[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 113 (Friday, June 13, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24959-24962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10823]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q;
Amendment 39-23060; AD 2025-12-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Holdings Limited Pilot and Co-
Pilot Seats
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. This
AD was prompted by reports of unexpected rearward movement of pilot and
co-pilot seats during take-off and landing. This AD requires a one-time
visual inspection of each affected seat, accomplishment of applicable
corrective actions, and operational tests. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 30, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 30,
2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 28, 2025.
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 under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1101; 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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For Ipeco material identified in this AD, contact Ipeco
Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN, United
Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118; fax: +44 1702 540782; email:
[email protected].
You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1101.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-288-7368; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-1101;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
final rule, 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 this final rule 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Brenda
Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-288-7368; 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 Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority
for the United Kingdom (UK), has issued UK CAA AD G-2025-0002, dated
April 11, 2025; corrected April 25, 2025 (UK CAA AD G-2025-0002) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain
Ipeco pilot and co-pilot seats. The MCAI states that occurrences were
reported of unexpected rearward movement of pilot and co-pilot seats
during take-off and landing. Investigations originally determined that
horizontal guide block wear, presence of burrs on horizontal center
track, and horizontal track lock system weakness (spring tension too
low) were causes which contributed to the seat not being correctly
locked. The original unsafe condition was addressed through UK CAA AD
G-2022-0011, dated June 9, 2022, (which corresponds with FAA AD 2023-
14-10, Amendment 39-22510, dated August 3, 2023 (88 FR 51230) (FAA AD
2023-14-10)). However, the incorrect distribution of
[[Page 24960]]
the stops and packers during the modification required by FAA AD 2023-
14-10 has been found to cause the seat not to positively lock in
position because of the unequal re-installation of the stops and
packers onto the fore/aft tubes during seat reassembly, which can
result in unexpected rearward movement of pilot and co-pilot seats
during take-off and landing.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products, which, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of
unwanted flight crew seat movement, which could result in reduced
control of the airplane, a rapid descent of the airplane, and serious
injury to passengers and crew. You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1101.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated
March 25, 2025. This material describes procedures to conduct a one-
time visual inspection of each affected seat, and if any incorrect
installation is found (stops or packers), remove and install the stops
and packers, and perform operational tests of the seats. This material
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
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the Ipeco
material described previously. See ``Differences Between This AD and
the MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences included in this
AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
UK CAA AD G-2025-0002, dated April 11, 2025; corrected April 25,
2025, does not mention Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025. This
AD, however, requires the accomplishment of Part C of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue
1, dated March 25, 2025. The FAA has coordinated this change with the
UK CAA.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because movement of the pilot and co-pilot seats during take-off and
landing could result in reduced control of the airplane, a rapid
descent of the airplane, and serious injury to passengers and crew.
Additionally, the compliance time in this AD is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final
rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 120 appliances installed on,
but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model
ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. The FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170............ $0 $170 $20,400
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.................................. $420 $505
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[[Page 24961]]
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
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2025-12-02 Ipeco Holdings Limited: Amendment 39-23060; Docket No.
FAA-2025-1101; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00616-Q.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 30, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and
co-pilot seats, identified by series part number in figure 1 to
paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (c)(1)--Affected Seats
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pilot seat Co-pilot seat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3A063-0033-( )-( )................... 3A063-0034-( )-( )
3A063-0035-( )-( )................... 3A063-0036-( )-( )
3A063-0037-( )-( )................... 3A063-0038-( )-( )
3A063-0079-( )-( )................... 3A063-0080-( )-( )
3A063-0099-( )-( )................... 3A063-0100-( )-( )
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) These pilot and co-pilot seats are known to be installed on,
but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional
Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of unexpected rearward movement
of pilot and co-pilot seats during take-off and landing. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address 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, a rapid
descent of the airplane, and serious injury to passengers and crew.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Replacement of Stops and Packers
(1) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
all affected seats which have been modified by Ipeco Service
Bulletin 063-25-15; Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-16; Ipeco Service
Bulletin 063-25-17; or Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-18. Do the
inspection in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated
March 25, 2025.
(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, correct installation of the stops and packers is found,
before further flight, perform the operational tests, in accordance
with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service
Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025.
(3) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, any incorrect installation of the stops or packers is
found, before further flight, remove and install the stops and
packers and perform operational tests, in accordance with Part B and
Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco Service Bulletin
063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25, 2025.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, or the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD, email to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or Ipeco Holdings Limited's
UK CAA Alternative Procedures to Design Organization Approval
(ADOA). If approved by the ADOA, the approval must include the ADOA-
authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brenda Buitrago
Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-288-7368; email [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Ipeco Service Bulletin 063-25-20, Issue 1, dated March 25,
2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Ipeco material identified in this AD, contact Ipeco
Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN, United
Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118; fax: +44 1702 540782; email:
[email protected].
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) 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].
[[Page 24962]]
Issued on June 10, 2025.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10823 Filed 6-10-25; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P