[Federal Register: September 2, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 169)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 52145-52147]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02se03-25]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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[[Page 52145]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-31-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Anjou Aeronautique Safety Belts and
Restraint Systems
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive
(AD) that would apply to certain Anjou Aeronautique (ANJOU) (formerly
TRW Repa S.A., formerly L'AIGLON) safety belts and restraint systems
that are installed in aircraft. This proposed AD would require you to
inspect safety belts and restraint systems for defects and service life
limits, and, if necessary, repair safety belts and restraint systems
that have not reached service life limits; and replace safety belts and
restraint systems that have reached service life limits. This proposed
AD is the result of field reports of inadvertent unbuckling of the
ANJOU seat belts and two safety recommendations to take AD action. The
actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to detect and
correct defective safety belts and restraint systems, which could
result in failure of the safety belts and restraint systems. Such
failure could lead to lack of occupant restraint during normal or crash
loads.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any
comments on this proposed rule on or before November 10, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-31-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov.
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-31-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD
from Anjou Aeronautique, 13 Avenue De L'Osier, 49125 Tierce, France;
telephone: 33 0 2 41 42 88 92; facsimile: 33 0 2 41 42 15 77. You may
also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to
include the proposed rule's docket number and submit your comments to
the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we
need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay
Attention to?
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each
contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of
this proposed AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments,
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard,
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2003-CE-31-AD.'' We will date stamp and
mail the postcard back to you.
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?
The FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB)
Number CE-02-44, dated September 4, 2002, for SOCATA--Groupe
AEROSPATIALE (SOCATA) Model TBM 700 airplanes, concerning ANJOU seat
belts. At that time, FAA did not make a determination of an unsafe
condition and take AD action.
Later, FAA issued SAIB Number CE-03-06, dated November 7, 2002, for
SOCATA Rallye 150T, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 235E, and Rallye 235C
airplanes, concerning ANJOU seat belts. Again, FAA then did not make a
determination of an unsafe condition and take AD action.
Continued field reports were received of inadvertent unbuckling of
the ANJOU seat belts. Two safety recommendations were made to take FAA
AD action (NPRM) to propose to require replacement of certain safety
belts and restraint systems.
In light of the field reports and safety recommendations, we issued
a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all SOCATA Models TB 9,
TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, TB 200, TMB 700, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150T, Rallye
150ST, Rallye 235E, and Rallye 235C airplanes. This proposal was
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) on March 7, 2003 (68 FR 11015). The NPRM proposed to require you
to replace certain safety belts and restraint systems.
Comments received on the NPRM suggest that FAA withdraw the
proposal and that FAA consider issuing a new NPRM to propose that you:
[sbull] Inspect certain ANJOU safety belts and restraint systems
that are installed in airplanes for defects and service life limits;
[[Page 52146]]
[sbull] Repair defective safety belts and restraint systems that
have not reached service life limits; and
[sbull] Replace safety belts and restraint systems that have
reached service life limits.
We agree, and therefore, are withdrawing that NPRM.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not corrected?
These defective safety belts and restraint systems could result in
failure of the safety belts and restraint systems. Such failure could
lead to lack of occupant restraint during normal or crash loads.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
ANJOU has issued this service information:
[sbull] Service Bulletin No. 343-25-02, Issue 1, dated October 23,
2001; and
[sbull] Service Bulletin No. 343-1-25-01, Issue 1, dated October
23, 2001.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
The service bulletins include procedures for:
[sbull] Inspecting the buckles of the safety belts and restraint
systems for defects;
[sbull] Replacing defective buckle springs; and
[sbull] Replacing safety belts and restraint systems when the
service life limit is reached.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This
Proposed AD
What Has FAA Decided?
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available
information related to the incidents described above, we have
determined that:
[sbull] The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or
could develop on type design aircraft that incorporate ANJOU safety
belts and restraint systems, types 343 and 343-1;
[sbull] The ANJOU safety belts and restraint systems, types 343 and
343-1, should be immediately inspected for correct installation and
eventually replaced; and
[sbull] AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe
condition.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in
the previously-referenced service bulletins.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?
On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in
future AD actions.
Cost Impact
How Many Aircraft Would This Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that at least 617 aircraft in the U.S. registry could
have the affected ANJOU safety belts and restraint systems installed.
Some aircraft have more than one unit installed.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators
of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed
inspection and repair:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
6 safety belts
Labor cost Parts cost and restraint
systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour per 6 safety belts and No cost............. $65.
restraint systems x $65 per hour
= $65.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The number of installed safety belts and restraint systems may vary
by individual aircraft configuration. Therefore, we have no way of
determining the replacement cost for this proposed AD.
Compliance Time of This Proposed AD
What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?
The compliance time of this proposed AD is within 50 hours time-in-
service or 4 calendar months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.
Why Is The Compliance Time of This Proposed AD Presented in Both Hours
TIS and Calendar Time?
Defective safety belts and restraint systems are a direct result of
use of the safety belts and restraint systems. However, defective
safety belts and restraint systems are not necessarily a result of
repetitive airplane operation. For example, defective safety belts and
restraint systems could occur on an affected airplane within a short
period of airplane operation while you could operate another affected
airplane for a considerable amount of time without experiencing
defective safety belts and restraint systems. Therefore, to assure that
any defective safety belt and restraint system is detected and
corrected in a timely manner without inadvertently grounding any of the
affected airplanes, we are utilizing a compliance time based upon both
hours TIS and calendar time.
Regulatory Impact
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if
promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator,
[[Page 52147]]
the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
Anjou Aeronautique (Formerly TRW REPA S.A., Formerly L'Aiglon):
Docket No. 2003-CE-31-AD
(a) This AD affects Anjou Aeronautique safety belts and
restraint systems specified in paragraph (a)(1) that are installed
on, but not limited to, the aircraft specified in paragraph (a)(2)
that are certificated in any category:
(1) Anjou Aeronautique safety belts and restraint systems: Part
Numbers/Types 343, 343-1, 343AM, 343B, 343BM, 343C, 343CM, 343D, and
343M.
(2) Affected aircraft: The following is a list of aircraft that
may incorporate the affected Anjou Aeronautique safety belts and
restraint systems:
(i) Eurocopter France Models AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
and AS350B2 helicopters; and
(ii) SOCATA--Groupe Aerospatiale TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, TB
200, TMB 700, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150T, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 235E,
and Rallye 235C airplanes.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
an aircraft equipped with one of the affected safety belts and
restraint systems must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct defective safety belts
and restraint systems, which could result in failure of the safety
belts and restraint systems. Such failure could lead to lack of
occupant restraint during normal or crash loads.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the installed Anjou Within the next 50 hours time-in-service For types 343, 343AM, 343B,
Aeronautique/TRW Repa S.A./L'Aiglon (TIS) after the effective date of this 343BM, 343C, 343CM, 343D,
safety belts and restraint systems AD or 4 calendar months after the or 343M: In accordance
(types 343, 343-1, 343AM, 343B, 343BM, effective date of this AD, whichever with Aujou Aeronautique
343C, 343CM, 343D, or 343M) for: occurs first, unless already Service Bulletin No. 343-
(i) defective buckle latch; and accomplished. Repetitively inspect 25-02, Issue 1, dated
(ii) exceeded service life. thereafter at every 12 calendar months October 23, 2001. For type
until the affected safety belt and 343-1: In accordance with
restraint system is replaced as Anjou Aeronautique Service
specified by paragraph (d)(3) of this Bulletin No. 343-1-23-01,
AD. Issue 1, dated October 23,
2001.
(2) If any defective buckle latch or Prior to further flight after any For Types 343, 343AM, 343B,
safety belt and restraint systems with inspection required by paragraph (d)(1) 343BM, 343C, 343CM, 343D,
exceeded service-life is found during of this AD. or 343M: In accordance
any inspection required by paragraph with Anjou Aeronautique
(d)(1) of this AD: Service Bulletin No. 343-1-
(i) For any defective buckle latch, 25-02, Issue 1, dated
replace defective parts with new parts. October 23, 2001. For type
(ii) For any safety belt and restraint 343-1: In accordance with
system that has exceeded its service Anjou Aeronautique Service
life, replace with a non-Anjou Bulletin No. 343-1-23-01,
Aeronautique/TRW Repa S.A./L'Aiglon FAA- Issue 1, dated October 23,
approved safety belt and restraint 2001.
system. The service life limit for the
Anjou Aeronautique/TRW Repa S.A./
L'Aiglon is 60 calendar months after the
date of manufacture.
(3) Replace any installed Anjou Prior to exceeding the service life Not Applicable.
Aeronautique/TRW Repa S.A./L'Aiglon limit of 60 calendar months after the
safety belts and restraint systems date of manufacture or 4 calendar
(types 343, 343-1, 343AM, 343B, 343BM, months after the effective date of this
343C, 343CM, 343D, or 343M). Replacement AD, whichever occurs later.
of all safety belts and restraint
systems eliminates the need for the
repetitive inspections of paragraph
(d)(1) of this AD.
(4) Do not install any Anjou Aeronautique/ As of the effective date of this AD. Not Applicable.
TRW Repa S.A./L'Aiglon types 343, 343-1,
343M, 343AM, 343B, 343BM, 343C, 343CM,
and 343D safety belts and restraint
systems.
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Note: All inertia-reel type safety belts and restraint systems
or fixed rear safety belts and restraint systems from another
manufacturer are not affected by this AD.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time,
follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the
Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate. For
information on any already approved alternative methods of
compliance, contact Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
(f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD?
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Anjou
Aeronautique, 13 Avenue De L'Osier, 49125 Tierce, France; telephone:
33 0 2 41 42 88 92; facsimile: 33 0 2 41 42 15 77. You may view
these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 25, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-22257 Filed 8-29-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P