Document ID: FAA-2014-0730-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Zodiac Seats France (formerly Sicma Aero Seat) Passenger Seat Assemblies
Posted Date: 2014-10-07T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60322-60324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23538]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0730; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-206-AD; 
Amendment 39-17984; AD 2014-20-11]
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.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-07-05 for 
certain Sicma Aero Seat 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 
91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 91C4, 91C5, and 9301 series passenger seat 
assemblies; and Sicma Aero Seat 9501311-05, 9501301-06, 9501311-15, 
9501301-16, 9501441-30, 9501441-33, 9501311-55, 9501301-56, 9501441-83, 
9501441-95, 9501311-97, and 9501301-98 passenger seat assemblies. AD 
2011-07-05 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 new AD requires 
a new 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. This AD 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. 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 October 22, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22, 
2014.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 21, 2014.

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-2014-
0730; 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: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7161; fax (781) 238-7199; email: 
jeffrey.lee@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On March 14, 2011, we issued AD 2011-07-05, Amendment 39-16642 (76 
FR 18020, April 1, 2011). AD 2011-07-05 applied to certain Sicma Aero 
Seat 9140, 9166, 9173, 9174, 9184, 9188, 9196, 91B7, 91B8, 91C0, 91C2, 
91C4, 91C5, and 9301 series passenger seat assemblies; and Sicma Aero 
Seat 9501311-05, 9501301-06, 9501311-15, 9501301-16, 9501441-30, 
9501441-33, 9501311-55, 9501301-56, 9501441-83, 9501441-95, 9501311-97, 
and 9501301-98 passenger seat assemblies; installed on, but not limited 
to, various transport category airplanes. AD 2011-07-05 was prompted by 
reports of cracks on certain backrest links. We issued AD 2011-07-05 to 
detect and correct cracking of backrest links, which could result in 
failure of the backrest links during emergency landing conditions and 
consequent injury to an occupant.
    Since we issued AD 2011-07-05, Amendment 39-16642 (76 FR 18020, 
April 1, 2011), we received a report that new seat backrest links could 
be affected by cracks similar to those identified on the backrest links 
with the previous design.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0038, dated March 12, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    On in-service passenger seats, some cracks were found on seat 
backrest link with part number (P/N) 90-000200-104-1 and 90-000200-
104-2.
    These cracks could significantly affect the structural integrity 
of the seat backrests. Failures of the seat backrests could result 
in injury to passengers or crew members during an emergency landing.
    To prevent this condition, a life limit was introduced on the 
affected backrest links and their mandatory replacement was required 
by [a French AD] * * * [which corresponds to FAA AD 2011-07-05, 
Amendment 39-16642 (76 FR 18020, April 1, 2011)].
    Since that [French] AD was issued, the seat manufacturer 
introduced new seat backrest links of similar design with P/N 90-
000202-104-1 and P/N 90-000202-104-2 for passenger seat series 91B7, 
91B8 and 91C5.
    Further analysis showed that also the new seat backrest links 
are potentially affected by similar cracks to those identified on 
the backrest links with the previous design.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD, which 
supersedes * * * [the French AD], requires visual inspections of the 
seat backrest links, the accomplishment of the applicable corrective 
actions as well as the replacement of the backrests links before 
reaching their life limit.

    Failure of the backrest links could result in injury to an occupant 
during emergency landing conditions. The required actions include a 
general visual inspection for cracking of backrest links, replacement 
with new links if cracking

[[Page 60323]]

is found, and eventual replacement of all links with new links.
    We have also received additional information from the seat 
manufacturer regarding the airlines with the affected seats; all of the 
airlines with the affected seats are foreign air carriers. Since the 
affected seats are not installed on airplanes in the U.S. registry, we 
have revised the ``Costs of Compliance'' information in the preamble of 
this AD.
    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0730.

Relevant Service Information

    Zodiac Seats France has issued Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 90-
25-012, Issue 6, dated January 25, 2012, including Annex 1, Issue 3, 
dated January 25, 2012. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

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 the same 
type design.
    There are no products of this type currently installed on airplanes 
registered in the United States. However, this rule is necessary to 
ensure that the described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these 
products are installed on airplanes that are on the U.S. Register in 
the future.

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-2014-0730; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-NM-206-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.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per seat 
assembly to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $227 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
actions required by this AD is $312 per seat assembly.
    According to the manufacturer, the parts costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals.

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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2011-07-05, Amendment 39-16642 (76 FR 18020, April 1, 2011), and adding 
the following new AD:

    2014-20-11 Zodiac Seats France (formerly Sicma Aero Seat): 
Amendment 39-17984. Docket No. FAA-2014-0730; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-206-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 22, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2011-07-05, Amendment 39-16642 (76 FR 18020, 
April 1, 2011).

(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 A320-300 
series airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 
series airplanes.

[[Page 60324]]

    (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/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracks in the backrest links 
on certain seats. 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 already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    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 replacement.
    (2) Within 900 flight hours on the seat after the effective date 
of this AD, but no later than 5 months after the effective date of 
this AD.

(h) Corrective Actions

    (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, including 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, including Annex 1, Issue 3, 
dated January 25, 2012.

(i) Replacement

    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 from the seat manufacturing date or after the 
backrest link replacement.
    (2) Within 3,500 flight hours on the seat after the effective 
date of this AD, but no later than 18 months after the effective 
date of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD 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 is incorporated 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 Aircraft 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: Jeffrey Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 
238-7161; fax (781) 238-7199. 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 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Boston Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA).

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency 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-2014-0730.

(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.
    (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.
    (3) 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/.
    (4) 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.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 23, 2014.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23538 Filed 10-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P