AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-22-02, which applies to certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re-identification of the affected seats. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Ipeco has received reports that the tracklock spring modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing and the FAA also determined the need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. This proposed AD would continue to require modification and re-identification of the affected seats. This proposed AD would also require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part eligible for installation. 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 September 3, 2019.

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 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email: sales@Ipeco.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-2019-0260; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: neil.doh@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD” at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.

The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

Discussion

The FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017), (“AD 2017-22-02”), for Ipeco pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 2017-22-02 requires modification and re-identification of the affected seats. AD 2017-22-02 resulted from reports of unexpected movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff and landing. The FAA issued AD 2017-22-02 to prevent unexpected movement of pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff and landing.

Actions Since AD 2017-22-02 Was Issued

Since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, Ipeco has received reports that the tracklock spring modification required by AD 2017-22-02 does not adequately address the issue of unexpected seat movement during takeoff and landing. As a result, Ipeco published Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, providing instructions to inspect and replace, if necessary, affected tracklock springs. Also, since the FAA issued AD 2017-22-02, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, which retains the requirements of EASA AD 2016-0256, dated December 16, 2016, and also requires repetitive inspection of seats and, depending on findings, replacement of affected tracklock springs. Based on discussions with Ipeco and EASA, the FAA also determined the need to add additional seat part numbers (P/Ns) to the applicability. These seat P/Ns are included in the applicability of EASA AD 2018-0262.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; and SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016. The SBs provide instructions, differentiated by the part numbers of the affected pilot and co-pilot seats, for the modification and re-identification of these seats. The FAA also reviewed Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018. This SB provides instructions for inspection and replacement, if necessary, of affected tracklock springs. 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.

FAA's Determination

The FAA is proposing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2017-22-02. This proposed AD would add additional seat P/Ns to the applicability. This proposed AD would also require initial and repetitive inspections of the affected tracklock springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tracklock springs with a part eligible for installation.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and MCAI or Service Information

This proposed AD and EASA AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, include pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and co-pilot seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1in their respective applicability sections, while Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, does not.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 110 pilot and co-pilot seats installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that seats installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes and seats installed on 21 ATR 72 airplanes will require modification and inspection. The FAA is revising the estimated number of affected seats in this cost estimate to include two affected seats per airplane.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:

According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in our cost estimate.

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

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.

This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

The FAA has 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) 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 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 ( 82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017), and adding the following new AD:

Ipeco Holdings Limited: Docket No. FAA-2019-0260; Product Identifier 2017-NE-13-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 3, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017).

(c) Applicability

(1) This AD applies to:

(i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats with a part number (P/N) listed in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information, Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and

(ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1.

(2) These seats are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight Compartment Equipment.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of tracklock spring failures occurring on affected seats, including those seats already modified by AD 2017-22-02. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 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.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

(1) For seats that have not installed the tracklock spring modification kit, within two years after December 12, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-22-02), modify and re-identify each affected pilot and co-pilot seat. Use the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; Ipeco SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; or Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00; all dated May 31, 2016, as appropriate, to do the modification and re-identification.

(2) For all affected seats, within 750 flight hours (FHs) after the effective date of this AD, and, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 FHs, inspect the tracklock spring of each seat in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2, of the Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.

(i) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, any damage on, or incorrect installation of, any tracklock spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat, before further flight, replace both tracklock springs of the affected seat with a part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of the Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) Within 30 days after the initial and repetitive inspections, and thereafter for two years after the effective date of this AD, send the inspection results, including no findings, to Ipeco at technicalsupport@ipeco.com.

(h) Installation Prohibition

After the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot or co-pilot seat identified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless the seat is modified and re-identified as specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Definition

(1) For the purpose of this AD, “damage” can include cracks, breaks, corrosion, or deformation of the tracklock spring.

(2) For the purpose of this AD, “incorrect installation” is installing the tracklock spring at an angle or position at odds with Figures 6 and 7 of Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.

(3) For the purpose of this AD, a “part eligible for installation” is:

(i) A modified seat provided, before installation, it has passed an inspection (no damage or defect found).

(ii) a tracklock spring provided that it passed an inspection (no damage or defect found).

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

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

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Boston ACO 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 (l)(1) of this AD.

(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.

(l) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: neil.doh@faa.gov.

(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2018-0262, dated December 6, 2018, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2019-0260.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN, United Kingdom; phone: 44 1702 549371; fax: 44 1702 540782; email: sales@Ipeco.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.