from the supplemental NPRM 
applicability.
    We agree with the comment because it correctly updates table 1 of 
this AD by removing airplanes that do not have the affected seats. We 
have changed table 1 of this AD accordingly.

Clarification of Service Bulletin Citation

    We have corrected the issue number and date for Annex 1 of Sicma 
Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, Issue 3, dated December 19, 2001, 
to be Annex 1, Issue 1, dated June 26, 2001 (referenced in paragraph 
(f)(6) of this AD).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 611 seats on 4 products 
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour 
per seat to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
seat. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are 
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge 
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected 
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators 
to be $51,935, or $85 per seat.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (75 FR 2826, January 19, 
2010), the supplemental NPRM (76 FR 22830, April 25, 2011), the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 AD:

2011-21-08 SICMA AERO SEAT: Amendment 39-16831. Docket No. FAA-2010-
0040; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-203-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
23, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat 88xx, 89xx, 90xx, 91xx, 
92xx, 93xx, 95xx, and 96xx series passenger seat assemblies 
identified in Annex 1, Issue 2, dated March 19, 2004, of Sicma Aero 
Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, Issue 4, dated March 19, 2004, that 
have backrest links having part numbers (P/Ns) 90-000200-104-1 and 
90-000200-104-2; and that are installed on, but not limited to, the 
airplanes identified in table 1 of this AD, certificated in any 
category. This AD does not apply to Sicma Aero Seat series 9140, 
9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 
91C5, 9301, and 9501 passenger seat assemblies.

[[Page 64797]]



                Table 1--Certain Affected Airplane Models
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         Manufacturer                            Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus.......................  A300 airplanes.
Airbus.......................  A310, A318, A319, A320, A321 series
                                airplanes.
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport   ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500
 R[eacute]gional.               airplanes.
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport   ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212,
 R[eacute]gional.               and -212A airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200,
                                and 727-200F series airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500, -
                                600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER
                                series airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-
                                200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-
                                400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and
                                747SP series airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series
                                airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series
                                airplanes.
Bombardier, Inc..............  CL-600-1A11 (CL-600), CL-600-2A12 (CL-
                                601), and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-
                                3R, and CL-604) airplanes.
Bombardier, Inc..............  CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 &
                                440) airplanes.
Bombardier, Inc..............  CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700,
                                701, & 702) airplanes.
Bombardier, Inc..............  CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705)
                                airplanes.
Bombardier, Inc..............  CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900)
                                airplanes.
Bombardier, Inc..............  DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC-
                                8-400 airplanes.
Fokker Services B.V..........  F.27 Mark 050, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,
                                600, and 700 airplanes.
Fokker Services B.V..........  F.28 Mark 0070, 0100, 1000, 2000, 3000,
                                and 4000 airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC-8-31, DC-8-
                                32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-43,
                                DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-8-55, DC-
                                8F-54, DC-8F-55, DC-8-61, DC-8-62, DC-8-
                                63, DC-8-61F, DC-8-62F, DC-8-63F, DC-8-
                                71, DC-8-72, DC-8-73, DC-8-71F, DC-8-
                                72F, and DC-8-73F airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-
                                15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32,
                                DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, DC-
                                9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B),
                                DC-9-41, DC-9-51, DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-
                                82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87
                                (MD-87) airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30,
                                DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
                                and DC-10-40F airplanes.
The Boeing Company...........  MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1:  This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat passenger seat 
assemblies as installed on any airplane, regardless of whether the 
airplane has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the 
area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have 
been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. The request should include an 
assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair 
on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe 
condition has not been eliminated, the request should include 
specific proposed actions to address it.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: 
Equipment/Furnishings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Cracks have been found on seats [with] backrest links P/N (part 
number) 90-000200-104-1 and 90-000200-104-2. These cracks can 
significantly affect the structural integrity of seat backrests.

    Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an 
occupant during emergency landing conditions. The required actions 
include a general visual inspection for cracking of the backrest 
links; replacement with new, improved links if cracking is found; 
and eventual replacement of all links with new, improved links.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, do a general visual inspection 
of the backrest links having P/Ns 90-000200-104-1 and 90-000200-104-
2, in accordance with Part One of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 
90-25-013, Issue 4, dated March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 
2, dated March 19, 2004:
    (i) Before 6,000 flight hours on the backrest link since new.
    (ii) Within 900 flight hours or 5 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, cracking is found between the side of the backrest link and 
the lock-out pin hole but the cracking does not pass this lock-out 
pin hole (refer to Figure 2 of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-
25-013, Issue 4, dated March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, 
dated March 19, 2004): Within 600 flight hours or 3 months after 
doing the inspection, whichever occurs first, replace both backrest 
links of the affected seat with new, improved backrest links having 
P/Ns 90-100200-104-1 and 90-100200-104-2, in accordance with Part 
Two of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, Issue 4, dated 
March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated March 19, 2004.
    (3) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, cracking is found that passes beyond the lock-out pin hole 
(refer to Figure 2 of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, 
Issue 4, dated March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated 
March 19, 2004): Before further flight, replace both backrest links 
of the affected seat with new, improved backrest links having P/Ns 
90-100200-104-1 and 90-100200-104-2, in accordance with Part Two of 
Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, Issue 4, dated March 19, 
2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated March 19, 2004.
    (4) If no cracking is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Do the replacement required by 
paragraph (f)(5) of this AD at the compliance time specified in 
paragraph (f)(5) of this AD.
    (5) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(5)(i) and (f)(5)(ii) of this AD, replace the links, P/Ns 90-
000200-104-1 and 90-000200-104-2, with new improved links, P/Ns 90-
100200-104-1 and 90-100200-104-2, in accordance with Part Two of 
Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, Issue 4, dated March 19, 
2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated March 19, 2004. Doing this 
replacement for an affected passenger seat assembly terminates the 
inspection requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD for that 
passenger seat assembly.
    (i) Before 12,000 flight hours on the backrest links, P/Ns 90-
000200-104-1 and 90-000200-104-2, since new.
    (ii) Within 900 flight hours or 5 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

[[Page 64798]]

Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Service Information

    (6) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, Issue 3, 
dated December 19, 2001, including Annex 1, Issue 1, dated June 26, 
2001, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions 
of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI specifies doing repetitive inspections for 
cracking of links having over 12,000 flight hours since new until 
the replacement of the link is done. This AD does not include those 
repetitive inspections because we have reduced the compliance time 
for replacing those links. This AD requires replacing the link 
before 12,000 flight hours since new or within 900 flight hours or 5 
months of the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 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 ACO, 
send it to ATTN: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 
(781) 238-7161; fax (781) 238-7170. 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. The AMOC approval letter 
must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI French Airworthiness Directive 2001-613(AB), 
dated December 12, 2001; and Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-
013, Issue 4, dated March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, 
dated March 19, 2004; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-013, 
Issue 4, dated March 19, 2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated 
March 19, 2004, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Sicma 
Aero Seat, 7 Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 ISSOUDUN, France, telephone: 
+33 (0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; e-mail: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.sicma.zodiacaerospace.com/en/.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2011-26083 Filed 10-18-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P