[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24742-24745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07394]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; Project Identifier AD-2023-00365-Q]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes and Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2021-07-13, which applies to certain Pacific Scientific Company rotary 
buckle assemblies (buckles). AD 2021-07-13 requires inspecting each 
buckle including its buckle handle vane, and depending on the results, 
removing the buckle from service and installing an airworthy buckle. AD 
2021-07-13 also prohibits installing affected buckles. Since the FAA 
issued AD 2021-07-13, the manufacturer published an updated service 
bulletin, which revises the applicability based on date of manufacture 
of the affected buckles. This proposed AD would retain certain 
requirements of AD 2021-07-13. This proposed AD would also reduce the 
applicability to plastic buckles manufactured on or before May 31, 
2007, or any buckle assembly whose date of manufacture cannot be 
determined. Additionally, this proposed AD would require performing 
corrective actions by complying with certain portions of the updated 
service bulletin. 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 May 24, 
2024.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching

[[Page 24743]]

for and locating Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Parker Meggitt Services, 1785 Voyager Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063; 
phone: (877) 666-0712; email: [email protected].
     You may view this service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    Other Related Service Information: For other service information 
identified in this NPRM, contact Parker Meggitt Services, at the Parker 
Meggitt Services contact information under Material Incorporated by 
Reference above. You may also view this service information at the FAA 
contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone (303) 342-
1080; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00365-Q'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Hal 
Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone (303) 342-1080; email [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86 FR 17703, 
April 6, 2021) (AD 2021-07-13), for Pacific Scientific Company buckles 
part numbers 1111430 and 1111475, all dash numbers, installed on but 
not limited to Bombardier Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy 
Industries, Ltd., Textron Aviation, Inc. (type certificate (TC) 
previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company), and Viking Air Limited (TC 
previously held by de Havilland, Inc.) model airplanes and Airbus 
Helicopters (TC previously held by Eurocopter France) model 
helicopters. AD 2021-07-13 was prompted by European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2007-0256, dated September 19, 2007 (EASA AD 
2007-0256), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Pacific Scientific Company Seat Restraint System Plastic Rotary 
Buckle Handles. According to EASA, Pacific Scientific Company reported 
several instances of cracked handles on certain buckles with a date of 
manufacture from November 2004 through May 2007. EASA later cancelled 
EASA AD 2007-0256 and adopted FAA AD 2021-07-13.
    Accordingly, AD 2021-07-13 requires inspecting each buckle 
including its buckle handle vane, and depending on the results, 
removing the buckle from service and installing an airworthy buckle. AD 
2021-07-13 also prohibits installing the affected buckles on any 
airplane or helicopter. The FAA issued AD 2021-07-13 to prevent a strap 
from not releasing as intended when the buckle is rotated.

Actions Since AD 2021-07-13 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-07-13, the manufacturer determined 
that the cracking on the buckle handle was caused by a material process 
issue and stated that the issue was resolved in 2007. Accordingly, the 
manufacturer published revised service information to revise the 
applicability by date of manufacture and clarify procedures.
    Consequently, this proposed AD would revise the applicability to 
plastic buckles with a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 2007, 
or buckles whose date of manufacture cannot be determined, except not 
those buckles repaired with the installation of an airworthy buckle 
handle after May 31, 2007, and marked with a BLUE logo on the center 
button. This proposed AD would also clarify that the unsafe condition 
could result in occupants not being able to release the buckle in 
certain emergency landing conditions. Furthermore, this proposed AD 
would also require using the revised service information to accomplish 
its requirements. Lastly, the FAA has determined that adding a special 
flight permit limitation in this proposed AD is necessary.
    Additionally, this NPRM would update the contact information to 
obtain service information, and move and update the contents of Note 1 
in AD 2021-07-13 to the preamble of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
airplanes and helicopters with a restraint system with a certain buckle 
installed as part of their type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, 
Revision 002, dated September 12, 2023 (SB 25-1111432 Rev 002), which 
specifies instructions for inspecting certain buckles for a crack, and 
measuring each buckle handle vane for correct thickness. SB 25-1111432 
Rev 002 also specifies instructions for corrective actions, including 
but not limited to, removing and returning the buckle assembly or 
restraint assembly to Parker Meggitt for overhaul or replacement; and 
removing the buckle assembly or restraint assembly and replacing them 
with spare, new, or

[[Page 24744]]

repaired assemblies. An applicable buckle may be included as a 
component of a different part-numbered restraint system assembly. Table 
1 of SB 25-1111432 Rev 002 identifies restraint system P/Ns that may be 
affected.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Meggitt Service Information Letter SIL 
Restraint-25-002-2023, dated January 24, 2023, which contains 
additional information specifying how to locate the date of manufacture 
on each buckle.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2021-07-
13. This proposed AD would also reduce the applicability paragraph to 
apply to plastic buckle assemblies with a certain date of manufacture, 
or with a date of manufacture not known. This proposed AD would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already 
described, except as discussed under ``Differences Between this 
Proposed AD and the Service Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Where the service information specifies sending affected parts to 
the manufacturer, this proposed AD would not. The service information 
does not specify a compliance time to inspect for a crack or measure 
for thickness, whereas this proposed AD would require inspecting the 
buckle handle for a crack within 6 months and measuring the buckle 
handle vane thickness within 12 months.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect up to 1,435 restraint systems installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD.
    Inspecting each buckle handle for a crack and measuring thickness 
would take a nominal amount of time.
    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.
    Replacing each buckle would take about 0.5 work-hour and parts 
would cost about $636 for an estimated cost of $679 per buckle 
replacement.
    Replacing each restraint system would take about 0.5 work-hour and 
parts would cost about $1,031 for an estimated cost of $1,074 per 
restraint system replacement.

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.

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 that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86 
FR 17703, April 6, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Various Airplanes and Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2024-0996; Project 
Identifier AD-2023-00365-Q.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by May 24, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86 FR 17703, 
April 6, 2021) (AD 2021-07-13).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to all airplanes and helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a restraint system with a Pacific 
Scientific Company plastic rotary buckle assembly (buckle) part 
number (P/N) 1111430 or P/N 1111475 (all dash numbers) installed 
having a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 2007, or an 
unknown date of manufacture, except not those buckles repaired with 
the installation of an airworthy buckle handle after May 31, 2007, 
and marked with a BLUE logo on the center button.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Information about the location of 
the date of manufacture can be found in Meggitt Service Information 
Letter SIL Restraint-25-002-2023, dated January 24, 2023.
    (2) The buckles identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD may be 
installed on, but not limited to, The Boeing Company, Bombardier 
Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Textron 
Aviation, Inc. (type certificate (TC) previously held by Cessna 
Aircraft Company), and Viking Air Limited (TC previously held by de 
Havilland, Inc.) model airplanes and Airbus Helicopters (TC 
previously held by Eurocopter France) model helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked buckle handles and 
updated manufacturer service information. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to inspect for cracks and thickness of the buckle handle. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could prevent a strap from releasing 
when the buckle is rotated, which could result in occupants not 
being able to release the buckle in certain emergency landing 
conditions.

[[Page 24745]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the buckle handle for a crack. If there is any crack, before further 
flight, remove the buckle from service and replace it with an 
airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint system from service and 
replace it with an airworthy restraint system.
    (2) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
measure the thickness of the buckle handle vane as depicted in 
Figures 3 and 4 of Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, 
Revision 002, dated September 12, 2023 (SB 25-1111432 Rev 002). If 
the buckle handle vane thickness is 0.125 inch or greater, before 
further flight, remove the buckle from service and replace it with 
an airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint system from service and 
replace it with an airworthy restraint system.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): SB 25-1111432 Rev 002 refers to a 
buckle as both a buckle and buckle assembly, interchangeably.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
buckle P/N 1111430 or P/N 1111475 (all dash numbers), with a buckle 
handle vane thickness of 0.125 inch or greater, or any restraint 
system with a buckle P/N 1111430 or 1111475 (all dash numbers), with 
a buckle handle vane thickness of 0.125 inch or greater installed, 
with the buckle having a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 
2007, or if the date of manufacture cannot be determined, on any 
airplane or helicopter, unless the buckle has been repaired with the 
installation of an airworthy buckle handle after May 31, 2007, and 
is marked with a BLUE logo on the center button.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    If you measured the thickness of the buckle handle vane as 
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD before the effective date of 
this AD using Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, 
dated May 22, 2007, or using Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, 
Revision 001, dated May 20, 2021, you have met that requirement.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 provided that there are no passengers onboard.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, West Certification 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 (k)(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.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2021-07-13 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding requirements of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
CA 90712; phone (303) 342-1080; email [email protected].
    (2) Meggitt and Pacific Scientific service information, that are 
not incorporated by reference can be found in the contact 
information identified in paragraph (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) 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 
[DATE 35 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
    (i) Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, Revision 002, 
dated September 12, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Parker Meggitt Services, 1785 Voyager Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063; 
phone: (877) 666-0712; email: [email protected].
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (6) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email: [email protected].

    Issued on April 2, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-07394 Filed 4-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P