AD/Seats/28 Passenger Seat Backrest Inspection/Replacement (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Seats and Berths

AD/SEATS/28 Passenger Seat Backrest - Inspection/Replacement 2/2007

Applicability:

Passenger Seats 12M( )( )-( )( )( )( )( )( ), all Part Numbers (P/N’s) as listed in Aviointeriors Service Bulletin 12M/F68-01 Revision 1 dated 2 October 2006.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the backrest fitting in accordance with paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of Aviointeriors SB 12M/F68-01 Revision 1 dated 2 October 2006.

2.    In case of crack or tool mark on one backrest fitting:

a.     Before next flight, replace both seat backrests with new backrests P/N 3130330C0000 for recline actuator on the RH side and with P/N 3130331C0000 for recline actuator on the LH side, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Aviointeriors SB 12M/F68-01 Revision I dated
2 October 2006, or

b.    If there is no possibility of replacing the seat backrests before the next flight, aircraft may be dispatched for no more than ten calendar days with the affected seat installed provided:

•      Seat is placarded as “Do not occupy” and means are taken to be sure affected seat remains unoccupied during flight; and

•      Affected seat does not block any emergency exit; and

•      Affected seat does not restrict any passenger to get access to the main aisle; and

•      Affected seat backrests are replaced within ten days in accordance with the provisions of this AD.

Within 3 months from the effective date of this AD, no person may install a backrest having P/N 313033000000 or 313033100000 as a replacement part on any P/N 12M( )( )- ( )( )( )( )( )( ) passenger seat assembly, including seat assemblies held as spares.

Note:  EASA AD 2006-0350 refers.

Compliance:	Unless already accomplished, within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 February 2007.
Background:	Seat backrests failures of the recline actuator metal fitting have been reported on in-service aircraft.  The actions specified by this Airworthiness Directive (AD) are intended to prevent further failures of the seat backrests which could result in injury to passengers or crew members during an emergency landing.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 December 2006