[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60325-60328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24378]



[[Page 60325]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD; Amendment 
39-19772; AD 2019-21-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-22-02 
for certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 
2017-22-02 required modification and re-identification of the affected 
seats. This AD continues to require modification and re-identification 
of the affected seats. This AD also requires initial and repetitive 
inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending on the 
findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part eligible for 
installation. This AD was prompted by reports that the tracklock spring 
modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the 
issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing and the 
need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 13, 
2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
December 12, 2017 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, 
United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email: 
[email protected]. 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. It is also available on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0260.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0260; 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 AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The address for Docket Operations is Document Operations, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 
51552, November 7, 2017), (``AD 2017-22-02''). AD 2017-22-02 applied to 
certain Ipeco pilot and co-pilot seats. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on July 19, 2019 (84 FR 34816). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of tracklock spring failures occurring on affected seats, 
including those seats already modified by AD 2017-22-02. The NPRM 
proposed to retain all the requirements of AD 2017-22-02 and add 
additional seat P/Ns to the applicability. The NPRM also proposed to 
require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock 
springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tracklock 
springs with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported of pilot/co-pilot unexpected 
rearward movement during take-off and landing. Investigations 
determined that horizontal guide block wear, presence of burrs on 
horizontal centre track and horizontal track lock system weakness 
(spring tension too low) were causes which contributed to the seat 
not being correctly locked.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of 
unwanted flight crew seat movement, possibly resulting in reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, IPECO improved the 
quality control on the final assembly line and issued the applicable 
modification SB, providing modification instructions, and EASA 
issued AD 2016-0256, requiring modification of pre-mod seats and 
subsequent re-identification with a new P/N.
    Since that AD was issued, occurrences of track lock spring 
failures have been reported on affected seats (including seats 
already modified as required by EASA AD 2016-0256). Consequently, 
IPECO published the inspection SB, providing applicable instructions 
to inspect and replace, if necessary, any affected spring of each 
affected seat.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0256, which is superseded, and requires 
repetitive inspection of seats and, depending on findings, 
replacement of affected springs and reporting to IPECO.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0260.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-08, 
Revision 00; SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; and SB Number 063-25-10, 
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016. The SBs provide instructions, 
differentiated by the part numbers of the affected pilot and co-pilot 
seats, for the modification and re-identification of these seats. The 
FAA also reviewed Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 
14, 2018. This SB provides instructions for inspection and replacement, 
if necessary, of affected

[[Page 60326]]

tracklock springs. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 110 pilot and co-pilot seats 
installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Regional 
(ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 
seats installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes and seats installed on 21 ATR 72 
airplanes will require modification and inspection. The FAA revised the 
estimated number of affected seats in this cost estimate to include two 
affected seats per airplane.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect ATR 42 flight crew seats..  0.1 work-hours x $85   $0...................           $8.50            $289
                                     per hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 42 flight crew seats...  2 work-hours x $85     56...................             226           7,684
                                     per hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 42            1.0 work-hours x $85   1....................              86           2,924
 inspection.                         per hour = $85.
Inspect ATR 72 flight crew seats..  0.1 work-hours x $85   0....................            8.50             179
                                     per hour = $8.50.
Modify ATR 72 flight crew seats...  2 work-hours x $85     56...................             226           4,746
                                     per hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 72            1.0 work-hours x $85   1....................              86           1,806
 inspection.                         per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove seat and replace ATR 42 tracklock     1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $28            $147
 spring.                                      $119.
Remove seat and replace ATR 72 tracklock     1.4 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  28             147
 spring.                                      $119.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of 
information. All responses to this collection of information are 
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other 
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for 
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 
76177-1524.

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

    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 that this AD:
    (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.

[[Page 60327]]

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 part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2019-21-06 Ipeco Holdings Limited: Amendment 39-19772; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 13, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, 
November 7, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to:
    (i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats with 
a part number (P/N) listed in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information, 
Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14, 
Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and
    (ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot 
seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1.
    (2) These seats are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE 
Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight 
Compartment Equipment.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of tracklock spring failures 
occurring on affected seats, including those seats already modified 
by AD 2017-22-02. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent unexpected 
movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and landing. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

    (1) For seats that have not installed the tracklock spring 
modification kit, within two years after December 12, 2017 (the 
effective date of AD 2017-22-02), modify and re-identify each 
affected pilot and co-pilot seat. Use the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; Ipeco SB 
Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; or Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, 
Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016, as appropriate, to do the 
modification and re-identification.
    (2) For all affected seats:
    (i) Within 750 flight hours (FHs) after the effective date of 
this AD, and, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 FHs, inspect 
the tracklock spring of each seat in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2, of the Ipeco SB Number 
063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
    (ii) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, any damage on, or incorrect installation of, 
any tracklock spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat, before 
further flight, replace both tracklock springs of the affected seat 
with a part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of the 
Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
    (3) Within 30 days after the initial and repetitive inspections, 
and thereafter for two years after the effective date of this AD, 
send the inspection results, including no findings, to Ipeco at 
[email protected].

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot or 
co-pilot seat identified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless 
the seat is modified and re-identified as specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, ``damage'' includes cracks, 
breaks, corrosion, or deformation of the tracklock spring.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``incorrect installation'' is 
installing the tracklock spring at an angle or position different 
from the angle or postion shown in Figures 6 and 7 of Ipeco SB 
Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is:
    (i) A modified seat provided, before installation, it has passed 
an inspection (no damage or defect found); and
    (ii) a tracklock spring provided that it passed an inspection 
(no damage or defect found).

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing 
the collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden 
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(k) 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (l)(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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0260.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 13, 2019.
    (i) Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, 
dated August 14, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 12, 2017 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017).
    (i) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00, dated May 31, 2016.
    (ii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00, dated May 31, 2016.
    (iii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00, dated May 31, 
2016.
    (5) For Ipeco service information identified in this AD, contact 
Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN,

[[Page 60328]]

United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email: 
[email protected].
    (6) You may view this service information at 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.
    (7) You may view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, email: [email protected], 
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 25, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24378 Filed 11-7-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P