Document ID: FAA-2023-0666-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Life Jackets
Posted Date: 2023-07-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 19, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46060-46063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15176]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0666; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00555-Q; 
Amendment 39-22484; AD 2023-12-25]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort 
Ltd.) Life Jackets

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Type 102 Mk 3, 102 
Mk 4, and 105 Mk 1 life jackets. This AD was prompted by a report that 
some life jackets were found packed in the wrong valise (container). 
This AD requires an inspection for a discrepancy (mismatch of the 
valise/container description and life jacket type) of life jackets and, 
if necessary, replacement of the life jacket. This AD also limits the 
installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 23, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 23, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0666; 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 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For material incorporated by reference in this AD, contact 
Survitec Group Limited, t/a RFD Beaufort Ltd, Kingsway, Dunmurry, 
Belfast BT17 9AF, United Kingdom; telephone +44 2890 301531; fax +44 
2890 621765; email survitecgroup.com">[email protected]survitecgroup.com; website 
survitecgroup.com.
     You may view this service information 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-2023-0666.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Kung, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 781-
238-7244; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Survitec Group 
Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) Type 102 Mk 3, 102 Mk 4, and 105 Mk 1 life 
jackets. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 10, 2023 
(88 FR 21117). The NPRM was prompted by AD G-2022-0009, dated April 21, 
2022 (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued by The Civil Aviation 
Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom 
(U.K.) (U.K.

[[Page 46061]]

CAA AD G-2022-0009). The MCAI states Type 102 Mk 3 and Type 102 Mk 4 
life jackets are designed for use by an adult or child. Type 105 Mk 1 
life jackets are designed for use by an infant. Each is packed in a 
clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) valise, which is marked ADULT/CHILD, 
CREW, or INFANT. Due to differences in parameters such as neck aperture 
and buoyancy, an infant life jacket cannot be used by an adult or 
child; likewise, an adult/child life jacket cannot be used by an 
infant. The MCAI states that Survitec has found that some life jackets 
were packed in the wrong valise. This could cause incorrect life 
jackets to be provided for passengers onboard an aircraft.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection for a 
discrepancy (mismatch of the valise/container description and life 
jacket type) of life jackets and, if necessary, replacement of the life 
jacket. The NPRM also proposed to limit the installation of affected 
parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
incorrectly labeled life jackets, which could, in the event of a water 
landing or evacuation, result in the unavailability of a life jacket 
with correct flotation, and possible drowning.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0666.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined 
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, 
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021. This service information specifies 
procedures for specifies procedures for a general visual inspection for 
a discrepancy (mismatch of valise/container description and life jacket 
type) of affected life jackets, reporting of all inspection results to 
Survitec, and if a discrepancy is found, replacement of affected life 
jackets. (This service information is identified throughout as 
``Survitec,'' while ``RFD'' is identified on only the first page of the 
document. Although both ``Survitec'' and ``RFD'' are current company 
names, the service information applies to RFD life jackets.) 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 4 life jackets installed on, 
but not limited to, aircraft of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                 Labor cost                              Parts cost                 product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...........  None.............................             $85             $340
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......             $55             $140
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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 take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and 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.

[[Page 46062]]

    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,
    (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 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:

2023-12-25 Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd): Amendment 39-
22484; Docket No. FAA-2023-0666; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00555-
Q.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 23, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Survitec Group Limited (RFD Beaufort Ltd.) 
life jackets identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, 
having a part number and serial number identified in tables 2 
through 13 of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, 
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021, and a date of manufacture 
between October 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, inclusive.
    Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (c): This alert 
service bulletin is identified throughout as ``Survitec,'' while 
``RFD'' is identified on only the first page of the document. 
Although both ``Survitec'' and ``RFD'' are current company names, 
the alert service bulletin applies to RFD life jackets.
    (1) Type 102 Mk 3 and 102 Mk 4 life jackets, approved under 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Technical Standard 
Order Authorization EASA.21O.799.
    (2) Type 105 Mk 1 life jackets, approved under United Kingdom 
Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA) Aircraft Equipment Approval 
(AEAR) E15841.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that some life jackets were 
found packed in the wrong valise (container). The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address incorrectly labeled life jackets. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, and combined with a water landing or 
evacuation, could result in inability to use a life jacket with 
correct flotation and possible drowning.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection for a discrepancy (mismatch of the valise/
container description and life jacket type) of the life jacket, in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.A. through 2.C. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, 
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.

(h) Follow-On and Corrective Action

    Before further flight after accomplishing the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD, do the applicable actions required by 
paragraph (h)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) If no discrepancies are found during the inspection required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, re-identify that part in accordance 
with paragraph 2.D.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, dated 
November 24, 2021.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions required by paragraphs 
(h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) Record the unserviceable part in accordance with paragraph 
2.E.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert 
Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.
    (ii) Replace the discrepant part with a new or serviceable part, 
in accordance with paragraph 2.E.(2) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, 
Version 1, dated November 24, 2021.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
life jacket identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any airplane, 
unless the life jacket and its valise/container have been inspected, 
and re-identified or replaced as applicable, in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

(j) Reporting Requirement

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, submit a report of the inspection results to Survitec, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.F. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, dated 
November 24, 2021.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(k) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(l) 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, 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD or email to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit information by 
email. 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 U.K. CAA; or Survitec Group Limited's 
U.K. CAA's Alternative Procedure for Design Organization Approval 
(ADOA). If approved by the ADOA, the approval must include the ADOA-
authorized signature.

[[Page 46063]]

(m) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0009, dated April 21, 2022, for 
related information. This U.K. CAA AD may be found in the AD docket 
at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0666.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Kung, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 781-238-7244; email [email protected].

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.
    (i) Survitec [RFD] Alert Service Bulletin 25-207-A, Version 1, 
dated November 24, 2021.
    Note 2 to paragraph (n)(2)(i): This alert service bulletin is 
identified throughout as ``Survitec,'' while ``RFD'' is identified 
on only the first page of the document. Although both ``Survitec'' 
and ``RFD'' are current company names, the alert service bulletin 
applies to RFD life jackets.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Survitec Group Limited, Kingsway, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9AF, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 2890 301531, fax: +44 2890 621765; email: 
survitecgroup.com">[email protected]survitecgroup.com; website survitecgroup.com.
    (4) You may view this service information 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 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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 28, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-15176 Filed 7-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P