Proposed Rules. Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT
Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
Citation: FR Doc. 2014-06571 · RIN 2120-AA64 · Docket No. FAA-2014-0168; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-208-AD · 14 CFR 39

Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by failure of the anchor attachment on the occupant restraint system on the standard attendant seat due to an undersized attachment fitting. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing restraint attachment fitting on the standard attendant seat with a new, improved attachment fitting. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the restraint attachment fitting and consequent detachment of the attendant seat during an emergency landing, which could cause injury to passengers and crew and could impede a rapid evacuation.

Dates

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 12, 2014.

Supplementary Information

Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2014-0168; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-208-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 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 proposed AD. Discussion We received a report of failure of the anchor attachment on the occupant restraint system on the standard attendant seat due to an undersized attachment fitting. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the restraint attachment fitting and consequent detachment of the attendant seat during an emergency landing, which would cause injury to passengers and crew and could impede a rapid evacuation. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB250027-00, Issue 001, dated January 14, 2014. We have also reviewed UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin 2787-25-006, Revision B, dated July 10, 2013. The service information describes procedures for replacing the existing restraint attachment fitting to seat joint fitting on the standard attendant's seat with a new, improved attachment fitting. FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we 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 require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Replacement 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85 $85 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 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 this proposed regulation: (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. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Amend § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0168; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-208-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by May 12, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Model 787-8 airplanes, certificated in any category, with Goodrich Model 2787 seat assemblies installed. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by failure of the anchor attachment on the occupant restraint system on the standard attendant seat due to an undersized attachment fitting. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the restraint attachment fitting and consequent detachment of the attendant seat during an emergency landing, which could cause injury to passengers and crew and could impede a rapid evacuation. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Replacement Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the existing restraint attachment fitting on the standard attendant seat with a new, improved attachment fitting, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB250027-00, Issue 001, dated January 14, 2014; and UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin 2787-25-006, Revision B, dated July 10, 2013. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric M. Brown, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6476; fax: 425-917-6590; email: eric.m.brown@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 17, 2014. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014-06571 Filed 3-27-14; 8:45 am]