[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 134 (Friday, July 14, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32494-32496]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14546]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0504; Directorate Identifier 2017-NE-12-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GEVEN S.p.A., Seat Assemblies, Type D1-
02 and D1-03

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Geven S.p.A., Type D1-02 and D1-03 seat assemblies. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that seat belt attachment bolts 
were found detached or partially detached from the seat. This proposed 
AD would require inspection, torque verification, and modification of 
certain model seats. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this NPRM by August 28, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Geven 
Technical Assistance Department, Via Boscofangone, Zona Industriale 
Nola-Marigliano, 80035 Nola (NA), Italy; phone: +39 081 31 21 396; fax: 
+39 081 31 21 321; email: [email protected]. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

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-2017-
0504; 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 this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 
781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0504; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NE-12-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.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.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2014-0187, dated August 20, 2014 (referred to hereinafter as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    An operator reported that seat belt attachment bolts were found 
detached or partially detached from the seat. A further check on 
several aeroplanes revealed that on a large number of seats of the 
same model, the seat belt attachment bolts were not properly torqued 
and secured as defined. This condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to failure of the seats to perform their 
intended function, possibly resulting in injury to occupants in case 
of an emergency landing. To address this potential unsafe condition, 
Geven published SB No. D103-25-004 to provide inspection 
instructions to verify if the seat belt attachment bolts are 
properly torqued and secured, and correction of any deficiencies. In 
addition, for certain D1-03 seats, the SB provides instructions to 
modify the seat belt attachment assembly. For the reasons described 
above, this AD requires a one-time inspection of all safety belt 
attachment bolts and, depending on findings, accomplishment of the 
applicable corrective action(s). This AD also requires modification 
of the seat belt attachment assembly on certain D1-03 seats.

    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-2017-0504.

[[Page 32495]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Geven S.p.A. has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. D103-25-004, 
Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016. The SB describes procedures for 
inspection, torque verification, and modification of certain model 
seats known to be installed on ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Italy, 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has notified us 
of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information 
referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design. This proposed AD would require inspection, torque verification 
and modification of certain model seats.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects an unknown number of seat 
assemblies installed on, but not limited to, 38 ATR 42 and ATR 72 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seat modification ATR 42...........  1.5 work-hours x $85 per               $302         $429.50      $10,737.50
                                      hour = $127.50.
Torque check ATR 42................  0.8 work-hours x $85 per                  0           68.00        1,700.00
                                      hour = $68.00.
Seat modification ATR 72...........  2.3 work-hours x $85 per                368          563.50        7,325.50
                                      hour = $195.50.
Seat remove and replace ATR 72.....  1.2 work-hours x $85 per                  0          102.00        1,326.00
                                      hour = $102.00.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have 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.
    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 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 this 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

GEVEN S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0504; Directorate Identifier 2017-
NE-12-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 28, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all GEVEN S.p.A. (Geven) Type D1-02 and D1-03 
(also known as ``Lightweight Classic'' and ``Lightweight Prestige'') 
seats, with part numbers (P/Ns) and Effectivity Codes listed in 
Table 1.1.1 of Geven Service Bulletin (SB) No. D103-25-004, Revision 
4, dated March 15, 2016.
    These appliances are installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 
and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 2500 Code, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that seat belt attachment bolts 
were found detached or partially detached from the seat. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the seats.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) For all Geven Type D1-02 and D1-03 (also known as 
``Lightweight Classic'' and ``Lightweight Prestige'') in-arm table, 
standard, and last row seats, P/N D1-02-( )( )( )-( )( )( ), and P/N 
D1-03-( )( )( )-( )( )( ), within 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, modify the safety belt attachment assemblies on the 
aisle side spreader, and torque check the safety belt attachment 
assemblies on the central and fuselage side spreaders to 71 in-lbs 
(8 nm)

[[Page 32496]]

using Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016, 
and
    (2) For all Geven Type D1-02 and D1-03 (also known as 
``Lightweight Classic'' and ``Lightweight Prestige'') aft facing 
seats, P/N D1-02-( )( )( )-( )( )( ), and P/N D1-03-( )( )( )-( )( 
)( ), within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, torque 
check the seat belt attachment assemblies on the aisle side, 
central, and fuselage side spreaders to 71 in-lbs using Geven SB No. 
D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016, and
    (3) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, verify 
that the safety belt attachment is free to rotate. If it is not free 
to rotate, replace the bushing in accordance with paragraph 3.3.1 of 
Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016, or
    (4) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, block 
each affected seat to prevent use of each affected seat until 
paragraphs (f)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD are accomplished.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the inspections, torque verifications, 
and modifications that are required by paragraphs (f)(1), (2), and 
(3) of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective 
date of this AD using Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated 
March 15, 2016.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2014-0187, dated August 20, 2014, for 
more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0504.
    (3) Geven SB No. D103-25-004, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2016 
can be obtained from Geven Technical Assistance Department, using 
the contact information in paragraph (i)(4) of this proposed AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Geven Technical Assistance Department, Via Boscofangone, 
Zona Industriale Nola-Marigliano, 80035 Nola (NA), Italy; phone: +39 
081 31 21 396; fax: +39 081 31 21 321; email: 
[email protected].
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 6, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14546 Filed 7-13-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P