Seats and Berths
AD/SEATS/5 Ipeco Crew Seats 7/90
Applicability:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect the seat assembly as follows:
(a) Remove seat pan cushion and back cushion from the seat assembly. Adjust the lumbar mechanism to the fully up, fully back position Recline seat back to full recline.
(b) By looking through the lightening holes in the pan and back structure with a flashlight, examine the base of the back structure in the area where it attaches to the reclining mechanism. This area can be identified by the bracket at the base of the back structure. Return the seat back to its upright position and also examine the base of the back structure from the rear of the seat.
(c) If any crack or deformation of the seat back structure is found, replace the seat assembly with a serviceable unit before further flight.
2. Modify seat assemblies in accordance with the appropriate Service Bulletin listed:
Ipeco SB No | Applicable Ipeco Seat Part No |
A001-25-29 | 3A090-0021-01-2 |
| 3A090-002-01-2 |
| 3A090-0021-02-2 |
| 3A090-0022-02-2 |
A001-25-30 | 3A090-0019-01-1 |
| 3A090-0020-01-1 |
A001-25-31 | 3A090-0015-01-1 |
| 3A090-0016-01-1 |
A001-25-32 | 3A090-0025-01-1 |
| 3A090-0026-01-1 |
A001-25-33 | 3A090-0053-01-1 |
| 3A090-0054-01-1 |
A001-25-34 | 3A090-0027-01-1 |
| 3A090-0028-01-1 |
A001-25-35 | 3A102-0003-01-1 |
A001-25-36 | 3A090-0055-01-1 |
| 3A090-0056-01-1 |
A001-25-37 | 3A103-0003-01-1 |
A001-25-38 | 3A090-0017-01-1 |
| 3A090-0018-01-1 |
A001-25-39 | 3A090-0065-01-1 |
| 3A090-0066-01-1 |
A001-25-40 | 3A118-0003-01-1 |
| 3A118-0004-01-1 |
Note: FAA AD 90-09-08 refers.
Compliance: 1. Unless accomplished, inspect before 31 Aug 1990 & thereafter at intervals not exceeding 3 months TIS until modified IAW Paragraph 2 of the Requirement.
2. Before 31 January 1992.
Background: Local and overseas operators have experienced cracking of the seat back structure.
Failure of the seat back could cause the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The in-situ inspection is required pending modification.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, address safety concerns in aviation, particularly focusing on the maintenance and inspection of aircraft components. Part 39, titled "107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives," includes specific directives to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft and their components. One such directive is related to the inspection and modification of Ipeco crew seats to prevent structural failures that could compromise flight safety. This directive was introduced to address the problem of seat back structure cracking, which could potentially result in the loss of control of an aircraft. The objective of this directive is to mandate regular inspections and modifications to ensure that any defects in the seat back structure are identified and rectified promptly, thereby maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure compliance and uphold the safety regulations stipulated under the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
Scope and Application
The legislative instrument F2006B06933, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 under the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically addresses the safety of Ipeco crew seats through Airworthiness Directives. It applies to all aircraft operators within Australia and those operating Australian-registered aircraft abroad. The Act mandates the inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of seat assemblies on Ipeco seats to prevent structural failure that could compromise flight safety. The requirement includes a detailed inspection procedure, which involves examining the seat back structure for cracks or deformations, and stipulates the replacement of defective assemblies with serviceable units. Additionally, the Act requires modifications to specific seat assemblies in accordance with listed service bulletins. Failure to comply with the inspection and modification mandates may result in the grounding of affected aircraft until the necessary actions are completed. The Act extends its reach through subordinate instruments, which provide further clarity and detail on compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, includes specific directives related to aircraft seat assemblies, particularly those manufactured by Ipeco. Section 107 mandates a thorough visual inspection of the seat assembly, including the removal of seat pan and back cushions, adjusting the lumbar mechanism to its full up and back positions, and reclining the seat back to its full extent (107(1)(a)). The inspection requires using a flashlight to examine the base of the back structure through lightening holes, focusing on the area where it attaches to the reclining mechanism, identifiable by the bracket at its base. The inspection must also be conducted from the rear of the seat once the back is returned to its upright position (107(1)(b)). If any cracks or deformations are discovered, the seat assembly must be replaced with a serviceable unit before further flight (107(1)(c)). Additionally, seat assemblies must be modified in accordance with the specified Ipeco Service Bulletins (107(2)). The compliance timeline necessitates that these inspections be completed before 31 August 1990, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding three months until the seats are modified as directed (107(3)(a)). The modification must be completed by 31 January 1992 (107(3)(b)).
The Act imposes clear obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to conduct these inspections and modifications diligently. Operators must ensure that the inspections are performed by qualified personnel using the specified methods and within the prescribed timeframes. This includes removing and examining the seat components, checking for any structural defects, and replacing any defective parts. The modifications, as outlined in the relevant Service Bulletins, must be carried out to address the identified issues and prevent potential failures that could compromise aircraft safety. Furthermore, operators must maintain records of all inspections and modifications to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.
Failure to comply with the directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with the inspection and modification requirements may lead to the grounding of aircraft until the necessary actions are taken, potentially causing significant operational disruptions. In terms of penalties, while the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of civil aviation safety regulations can result in fines, enforcement actions, and in severe cases, criminal charges. Such consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated timelines and methods to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.