[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 158 (Thursday, August 15, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41664-41667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17510]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0557; Product Identifier 2019-NE-17-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aviointeriors S.p.A. Centaurus 
Passenger Seats

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Aviointeriors S.p.A. (Aviointeriors) Centaurus passenger 
seats with a specific life vest pouch assembly installed. This proposed 
AD was prompted by reports of life vest pouches that were installed 
incorrectly on certain seats. This proposed AD would require inspection 
of the life vest pouch assembly and, depending on the results of the 
inspection, replacement of the life vest pouch assembly. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
30, 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 
Aviointeriors S.p.A., Customer Support, Via Appia Km. 66,4; 04013 
Latina, Italy; phone: +39 0773 6891; fax: +39 0773 631546; email: 
[email protected]; internet: http://www.aviointeriors.it. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-
0557; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0557; 
Product Identifier 2019-NE-17-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0264R1, dated April 4, 2019 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    Incorrect installation of the affected pouch was found on 
certain affected seats. Subsequent investigation determined that 
those pouches have been (re)installed in service. This condition, if 
not detected and corrected, could prevent extraction of the life 
vest from the pouch, leading to evacuation of the aeroplane without 
a life vest, possibly resulting in injury to passengers.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Aviointeriors issued 
the SB to provide inspection instructions and the modification SB to 
provide instructions to modify the affected seats. Aviointeriors 
also revised the Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM) to include 
updated instructions for installing an affected pouch.
    For the reason described above, EASA issued AD 2018-0264, 
requiring inspection of the affected seats and, depending on 
findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). Since 
that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that affected seats may 
have received an additional P/N related to the aircraft modification 
addressing the installation of the seats. This [EASA] AD is revised 
to clarify the Applicability by inserting Note 1 into Appendix 1 of 
this [EASA] AD.

    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-2019-0557.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Aviointeriors Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 
16/18, Rev. 1, dated October 11, 2019, and Aviointeriors Optional 
Service Bulletin (OSB) No. 18/18, Rev. 2, dated March 11, 2019. The MSB 
describes procedures for inspection and horizontal installation of the 
life vest pouch assembly. The OSB describes procedures for an 
alternative (vertical) inspection and installation of the life vest 
pouch assembly. 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

    This product has been approved by EASA, 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. The FAA is proposing

[[Page 41665]]

this AD because it evaluated all the relevant information provided by 
EASA and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely 
to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require inspection of the life vest pouch 
assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement 
of the life vest pouch.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2018-0264R1, dated April 4, 2019, refers to Aviointeriors 
OSB No. 18/18, Rev. 1, dated October 16, 2018. This FAA AD refers to 
Aviointeriors OSB No. 18/18, Rev. 2, dated March 11, 2019. EASA 
reasoned that they are aware of Aviointeriors OSB No. 18/18, Rev. 2, 
but because none of their operators opted to implement the optional 
vertical installation modification within Aviointeriors OSB No. 18/18, 
EASA determined it was not necessary to refer to the latest revision of 
the service bulletin.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects an unknown number 
of passenger seats installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777-200 and 
777-300 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect life vest pouch assembly...........  0.2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $17              $0             $17
Replace life vest pouch assembly...........  0.1 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 172          180.50
                                              $8.50.
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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.
    The FAA is 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 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 engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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):

Aviointeriors S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2019-0557; Product Identifier 
2019-NE-17-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by September 30, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Aviointeriors S.p.A. (Aviointeriors) 
Centaurus Economy Class 13E, 13H, and 13K passenger seats with a 
seat part number (P/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (c)(1) of 
this AD, with life vest pouch, P/N 313907100004, installed.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15AU19.005

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    (2) These appliances are installed on, but not limited to, 
Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2561, Life Jacket.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of life vest pouches installed 
incorrectly on certain seats. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
the life vest from failing to extract from the pouch during an 
emergency. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
having to evacuate the airplane without a life vest, possibly 
resulting in injury or death to passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within three months or 600 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the affected seat 
life vest pouch assembly using Paragraph 2, Life Vest Inspection, of 
Aviointeriors Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 16/18, Rev. 1, 
dated October 11, 2018, or Paragraph 2, Life Vest Pouches 
Inspection, Aviointeriors Optional SB (OSB) No. 18/18, Rev. 2, dated 
March 11, 2019.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, a life vest pouch velcro strip is found damaged or worn, 
before further flight, remove the life vest pouch from service and 
replace it with a part eligible for installation using Paragraphs 3 
through 5, inclusive, of Aviointeriors MSB No. 16/18, Rev. 1, dated 
October 11, 2018, or Aviointeriors OSB No. 18/18, Rev. 2, dated 
March 11, 2019.
    (3) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, a life vest pouch installation is not found acceptable, as 
defined in Paragraph 2 of Aviointeriors MSB No. 16/18, Rev. 1, dated 
October 11, 2018, or Aviointeriors OSB No. 18/18, Rev. 2, dated 
March 11, 2019, before further flight, remove the life vest pouch 
from service and replace it with a part eligible for installation 
using Paragraphs 3 through 5, inclusive, of Aviointeriors MSB No. 
16/18, Rev. 1, dated October 11, 2018, or Aviointeriors OSB No. 18/
18, Rev. 2, dated March 11, 2019.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
Aviointeriors Centaurus Economy Class passenger seat with a P/N 
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD unless the affected seat life 
vest pouch assembly has been inspected in accordance with paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, and depending on the finding, replaced with a 
part eligible for installation.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston 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 ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
    (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.

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(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0264R1, dated April 4, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0557.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Aviointeriors S.p.A., Customer Support, Via Appia Km. 66,4; 04013 
Latina, Italy; phone: +39 0773 6891; fax: +39 0773 631546; email: 
[email protected]; internet: http://www.aviointeriors.it. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 12, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-17510 Filed 8-14-19; 8:45 am]
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