AD/Seats/29 Sicma Passenger Seat Inspection (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/29 Sicma Passenger Seat Inspection 7/2008

Applicability:

Sicma Aero Seat Passenger Seat models 9401, 9402, 9404, 9405, 9406, 9407, 9408 and 9409, all Part Numbers (P/N), except front row and aft facing seats, and those modified to ‘Amendment B’ standard.

Note:  The affected seats are known to be installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 series and ATR 72 series aircraft.

Requirement:

Unless accomplished previously:

1.    Inspect the affected seats in accordance with the instructions of paragraph (§) A item 1 of Sicma Aero Seat (Sicma) Service Bulletin (SB) 94-25-013;

2.    Depending on the inspection results, within the criteria as specified in § A-1 Decision Tree of Sicma SB 94-25-013, repeat the inspection as required by Requirement 1 of this Airworthiness Directive; or

3.    When deficiencies or cracks are found during any of the inspections required by Requirement 1 and 2 of this Airworthiness Directive, repair the affected spreaders in accordance with the instructions of Sicma SB 94-25-011, or modify the seat to ‘Amendment B’ standard, replacing all the spreaders, in accordance with the instructions of Sicma SB 94-25-012;

4.    No person shall install any Sicma seat affected by this Airworthiness Directive on any aeroplane as a replacement part, unless it has been modified to ‘Amendment B’ standard in accordance with Sicma SB 94-25-012;

5.    Replacement of all spreaders on any affected seat assembly (modification to ‘Amendment B’ standard) in accordance with Sicma SB 94-25-012 terminates the inspection requirements of this Airworthiness Directive for that seat assembly.

Note 1:  EASA AD 2008-0097 and Sicma Aero Seat Service Bulletin No.94-25-011 issue 2, No.94-25-012 original issue, and No.94-25-013 issue 4 refer.

Note 2:  The use of any later approved revision of these documents is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive.

Note 3:  The aircraft may only be dispatched with non-repaired or unmodified seats within the provisions of the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List item(s).

Compliance:

1.    Within the next 6 months after the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive.

2.    At the interval as specified in § A-1 Decision Tree of Sicma SB 94-25-013.

3.    At the interval as specified in § A-1 Decision Tree of Sicma SB 94-25-013.

4.    After 13 November 2008.

5.    As applied.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 July 2008.

Background:

Several occurrences of cracked central and lateral spreaders on passenger seats models 9401 and 9402 have been reported to Sicma Aero Seat.  This condition, if not corrected, can 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.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

16 May 2008