(a) EFFECTIVE DATE
This AD becomes effective June 12, 2015.
(b) AFFECTED ADS
This AD replaces AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322,
October 7, 2014).
(c) APPLICABILITY
This AD applies to Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184,
9188, 9196, 91B7, 91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, and 9501
series passenger seat assemblies; identified in Annex 1, Issue 3,
dated January 25, 2012, of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012,
Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012. These passenger seat assemblies are
installed on, but not limited to, the airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series air-
planes.
(2) Airbus Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series air-
planes.
(3) The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300, 777-300ER, and
777F series airplanes.
(d) SUBJECT
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/Furnish-
ings.
(e) REASON
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks in the backrest links on
certain seats and also by a determination that a model designation
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79
FR 60322, October 7, 2014) was incorrect. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the backrest links, which could affect
the structural integrity of seat backrests. Failure of the backrest
links could result in injury to an occupant during emergency landing
conditions.
(f) COMPLIANCE
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless al-
ready done.
(g) RETAINED REPETITIVE INSPECTIONS, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2014
-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with no
changes. At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for cracking of seat
backrest links having part number (P/N) 90-000200-104-1, P/N 90
-000200-104-2, P/N 90-000202-104-1, and P/N 90-000202-104-2, in
accordance with the "PART ONE: GENERAL INTERMEDIATE CHECKING
PROCEDURE" of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat
Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012, including
Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012. If no cracking is found on
any link, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
900 flight hours on the seat or 5 months since the most recent
inspection, whichever occurs later, until the replacement specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(1) Within 6,000 flight hours on the seat or 2 years, whichever occurs
later after the seat manufacturing date or after the backrest link re-
placement.
(2) Within 900 flight hours on the seat after October 22, 2014 (the
effective date AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October
7, 2014)), but no later than 5 months after October 22, 2014.
(h) RETAINED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2014
-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with no
changes.
(1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any
cracking is found on the link and no crack length exceeds the lock-out
pin-hole as specified in Figure 2 or 4, as applicable, of Sicma Aero
Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012, in-
cluding Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012: Within 600 flight
hours on the seat or 3 months, whichever occurs later after crack
identification, replace the cracked link with a new link in accordance
with "PART TWO: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (EXCEPT FOR SERIES 91B7,
91B8 & 91C5)" or "PART THREE: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (FOR
SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)" of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma
Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012,
including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any
cracking is found on the link and any crack length exceeds the lock-
out pin-hole as specified in Figure 2 or 4, as applicable, of Sicma
Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012,
including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012: Before further
flight, replace the cracked link with a new link, in accordance with
"PART TWO: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (EXCEPT FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8
& 91C5)" or "PART THREE: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (FOR SERIES
91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)" of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero
Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012, in-
cluding Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012.
(i) RETAINED REPLACEMENT, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2014-
20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with no
changes. At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and
(i)(2) of this AD: Replace all seat backrest links, having P/N 90-
000200-104-1, P/N 90-000200-104-2, P/N 90-000202-104-1, and P/N 90-
000202-104-2, with new links, in accordance with "PART TWO: ROUTINE
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (EXCEPT FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)" or "PART
THREE: ROUTINE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (FOR SERIES 91B7, 91B8 & 91C5)"
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin
90-25-012, Issue 6 dated January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3,
dated January 25, 2012.
(1) Within 12,000 flight hours on the seat or 4 years, whichever occurs
later after the seat manufacturing date or after the backrest link
replacement.
(2) Within 3,500 flight hours on the seat after October 22, 2014 (the
effective date AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October
7, 2014), but no later than 18 months after October 22, 2014.
(j) RETAINED CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS ACTIONS, WITH NO CHANGES
This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (j) of AD
2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), with no
changes. This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before October 22, 2014 (the effective date AD 2014-20-11,
Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), using the service
information specified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this
AD.
(1) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 3, dated October 3,
2001, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 4, dated December
19, 2001, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 5, dated March 19,
2004, including Annex 1, Issue 2, dated March 19, 2004, which was in-
corporated by reference in AD 2011-07-05, Amendment 39-16642 (76 FR
18020, April 1, 2011).
(k) OTHER FAA AD PROVISIONS
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Boston Air-
craft Certification Office (ACO), 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 ACO, send it to
ATTN: Ian Lucas, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO, ANE-150, FAA, Engine
and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7170; email:
ian.lucas@faa.gov. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically
reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accom-
plished using a method approved by the Manager, Boston ACO, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
(l) RELATED INFORMATION
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0038, dated March 12, 2012, for related
information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1282
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (m)(4)
and (m)(5) of this AD.
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on October 22,
2014 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014).
(i) Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25,
2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25, 2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac Seats
France, 7, Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 ISSOUDUN, France; telephone +33
(0) 2 54 03 39 39; fax +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; email customerservices@
sicma.zodiac.com; Internet http://www.sicma.zodiacaerospace.com/en/.
(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(6) You may view this service information that is incorporated by
reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202
-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4, 2015. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Lucas, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) ANE-150, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7170; email: ian.lucas@faa.gov.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-1282; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-007-AD;
Amendment 39-18157; AD 2015-10-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats France (Formerly Sicma
Aero Seat) Passenger Seat Assemblies
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-20-11,
for Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7,
91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, and 9501 series passenger
seat assemblies. AD 2014-20-11 required a general visual inspection for
cracking of backrest links; replacement with new links if cracking is
found; and
eventual replacement of all links with new links. This AD was prompted
by a determination that a model designation specified in paragraph
(c)(1) of that AD was incorrect. This new AD identifies the correct
model designation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks
in the backrest links, which could affect the structural integrity of
seat backrests. Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to
an occupant during emergency landing conditions.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 12, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22,
2014 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014).
We must receive comments on this AD by July 13, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Zodiac Seats
France, 7, Rue Lucien Coupet, 36100 ISSOUDUN, France; telephone +33 (0)
2 54 03 39 39; fax +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00; email
customerservices@sicma.zodiac.com; Internet http://www.sicma.zodiacaerospace.
com/en/. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
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-2015-
1282; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and
5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Lucas, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) ANE-150, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7170; email: ian.lucas@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On September 23, 2014, we issued AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984
(79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), to supersede AD 2011-07-05, Amendment
39-16642 (76 FR 18020, April 1, 2011). AD 2014-20-11 applied to certain
Zodiac Seats France 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7,
91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, 91C9, 9301, and 9501 series passenger
seat assemblies; identified in Annex 1, Issue 3, dated January 25,
2012, of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-25-012, Issue 6, dated
January 25, 2012. AD 2014-20-11 was prompted by a report that new seat
backrest links could be affected by cracks similar to those identified
on the backrest links with the previous design. AD 2014-20-11 required
a general visual inspection for cracking of backrest links, which
includes new seat backrest links; replacement with new links if
cracking is found; and eventual replacement of all links with new
links. We issued AD 2014-20-11 to detect and correct cracking of
backrest links, which could affect the structural integrity of seat
backrests. Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an
occupant during emergency landing conditions.
AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014),
corresponds to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0038,
dated March 12, 2012. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2015-1282.
Since we issued AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322,
October 7, 2014), we have determined that, in paragraph (c)(1) of AD
2014-20-11, a model designation incorrectly specified ``A320-300''
instead of ``A330-300'' as one of the models that the affected
passenger seats might be installed on. Therefore, we have determined
that paragraph (c)(1) of this AD should read as follows: Airbus Model
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes.
We have also re-designated paragraph (l) of AD 2014-20-11,
Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), as paragraph (l)(1)
of this AD. We also added a new paragraph (l)(2) to this AD to provide
information on the availability of service information that is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of airplanes that
are equipped with this product, notice and opportunity for public
comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-1282; Directorate
Identifier 2015-NM-007-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 0 seat assemblies installed on,
but not limited to, transport airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR
60322, October 7, 2014), and retained in this AD take about 1 work-hour
per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required
parts cost about $227 per product. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 2014-20-11 is
$312 per product.
Since this AD only clarifies airplane models on which the affected
passenger seat assemblies might be installed, this AD adds no
additional economic burden.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that 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. 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.
Adoption of 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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2014-20-11, Amendment 39-17984 (79 FR 60322, October 7, 2014), and
adding the following new AD:
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