[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 36 (Friday, February 22, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5620-5622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02933]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0021; Product Identifier 2018-NM-038-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AmSafe Inc. Seatbelts

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
AmSafe Inc. seatbelts, as installed in, but not limited to, various 
airplanes and rotorcraft. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of 
multiple failed keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies. This proposed AD 
would require an inspection for affected parts, repetitive general 
visual inspections of the seatbelt hook assembly for damage, repetitive 
functional checks, and replacement of all affected parts. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 8, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact AmSafe 
Inc., 1043 N 47th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043; telephone: 602-850-2850; 
fax: 602-850-2812; internet: https://www.amsafe.com. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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-2019-
0021; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Farina, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO 
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0021; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-038-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that failed keepers on 
seatbelt hook assemblies have been found on multiple transport category 
airplanes. These seatbelt hook assemblies might also be installed on 
other types of aircraft. The keepers have been found with the metal 
bridge above the spring bent or broken in a way that does not allow the 
seatbelt hook assemblies to be securely fastened to the seat structure. 
Failure of keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies, if not addressed, could 
result in the seatbelt disengaging from and detaching from the seat 
structure under certain conditions, and could result in injury to 
passengers or flightcrew.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated 
August 6, 2018. The service information describes procedures for an 
inspection for affected

[[Page 5621]]

parts, repetitive general visual inspections of the seatbelt hook 
assembly for damage (including compressed springs, bends, rotation or 
deformation of the bridge), repetitive functional checks and 
replacement. 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

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018, 
specifies to return parts to the manufacturer. This proposed AD would 
not include that requirement.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 100,000 appliances 
installed on, but not limited to, various airplanes and rotorcraft of 
U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this 
proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for affected part.....  1 work-hour x $85                $0  $85................  $8,500,000.
                                    per hour = $85.
Repetitive inspections and         1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85 per inspection   $8,500,000 per
 functional checks.                 per hour = $85 per                   cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
Replacement......................  1 work-hour x $85                28  $113...............  $11,300,000.
                                    per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85             $28            $113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all 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 known 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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

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, 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:

[[Page 5622]]

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):

AmSafe Inc. Seatbelts: Docket No. FAA-2019-0021; Product Identifier 
2018-NM-038-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 8, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to AmSafe Inc. seatbelts installed on various 
airplanes and rotorcraft, certificated in any category, including, 
but not limited to, the airplanes of the manufacturers specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.

(1) Airbus SAS
(2) The Boeing Company
(3) Bombardier, Inc.
(4) Embraer S.A.
(5) Fokker Services B.V.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of multiple failed keepers on 
seatbelt hook assemblies. We are issuing this AD to address failed 
keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies. Failure of keepers on seatbelt 
hook assemblies, if not addressed, could result in the seatbelt 
disengaging from and detaching from the seat structure under certain 
conditions, and could result in injury to passengers or flightcrew.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection for Affected Parts

    For any seatbelt buckle half and connector half having a part 
number listed in Table 1 of paragraph ``1.1., Effectivity'' of 
AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018: 
Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, do a general 
visual inspection of each seatbelt buckle half and connector half to 
determine whether the seatbelt hook assembly has exposed springs, in 
accordance with AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated 
August 6, 2018.
    (1) An affected part is any seatbelt buckle half or connector 
half that has a seatbelt hook assembly with exposed springs.
    (2) An unaffected part is any seatbelt buckle half or connector 
half that has a seatbelt hook assembly without exposed springs.

(h) Repetitive Inspections and Functional Checks

    Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of each affected part for damage to the 
seatbelt hook assembly and do a functional check in accordance with 
AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018.
    (1) If any seatbelt hook assembly is damaged or the part fails 
the functional check, before further flight, replace the part with a 
new or serviceable part. If an affected part is installed, repeat 
the inspection and functional check at intervals not to exceed 24 
months or at the next scheduled heavy maintenance check, whichever 
occurs first, until the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD are done.
    (2) If an affected part is undamaged and passes the functional 
check, repeat the inspection and functional check at intervals not 
to exceed 24 months or at the next scheduled heavy maintenance 
check, whichever occurs first, until the actions specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD are done.

(i) Terminating Action

    Within 58 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
all affected parts with unaffected parts in accordance with AmSafe 
Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated August 6, 2018. 
Replacing all affected parts with unaffected parts on a seatbelt 
hook assembly terminates the repetitive inspections and functional 
checks specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for that seatbelt hook 
assembly. Replacing all affected parts with unaffected parts on an 
airplane or rotorcraft terminates the repetitive inspections and 
functional checks specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for that 
airplane or rotorcraft.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    No person may install on any seat an affected part as of the 
time specified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For seats on which, as of the effective date of this AD any 
affected part is found during the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD: After replacement of the affected part(s) with 
unaffected part(s).
    (2) For seats on which no affected parts are found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: As of the date of 
the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (3) For seats on which both the seatbelt buckle half and 
connector half have part numbers not listed in Table 1 of paragraph 
``1.1., Effectivity'' of AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 
5, dated August 6, 2018: As of the effective date of this AD.

(k) No Return of Parts

    Although AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 5, dated 
August 6, 2018, specifies to return parts to the manufacturer, this 
AD does not require the return of the parts to the manufacturer.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using the service 
information specified in paragraphs (l)(1) or (l)(2), of this AD.
    (1) AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 3, dated April 19, 
2018.
    (2) AmSafe Safety Bulletin SB505960-01, Issue 4, dated July 12, 
2018.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Patrick Farina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
AmSafe Inc., 1043 N 47th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043; telephone: 602-
850-2850; fax: 602-850-2812; internet: https://www.amsafe.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on February 8, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-02933 Filed 2-21-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P