Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17024 · Equipment/furnishings
Sicma Aero Seat Passenger Seat Assemblies, Installed on, But Not Limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
(1) This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9405, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies, all part numbers, except front row and aft facing seats, and those modified to “Amendment B” standard. These passenger seat assemblies are installed on, but not limited to, ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes and Model ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes.
(2) This AD applies to Sicma Aero Seat passenger seat assemblies as installed on any airplane, regardless of whether the airplane has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9505, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies, installed on, but not limited to, ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the central and lateral spreaders of the affected seats, and repair or replacement of the spreader if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that the existing AD included Model 9505 series passenger seat assemblies in the applicability instead of Model 9405 series passenger seat assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the central and lateral spreaders, which could lead to further cracking of the seat spreaders, causing injury to passengers or crew members during heavy turbulence in flight or in the event of an emergency landing.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
This paragraphs restates the actions required by paragraph (g) of AD 2011-23-06, Amendment 39-16857 (76 FR 68304, November 4, 2011). For Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies: Within 6 months after November 21, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-23-06), perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the central and lateral spreaders of the affected seats, in accordance with paragraph 2/A1., “Checking procedures of lateral and central spreaders,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-013, Issue 4, dated February 12, 2008.
(1) If no cracking is found on any central spreader, repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(2) If no cracking or only cracks that are shorter than 8 millimeters (mm) (0.315 inch) are found on any lateral spreader, repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(3) If all cracks found on any central spreader are shorter than 8 mm (0.315 inch), before further flight, repair the affected spreader, in accordance with paragraphs 2/A through C2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Revision 3, dated June 30, 2008. Within 550 flight hours after doing the repair, do the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(4) If one or more cracks are found that are 8 mm (0.315 inch) or longer on any lateral or central spreader, before further flight, replace the affected spreader, in accordance with paragraphs 2/A through D2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2008.
For Sicma Aero Seat Model 9405 series passenger seat assemblies: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the central and lateral spreaders of the affected seats, in accordance with paragraph 2/A1., “Checking procedures of lateral and central spreaders,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-013, Issue 4, dated February 12, 2008.
(1) If no cracking is found on any central spreader, repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(2) If no cracking or only cracks that are shorter than 8 mm (0.315 inch) are found on any lateral spreader, repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(3) If all cracks found on any central spreader are shorter than 8 mm (0.315 inch), before further flight, repair the affected spreader, in accordance with paragraphs 2/A through C2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-011, Revision 3, dated June 30, 2008. Within 550 flight hours after doing the repair, do the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours until the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(4) If one or more cracks are found that are 8 mm (0.315 inch) or longer on any lateral or central spreader, before further flight, replace the affected spreader, in accordance with paragraphs 2/A through D2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2008.
Replacing all central and lateral spreaders on an affected seat assembly (modifying to “Amendment B” standard), in accordance with paragraphs 2/A through D2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin 94-25-012, Revision 1, dated June 26, 2008, terminates the inspections required by this AD for that seat assembly.
